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THE HISTORY 



OF 



THE CIA^IL "W^^R 



IN 



THE UNITED STATES: 

ITS 

CAUSE, ORIGIN, PROGRESS AND CONCLUSION. 

CONTAINING FULL, IMPARTIAL AND GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS OF THE VARIOUS 

MILITARY AND NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS, WITH THE HEROIC DEEDS 

ACHIEVED BY ARMIES AND INDIVIDUALS, TOUCHING SCENES 

AND INCIDENTS IN THE CAMP, THE CABIN, 

THE FIELD AND THE HOSPITAL. 



AND 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF ITS HEEOES. 



r, BY 

i 
SAMUEL M., SCHMUCKER, LL.D. 

AUTHOR OF "LIVES OP THE FOUR GEORGES, KINGS OF ENGLAND," "HISTORY OF NAPOLEOH 

III.," "ARCTIC EXPLOR.\TIONS AND DISCOVERIES," "LIFE OF ALEXANDER 

HAMILTON," "HISTORY OF NICHOLAS I.," "THE CRIMEAN WAR," ETC. 

i 

REVISED AND COMPLETED BY 

DR. L. P. B R O C K E T T, 

AUTHOR OF "OUR GREAT CAPTAINS," "PHILANTHROPIC RESULTS OF THE WAR," "THE 
LIFE OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN, ETC., ETC. 



Illustrated with over One Hundreil and Fifty Fine Portraits of Generals, Battle Scenes, Maps and Diagrams. 



PHILADELPHIA, CINCINNATI AND BOSTON: 

JONES BROTHERS & CO. 

CHICAGO AND ST. LOUIS- 

Z EI GLEE, McCURDY & C 0. 



1 1^(1 r 



jW 



i 1s,...b^/ ' 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 18(>5, by 

BRADLEY & CO., 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, iu and for the 
Eastern District of Peimsvlvania. 



S, A. GEORGE. 

ffTEUEOTVPSK SLKCHtuTt / stt A.VU FttiyrSJC 

Ut N. St;V£NT(l tlTRKLT. I'DILAIIKLI'UIA. 



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This work will be beautifully illustrated with groups of the 


follomng Naval ' and Military Heroes, distinguished civilians, 


prominent Rebels, military and civil; and will contain elegant 


full-page portraits of President Lincoln and Lieutenant>General 


Grant, besides numerous fine steel engravings of battle-scenes, etc. 


LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 


S" O E, T E. -A. I T S . 


1. PRESIDENT LINCOLN, FRONTISPIECE. 


32. GENERAL SIGEL. ^'' 


2. LIEDTENANT-GENERAL GRANT. 


33. " FREMONT. 


3. GENERAL MEADE. 


34. " ORD. 


4. " nANCOCK. 


35. " HUNTER. 


.5. " WARREN 


36. " SHERIDAN. 


6. " WRIGHT. 


37. " KILPATRICK. 


7. " "BALDY" SMITH 


38. " CUSTER. 


8. " SICKLES. 


39. " MERRITT. " 


9. " HEI-NTZELMAN. 


40. " AVERILL. 


10. " SHERMAN. 


41. " BUFORD. 


11. " ROSECRANS. 


42. " TORBERT. 


12. " LOGAN. 


43. " THOMAS. 


13. " HOWARD. 


44. " JEFF. C. DAVIS. 


14. " SLOCUM. 


48. " CURTIS. 


15. " ROBERT McCOOK. 


46. " COX. 


16. " McCLERNAND. 


47. " GORDON GRANGER. 


17. LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SCOTX. 


48. " PALMER. 


18. GENERAL McCLELLAN. 


49. " WALLACE. 


19. " HALLECK. 


60. " GARFIELD. 


20. " CASEY. 


51. " CANBY. 


21. " DIX. 


62. " SCHOFIELD. 


22. " BUELL. 


53. " NEGLEY. 


23. " SYKES. 


54. " FOSTER. 


24. " SHIELDS. 


55. " SEDGWICK. 


25. " I'EANKLIN. 


56. " Mcpherson. 


26. " GILLMORE. 


57. " REYNOLDS. 


27. " TERRY. 


68. " WADSWORTH. 


28. " BURNSIDE. 


59. " SUMNER. 


29. " HOOKER. 


60. " KEARNEY. 


30. " BCTLER. 


61. " LYON. 


31. " BANKS. 


62. " BIRNEY. 



LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. 



93. 


OEMKRAI. MITCHELL. 


64. 


" 


RENO. 


65. 


" 


QRIERSON. 


66. 


" 


ROUSSEAU. 


67. 


" 


WILSON. 


68. 


" 


KAUTZ. 


69. 


" 


STONEMAN. 


70. 


" 


PLEASONTON. 


71. 


" 


CiREGO. 


72. 


TOE ADMIRAL FARKAOCT. 


73. 


REAR 


PORTER. 


74. 


" 


FOOTK. 


75. 


" 


DU PONT. 


76. 


" 


" DAHIXiREN. 


77. 


" 


GOLDPBOROUOH. 


78. 


COMMOnORK WIN.SLOW. 


79. 


LIEUTENANT-COMMANDER CUSUINQ 


80. 


GENERAL R. E. LEE. 


81. 


■' 


"STONEWALL" JACKSON. 


82. 


" 


EWELL. 


83. 


" 


BEAUREGARD. 


84. 


" 


LONG.STREET. 


85. 


" 


BRECKINRIDGE. 



86. GENERAL A. P. HILL. 

87. " FITZHUGH LEE. 

88. COLONEL MOSEBY. 

89. GENERAL .lOSEPU E. JOHNSTON. 

90. " HOOD. 

91. " BRAGG. 

92. LIEUTENANT-OeSeRAL KIRHY SMITH. 

93. M.WOR-liENKFtAL BJIICE. 

94. " A. S. JOHNSON. 

95. " HARDEE. 

96. " FORREST. 

97. " JOHN MORGAN. 

98. ANDREW JOHNSON. 

99. WILLIAM II. SEWAKD. 

100. SALMON P. CHASE. 

101. E. M. STANTON. 

102. GIDEON WELLES 

103. JEFF. DAVIS. 

104. A. H. STEPHENS. 

105. J. P. BENJAMIN. 

106. JAMES M. MASON. 

107. JOHN SLIDELL. 



108. BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUJITER 
^ 109. DEATH OF GENERAL LYON. 
" 110. THE "CARONDELET' RUNNING THE GAUNT- 
LET AT ISLAND NO. 10. 
111. BOMBARDMENT OF FORT JACKSON. 
Ill DEMAND FOR THE SURRENDER OF NEW 
ORLEANS. 

113. THE STORMING OF FORT DONELSON. 

114. SIEGE OF VORKTOWN. 
lis. LOSS OF THE MONITOR. 

116. BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. 

117. BURNING OF UNITED STATES MERCHANT- 

MEN BY REBEL PIRATES. 

lis. THE ATTACK ON FRKDERIOKSIIUKG. 

110. ATT.\CK OF THE KKHKLS ON UNITED ST.ATES 
fiUXllOATS IN GALVESTON IIAIUiOU. 

l;f>. VIEW OF THE UNION VOLUNTEER REFRESH- 
MENT SALOON AT PHILADELPHIA, PA. 

12'.. ATTACK ON THE SIXTH MASSACHUSETTS 
REGIMENT IN BALTIMORE. 



SCEIsTES, ETC. 

122. BOMHARD.MENT OF PORT ROYAL. 

123. VIEW OF HARPER'S FERRY AFTER THE DE- 
STRUCTION OP GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS. 

124. DASHING CHARGE OF GENERAL FREMONT'S 
BODY-GUARD, UNDER MA.IOR ZAGONYI. 

125. GENERAL BURNSIDE'S EXPEDITION ENCOUN- 
TERING THE TERRIFIC GALES OFF HAT- 
TERAS. 

1'26. CONTRABANDS COMING IN TO FORTRESS 
MONROE. 

vn. BArrLE of malvern hill. 

128. BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG. 

129. CAPTURE OF LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. 

130. BATTLE OF CHAPIN'S FARM. 

131. PRISONERS' CAMP AT ANDERSONVILLE, OA. 

132. ENTRANCE OF THE ARMY OF TIIF, POTOMAC 
INTO RICHMOND. 

l.'l.'!. SURRENDER OF GENERAL LEE. 
134. INTERVIEW BETWEEN GENERALS ''HERMAN 
AND JOHNSTON. 



It will also be illustrated with twenty-four maps, and diagrams 
of battle scenes. 



PREFACE] 



No event has occurred on the American continent since the glorious 
Revohition of 1776, equal in magnitude and interest to the contest which 
has taken place between opposite and hostile portions of the Federal 
Union ; and which all true patriots stigmatize by the unequivocal and 
significant epithet of the Southern Rebellion. So important was this 
struggle, that it not only enlisted the most vigorous energies of the National 
Government, and summoned its armies into the fipld, but it became the 
paramount topic in every mind. All classes and professions regarded it 
with intense interest, and watched the progress of events with profound 
anxiety. For this purpose, scholars suspended their studies in recondite 
and learned subjects of inquiry ; synods and general assemblies discussed 
the issues involved with solemn earnestness ; the ordinary pursuits of the 
community seemed in a great measure to be modified and controlled by 
the novel and startling aspect of the times. This universally prevalent 
feeling was amply justified by the immense interests and the vital prin- 
ciples which were to be disposed of by the conflict. Nor is it singular 
that the war should ultimately engage the attention of mankind in all 
civilized countries, and that it should be regarded as the event of chief 
importance then transpiring on the globe. 

There can be little doubt that a reliable history of the incidents con- 
nected with this memorable drama, and even more than one such history, 
would be acceptable to the public. In the following work, therefore, the 
writer has undertaken to describe its thrilling and marvellous scenes. He 
has set forth, at some length, the most potent of the causes which gave it 
birth. He has introduced, from time to time, biographical sketches of 
those soldiers and statesmen who distinguished themselves by their hero- 
ism, or by their patriotism, during its progress. He has followed the 
march of the Federal armies, as they achieved one victory, or suffered 
one temporary reverse after another ; and the narrative will be continued, 
Deo volenie, until the record is complete, and he has described how the 
Eepublic was conducted, by firm and skilful hands, through all the storms 
which have assailed it, to the attainment of a permanent and honorable 
peace. 

The general rule, according to which the following work has been 
written, was to describe events with more or less minuteness of detail, 
according to the proportion of their historical importance. Many incidents 

5 



6 PRKFACE. 

necessarily happen in such a struggle — spreading, as it does, over so vast 
an area — which may possess an intense, though momentary interest, and 
greatly excite the public mind at the period of their occurrence, which 
are, nevertheless, insignificant in their essential nature, and trivial in their 
ultimate consequences. As it was the design of the present writer to 
prepare a history of the war within a convenient and moderate compass, 
it became necessary to omit all, or, at least, any extended allusion to such 
events, so that the necessary space might remain in which to dwell, with 
appropriate fulness, upon the really decisive incidents of the contest. For 
the same reason, no reference is made, in the biographical sketches which 
are introduced, to those ephemeral and factitious reputations, which were 
created from time to time; which, going up suddenly, and glaring porten- 
tously, like rockets, descended again as quickly, and relapsed into their 
legitimate oblivion. An eflbrt has thus been made throughout the work 
to do justice to those events and persons to whom a genuine and per- 
manent immortality appertains ; at the same time to realize and exemplify 
the excellent maxim, Parva sed apta, not voluminous, but condensed and 
comprehensive. 

The author has been assiduous and careful in regard to the materials 
from which the contents of the work have been derived. He has applied 
to his use every attainable source of information which was worthy of 
confidence and attention. Official reports of eminent commanders, and the 
narratives of intelligent and truthful eye-witnesses of the scenes described, 
together with various other depositories of facts, have been thoroughly 
examined, compared, and appropriated. The author has not the presump- 
tion to imagine that he has in all cases attained perfect accuracy ; but he 
does not hesitate to assert, that he has left no eflbrt or expedient unem- 
ployed to avoid error and misstatement in every part of the work. An 
historical narrative of events of recent date labors under some disadvan- 
tages, while, at the same time, it may possess facilities and merits of which 
the record of more remote and unfamiliar transactions will be destitute. 
It has been affirmed that a correct history of a war like that against 
Secession could not be written until after the lapse of many years. We 
believe this statement to be erroneous. If the writer be impartial, labori- 
ous, and possessed of the necessary literary skill, he will have all the 
qualities essential to the elaboration of a satisfactory history of such a 
series of events ; and these qualities he may possess immediately after 
their occurrence, as well as at a more distant period. At the same time, 
he will enjoy a superior advantage in the vividness and strength of the 
impression which the events have made, both upon his own mind, and 
upon the minds of those whose productions he consults in the preparation 
of his work. 

S. M. S. 



CONTENTS. 



INTRODUCTION. 

Origin of the Southern Rebellion — Classification of its several causes — The Act 
of 1816 respecting a tariff — Agency of Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams^ 
Position of John C. Calhoun — He first conceives his project of Nullification^ 
His memorial to Governor Hamilton — The operation of a High Tariff — The 
Legislature of South Carolina — Outbreak of the Nullification movement — 
Vigorous measures of President Jackson — Mr. Calhoun in the United States 
Senate — A memorable debate — Final settlement of the difficulty — American 
slavery — Its origin — The proposition of Thomas Jefferson — Slavery in the 
Territories — The Compact of 1787 — Compromise of Henry Clay — Annexation 
of Texas — The Wilmot proviso — Compromise of 1850 — Slavery in Kansas — 
Rise of the Republican Party — Its principles and policy — Administration of 
James Buchanan — Treason in the Federal Cabinet — Preliminary operations of 
the Conspirators — Policy of Mr. Buchanan respecting Secession — Presidential 
Campaign of 1860 — Election of Mr. Lincoln — The doctrine of State Sovereignty 
as opposed to Federal centralization — Discussion of the subject 33 



CHAPTER I. 

Effect of Mr. Lincoln's election in the South — Political movements in South 
Carolina and Georgia — Excitement in Charleston — Preliminary acts and events 
■ — Resignation of Federal officers — Election of members to the State Conven- 
tion — Opponents of Secession — Alexander H. Stephens — Federal property 
seized in Charleston — Conventions summoned in Georgia and Alabama — As- 
sembling of the Convention of South Carolina — The first act of Secession from 
the Union passed — A pathetic statement of grievances — Secession logic — Re- 
flections on the result — Popular feelings at this time in Georgia, Alabama, 
Mississippi and Florida — Levity and recklessness of the Secession leaders ^"3 



CHAPTER IL 

Treasonable Proclamation of Governor Pickens — Resignation of the Representa- 
tives of South Carolina in Congress — The Crittenden propositions of Com- 
promise — Their provisions — Scramble for Federal property — Commissioners of 
South Carolina to the Federal Government — Major Anderson — The removal of 
his command to Fort Sumter — Mr. Secretary Floyd — His resignation — De- 
meanor of the Rebel Commissioners at Washington — The Convention of the 
Slaveholding States — Important events at Savannah — Secession of Mississippi 
— -Pernicious influence of Jefferson Davis — Resignation of his seat in the United 
States Senate — The secession of Alabama — Of Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and 
Texas 68 

a) 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER III. 



Various efforts made for compromise and settlement — Conciliatory meetings held 
in the Northern States — Their ultimate failure — Apostacy of Alexander H. 
Stephens — Resignation of the Southern Representatives in the Federal Con- 
gress — The Rebel Congress convened at Montgomery — Its organization — 
Adoption of a Provisional Constitution — The organization of the Southern 
Confederacy — Jefferson Davis elected President — A. H. Stephens chosen Vice 
President — Prophecies of Senator Wigfall — Biographical sketches of Jefferson 
Davis, of Stephens, of the Cabinet Ministers of the Southern Confederacy, 
Memminger, Toombs, Mallory. Walker, Benjamin — The personal qualities and 
characteristics of these officers 75 



CHAPTER IV. 

Assembling of the Peace Congress at Washington — Their proposals of com- 
promise — Their rejection and failure — Attitude of President Buchanan — 
Public sentiment respecting Fort Sumter — Mi.ssion of the " Star of the West" — 
Final establishiitent of the Confederate Government at Montgomery — Inaugu- 
ration of Jefferson Davis as President— His address — Inauguration of President 
Lincoln — His address — His Cabinet Officers — The famous oration of A. H. 
Stephens at Savannah — Its historical importance — His first position — He refutes 
•Tefferson, Hamiltop, and Madison — His second position — The foundation stone 
of the Southern Confederacy— Absurdity and fallacy of that foundation- — The 
future condition and destiny of the negro race 83 



CHAPTER V. 

The mission of Mr. Yancey and his associates to Europe — Their representations 
to the French and English people — Events at Charleston — The Rebel Commis- 
sioners at Washington — Their absurd deportment — General Beauregard de- 
mands the surrender of Fort Sumter — Major Anderson respectfully declines — 
Preparations for the bombardment of the fort — .Size and strength of the works 
— Sketch of Major Anderson— .Sketch of General Beauregard — Commencement 
of the bombardment — Heroism of the garrison — Incidents of the first day's 
attack — Events of the ensuing night — The continuance of the bombardment 
during the next day — Sufferings of the garrison — Kx-Scnator Wigfall — A 
deputation from General Beauregard — Propositions of surrender — They are 
accepted by Major Anderson — Exultation of the Rebels — Why the garrison 
was not reinforced — Proclamation of Governor Letcher — Proclamation of 
President Lincoln 89 



CHAPTER VI. 

Enthusiasm of the Rebel States — Projected conquest of Washington — Proofs 
that it was contemplated — Why it was not accompli.shcd — Seventy-five thousand 
Federal troops ordered out — Davis issues letters of marque and reprisal— Pro- 
clamation of Governor Letcher— Secession of Virginia — Blockade of the 
Southern ports — Aspect of the loyal States — First in the field — The attack on 
Federal troops in Baltimore — Fury of the Rebel mob — Results of the attack — 



CONTENTS. !) 

Its infamy — The Federal Forts are garrisoned — Secession of Missouri — Rapid 
inarch of Federal troops to Washington— The Chicago Zouaves— The gallant 
' Ellsworth— Origin of the term Zouave— History of the French Zouaves in 
Algeria, in the Crimea, in Italy — Their peculiar characteristics — American 
Zouaves 98 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Secession of Tennessee — Parson Brownlow — Declaration of War by the 
Confederate Congress— Skirmish near St. Louis — Secession element in Balti- 
more — .Fort McHenry — Secession of North Carolina — Adjournment of the 
Rebel Congress to convene at Richmond — Assembly of Federal troops at 
AVashington — The occupation of Alexandria — Assassination of Colonel Ells- 
worth — Sketch of his career — His life in Chicago— Famous tour of the Chicago 
Zouaves — Ellsworth's military tastes and talents — His personal appearance 
and characteristics — His peculiarities as a speaker — He organizes the New 
York Fire Zouaves — His death a loss to the cause of the Union — General 
Robert Patterson's campaign m Virginia — Crossing the Potomac at Williains- 
port — Battle of Falling Waters — Pursuit of the enemy to Hainsville — To 
Martinsburg — The march to Bunker Hill — To Charlestown — Occupation of 
Harper's Ferry — Results of the Campaign '. 106 



CHAPTER VIII. 

The encounters with the Rebel troops at Fairfax Court House, at Aquia Creek, 
at Romney, at Phillippi — Gallantry of Colonel Kelley — Battle of Great 
Bethel — Causes of the disaster — General Pierce — Death of Lieutenant Greble — 
Sketch of his career — Union sentiment in W^estern Virginia — The new State of 
West Virginia — Harper's Ferry devastated by the Rebels — The Ohio troops 
fired on near Vienna — Results of the attack — Operations of General McClellan 
in Western Virginia — His admirable plans — The Battle of Rich Mountain — 
General Garnett — Colonel Rosecrans — Results of the engagement — Sketch of 
General McClellan — His conduct during the Mexican War — His reconnoissance 
of the Cascade Mouiitnins — His secret mission to the West Indies — His journey 
to the Crimea — His olficial report as commissioner — His subsequent move- 
ments — He becom^es Commander of the Department of Ohio 115 



CHAPTER IX. 

The extraordinary Session of Congress in July, 1861 — Message of President 
Lincoln — Its characteristics — Its demands — Sketch of Thaddeus Stevens — His 
political career — His personal qualities — His action as chairman of the Com- 
mittee of Ways and Means — Important bills passed by Congress — Opposition 
of Messrs Vallandigham and Burnett to the policy of the Administration — 
The civil war in Missouri — The Grand Army equipped at Washington — Com- 
plaints of its prolonged inactivity — Order given to General McDowell to 
advance toward Manassas — Arrangement of the Army — The advance reach 
Bull Run — The preliminary conflict at that place — Repulse of General Tyler's 
division — Position of the Rebel Army at Manassas — General Beauregard — The 
impending contest — Temper of the Rebel tronjis — The arts employed to inflame 
them 



123 



10 CONTENTS 

CHAPTER X. 

The Federal Army at Centreville — General McDowell's plan of attack — The 
Divisions of Generals Tyler, Hunter and Heintzelman — Their several duties — 
The March from Centreville — Interesting spectacle — General Tyler first reaches 
the Battlc-Beld — He commences the engagement Movements of Generals 
Hunter and Heintzelman — The gallant Sixty-ninth New York — The engage- 
ment becomes general — Vigorous cannonading — The Rebels gradually over- 
powered — The Federals victorious at mid-day — Rebel admissions to that effect — 
General Johnston's troops from Winchester arrive on the battle-field — They 
reverse the tide of victory — Sudden panic in the Federal Army — A general 
retreat ensues — Incidents of the flight — Individual instances of heroism — 
Results of the battle — Failure of the Rebel commanders to improve their 
victory — Ultimate consequences 131 



CHAPTER XL 

The impression produced on the public by the Battle of Manassas — Various 
causes of the Federal defeat — The preceding march — Inferiority of numbers — 
Effect of masked batteries — Incompetent or inexperienced officers — Remote 
position of the Reserves — Pernicious presence of spectators — The coup-de- 
grace — Arrival of General Johnston's troops on the field — Immense losses of 
the Rebel Army — Was the defeat in reality a misfortune to the Union — Its 
immediate effects — Its influence on the Army — Its influence on the Adminis- 
tration — It became the means of averting greater calamities — It was the cause 
of subsequent successes to the Federal forces 140 



CHAPTER XII 

Increased energy of the Federal Government — Events in Missouri — Important 
battle at Carthage — Retrograde movement of General Lyon to Springfield — 
Pursuit of the Rebels under Generals McCullough and Price — Condition of 
their Army — Reasons why General Lyon engaged the enemy^The great 
Battle of Wilson's Creek — Disposition of the Federal forces — Temporary suc- 
cess of the Rebels — Incidents of the contest— Heroism of General Lyon — His 
last effort against the enemy — Its success — General Lyon's death — Discomfiture 
of Colonel Sigel — Results of the Battle — Sketch of General Lyon— His rare 
merits — General Fremont made Commandant of the Department of Missouri — 
His policy and measures — His Anti-Slavery Proclamation — It is modified by 
President Lincoln — The war against Secession not a war against Slavery 147 



CHAPTER XIIL 

The Federal expeditions against the Rebel forts at Hatteras — The forces appro- 
priated to this enterprise — Importance of Hatteras and its possession — Sailing 
of the expedition — The bombardment — The surrender of the forts— Commo- 
dore Barron — Commodore Stringhnm — Sketch of his career — Results of the 
victory at Hatteras — Operations of Rosecrans in Western Virginia — Battle at 
Carnifex Ferry — Defeat and flight of Floyd — Results of the victory — Events 
in Missouri — Colonel Mulligan's forces at Lexington— lie is attacked by General 



CONTENTS. U 

Price — Incidents of the Battle of Lexington — Surrender of Colonel Mulligan — 
Sketch of his career — Battle on Bolivar Heights — Sketch of its hero, Colonel 
Geary — The Battle of Ball's Bluff— General Stone— Apprehensions of Colonel 
Baker — Incidents of the engagement — Defeat and rout of the Federal troops — 
Death of Colonel Baker — National sorrow at his fate — Sketch of his remarkable 
career — Results of the disaster at Ball's Bluff ISo 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Peculiarities of the war against Secession — Federal expedition under Commodore 
Dupont and General Sherman — Its departure from Annapolis — Its destination 
^Terrible storm near Cape Hatteras — The expedition reaches Port Royal — 
Rebel forts on Bay Point and Hilton Head — Their bombardment — Their 
strength — Incidents of the attack — Surrender of the forts — Results of the en- 
gagement — Sketch of its hero, Commodore Dupont — Naval disaster below New 
Orleans — Captain John Pope — Events in Missouri — Bold achievement of Col- 
onel Zagonyi near Springfield — The battle of Belmont — General U. S. Grant — 
Incidents of the engagement at Belmont — Its results — Dismissal of General 
Fremont from his Department of the West — Causes of his removal — His 
admirable demeanor on this occasion — His subsequent appointment as com- 
mander of the Mountain Department of Virginia and Tennessee 165 



CHAPTER XV. 

European recognition of the Southern Confederacy — Efforts made to obtain it — 
Mission of Messrs. Mason and Slidell — Their arrest on board the Trent — Legality 
of that arrest — The British Government demand them — They are surrendered — 
Reasons of their surrender — Diplomatic note of Mr. Seward on the subject — 
Argument of Mr. Sumner in the Senate — The battle of Dranesville — Incidents 
of the engagement — Its results — General McCall — Sketch of his career — Dis- 
missal of Mr. Cameron from the Federal Cabinet — The war in Kentucky — The 
batile of Mill Springs — Incidents of the conflict — Bayonet charge of the ninth 
Ohio regiment — Defeat of the Rebels — Death of General Feliz Zollicoffer — His 
character — Results of the battle of Mill Springs — Subsequent flight and dis- 
persion of the Rebel troops 173 



CHAPTER XVI. 

The Burnside expedition — Its strength and secret destination — Its departure from 
Annapolis — It reaches Fortress Monroe — Another gale off Cape Hatteras — Its 
resiilts — Loss of the steamer City of New York — Heroism of General Burn- 
side — The expedition enters Pamlico Sound — It steers for Roanoke Island — 
Rebel works erected on that Island — The Federal troops disembark — Plan of 
the attack — Incidents of the engagement — The final charge — Defeat and flight 
of the Rebels — Capture of their forts — Their strength — Results of the victory — 
Death of Colonel De Montreuil — Sketch of General Burnside — Attack on Fort 
Henry — Strength of the fort — Number of the Federal gunboats — Incidents of 
the bombardment — Surrender of the Rebel works — Trophies of the victory — 
Loss on both sides — Skill and heroi.sm of Commodore Foote — Sketch of his. 
career — Further operations of the Burnside expedition 181 



12 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XVIT. 

Position and strength of Foit Donelson — General Grant and Flanr-Officcr Foote 
prepare to attack it — Commenpcment of their operations — Repulse of the gun- 
boats — The assaiilt from the iand side — Incidents of tlie bomliardmeiit — Propo- 
sition of General Buckner to surrender — Tlie flight of (ienerals Floyd and Pil- 
low — The capitulation of the fort — Results and trophies of the conquest — 
Sketch of Ulysses S. Grant- — Sketch of General Charles Ferguson Smith — 
General Lander's attack on the Rebels at Bloomery Gap — Its results — 
Sketch of General Lander — Re-election of Jefferson I>avis as President of the 
Soutliern Confederacy — His Inaugural Address — Occupation of Columbus, 
Kentucky, by Federal troops — Desertion of Nashville by the Rebel forces — 
Unexpected attack and success of the Rebel battering ram Merrimac — Inci- 
dents of the engagement — Opportune arrival of the Monitor in Hampton 
Roads — Battle between the Monitor and the Merrimac 190 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Battle of Pea Ridge in Arkansas — General Curtis — Attack of the Rebels on the 
rear of the Federal Army — Gallantry of General Sigel — Continuance of the 
battle on the second day — Incidents of the contest — It is renewed upon the 
third day — Complete rout of the Rebels — Results of the victory — Sketches of 
Generals Curtis and Sigcl — President Lincoln's orders to the Federal Armies 
to move on the twenty-second of February— General McClellan's address to the 
Army of the Potomac — Sudden evacuation of Manassas by the Rebels — Move- 
ment of Federal troops — Bombardment of Island Number Ten — Incidents of 
the contest — Reduction of the Rebel works — Oi)crations of General Pope- — Ar- 
tificial channel cut through .James Bayou — (General Pope attacks the Rebels 
at Tiptonville — Consequences of the capture of Island Nunil)er Ten — Sketcli 
of General Pope — General Burn.side attacks Newborn — Tlie Rebels surrender — 
Consequences of this victory 201 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Movements of the Army of the Potomac^Its subdivisions — The battle of Win- 
chester — Incidents of the battle — Its results — The killed and wounded — Sketch 
of General Shields — Concentration of tlie Rebel troops nearCorinth — Approach 
of the Federal Army under General (irant — Disposition of the Rebel Army — 
Commencement of the battle of Pittsburg Lauding or Shiloh — Attack and 
capture of General Prentiss's troops — Kti'orts of (jeuerals Sherman and Mc- 
Clcrnand — The engagement becomes general — Desperate fighting on both 
sides — Gradual repulse and retreat of the Federal Army — Terrific scenes — In- 
terposition of the Federal gunboats — End of the first day's battle — Arrival of 
General Buell — Disposition of troops during the ensuing night — The second 
day's conflict — Incidents of this day — Skill and energy of General Buell — The 
tide of victory is gradually reversed — Ultimate defeat of the Rebels — Tlieir re- 
treat to Corinth— Sketch of General Buell— Results of the battle of Shiloh..., 212 



CONTENTS. 13 



CHAPTER XX. 



The Federal Army under General McClellan approach Yorktown — Collision on 
Howard Creek — Attack on detached Rebel intrenchments — Establishment of 
the Federal camp, and erection of Federal batteries — Preparations for a great 
conflict at Yorktown — Brilliant operations of General Mitchell in Alabama — 
Results of his rapid movements — Sketch of General Mitchell — Events in Georgia 
— Capture of Fort Pulaski — Strength of the Rebel works — Incidents of the 
bombardment of that Fort — Results of the capture — The conquest of New 
Orleans— Federal armament under Commodore Farragut — Bombardment of 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip— An engagement of six days — Reduction of these 
Forts — Impression produced by it in New Orleans — The Federal fleet approach 
that city — The Rebel troops evacuate it — The summons to surrender — Imper- 
tinence of Mayor Monroe — New Orleans occupied by Federal troops — Sketch 
of Commodore Farragut — The bombardment of Fort Macon — -Incidents of the 
assault — Strength of that Fort — Results of its capture by the Federal troops. . 223 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Operations of General McClellan at Yorktown— Battle of Lee's Mill — Disaster and 
retreat of the Federal troops — Evacuation of Yorktown by the Rebels — Motives 
of that movement — Pursuit by the Federals — Engagement between cavalry 
near Williamsburg — Second conflict near Williamsburg — Incidents of the battle 
— General Hooker's division — Brilliant charge of General Hancock — Federal 
victory — Sketch of General Hancock — Battle at West Point — Incidents of the 
contest — ESiciency of the Federal artillery — Rout of the Rebels — Bombardment 
of Sewell's Point — Its results — Expedition of General Wool against Norfolk — 
Its surrender — Operations of General Fremont in the Mountain Department — 
McDowell's division at Fredericksburg — Rout of Colonel Morgan in Tennessee — 
Incidents of the chase — Bombardment of Fort Wright commenced — Engage- 
ment of the Federal gunboats at Fort Darling, on James River — Its Incidents 
and results — Steady advance of McClellan's Army toward Richmond — It crosses 
the Chickahominy — Various skirmishes — Decisive engagement anticipated — 
General Hunter's Abolition Proclamation — President Lincoln's policy respect- 
ing it 233 

CHAPTER XXII. 

The Corps d'Armee of General Banks — Imprudent reduction of its numbers — The 
Rebels imder Jackson attack the advance at Front Royal — Design of the Rebels 
to overpower Bank's division — The latter orders a general retreat toward Win- 
chester — Various engagements on the route — Battle of Middletown — Action 
on the march to Winchester— Battle at Newtown— The battle of Winchester- 
Its results — Continuance of the retreat to WiUiamsport — Adventures of the 
Zouave d'Afrique — Federal losses during the retreat — Sketch of General Banks 
— Attitude of the Federal and Rebel Armies at Corinth — A great battle antici- 
pated — Commencement of the attack by General Halleck — Its results — Evacua- 
tion of Corinth by the Rebels — Causes of this event — An extraordinary spec- 
tacle — Pursuit of the retreating foe — A reconnoissance on the Chickahominy 
— Skirmish at the Pines — The Battle of Hanover Court House — Destruction 
of the Richmond and Fredericksbui-g Railroad — Gallant exploit of Lieutenant 
Davis 244 



14 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 



Approach of the Fedeial Army to Richmond — The corps of General Keyes cross 
the Chickahominy — Their exposed position — Hostile purpose of the Rebel 
leaders — The battle of Seven Pines — Position of the Federal troops — Com- 
mencement of the attack — Disposition of troops made by General Casey — 
Incidents of the battle — Roxit of Casey's division — General Couch's troops 
become engaged — Desperate fighting — Victory of the Rebels — The Federals 
reinforced — The engagement of June 1st, General Heintzelman in chief com- 
mand — Incidents of this battle — Heroism of the Irish regiments and of Sickles' 
Excelsior Brigade — The victory of Fair Oaks — Its results — Popular impatience 
for the occupation of Richmond — Rebel forces in the Valley of the Shenandoah 
— Their brief occupation of it — General Fremont ordered to expel them — They 
abandon 'Winchester — Their retreat through Strusburgand Woodstock — Battle 
of Cross Keys — Gallantry of theBucktails — Results of the engagement — Battle 
of Port Republic — Incidents of this engagement — Its results — Retreat of Gen- 
eral Jackson toward Richmond — Appointment of General Pope as Commander 
of the Department — Withdrawal of General Fremont — His military achieve- 
ments — His true renown 256 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Prominence of the Mississippi River in the events of the war — Fleet of gunboats 
commanded by Commodore Davis — Evacuation of Fort Pillow — The naval battle 
before Memphis — Relative strength of the combatants — Incidents of the engage- 
ment — Defeat of the Rebel Fleet — Colonel Ellet — Results of the victory — Gen- 
oral Neglcy's expedition against Chattanooga — Colonel Hambright — Incidents 
of the expedition — Its results — General Morgan expels the Rebels from Cmn- 
berland Gap — Disaster to the Federal Arms at James Island — Description of 
the Rebel works — Arrangements for the attack — Incidents of the engagement 
— Ultimate defeat of the Federal troops — Their retreat — Federal loss — Gallantry 
of the Rebel Commander Lamar — Expedition of Colonel Fitch up the White 
River— The engagement at St. Charles — Horrible accident to the Mound City — • 
Execrable cruelty of Captain Fry — Capture of the Rebel Forts — Final success 
of the expedition — Excursion of Colonel Howard from Newborn to Swift Creek 
— Its results — Bombardment of Vicksburg commenced — Perilous passage of 
Commodore Farragut's fleet — New Channel of the Mississippi 268 

CHAPTER XXV. 

The intrenchments of the Federal Army before Richmond — Their extent — Inac- 
tivity of the Federal forces — Concentration of Rebel troops in Richmond — 
Glowing expectations of the loyal community — Their Disappointment — The 
transfer of McClellan's base of supplies and operations to Harrison's Landing 
— First attack of the Rebels on his troops at Mechanicsville — Incidents of the 
battle — Comraencemcntof the march toward the James River — Battle of Gaines' 
Mills — Desperate Fighting — Heroism and valor on both sides — Vicissitudes of 
the struggle — The retreat continued toward James River — Disposal of the sick 
and woimded — Pertinacious pursuit by the Rebels — Singular caravan of wagons, 
cattle, and fugitives— Battle of Peach Orchard — Its results — Battle at Savage's 
Station — Resolute assaults of Ihc enemy — Appalling scenes — Important results 
— ^The race to White Oak Swamp — The Federal troops win the race 280 



CONTENTS. 15 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

The Battle of White Oak Swamp — Position and order of the Federal troops — Tem- 
porary panic — Desperate fighting — Fortunate assistance of the gunboats on 
the James River — Heroism and skill of General Heintzelman — A general 
bayonet charge on the Rebels — Its result — First engagement at Malvern Hills 
— Incidents of the fight — The Irish Brigade — Complete defeat of the Rebels — 
The Federal Army removes to Harrison's Landing — Results of the several 
Battles before Richmond — ^ Artillery duel on the James River — General Hooker 
sent to reconnoitre and occupy Malvern Hill — The march thither — Engagement 
with the enemy — Their defeat — Immense reinforcements ordered from Rich- 
mond — Return of the Federal troops to Harrison's Landing — Final evacuation 
of their camp by the Federal Army — Its future destination — Federal losses 
during the Peninsula Campaign 291 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Return of the Army of the Potomac from the Peninsula — Spirit and purpose of 
the Federal Government — Appointment of General Halleck as Commander-in- 
Chief of land forces — Operations of General Pope — Messages of President Lin- 
coln in favor of emancipation of the slaves and confiscation of the property of 
Rebels — Reconnoissance of General King to Beaver Dam — Battle of Bayou 
Cache, in Arkansas — Engagement on the Mississippi with the ram Arkansas — 
Boldness and determination of the Rebels — Engagement near Memphis, Missis- 
sippi — Operations of the Rebel John Morgan in Kentucky — Contest at Cynthiana 
— Morgan abandons Kentucky — Additional Anti-Slavery Message of Mr. Lin- 
coln—Expeditions sent from Newbern to Trenton and Pollocksville — Their 
results — Attack made on the Arkansas by Colonel Ellet — Incidents of the 
engagement — Defeat of the Queen of the West — Causes of the disaster — Crea- 
tion of new grades in the Federal Navy — President Lincoln orders a draft of 
three hundred thousand men 299 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Designs of the Rebel Generals in Virginia — Measures taken to counteract them — 
The Armies of Banks and Jackson approach each other — Battle of Cedar or 
Slaughter Mountain — Position of the combatants — Commencement of the en- 
gagement — Incidents of its progress — Its termination and results — Loss on both 
sides— Heroism of General Banks— Subsequent movements of the Rebels — 
Skirmishes along the line of the Rappahannock — Designs of the Rebel Generals 
— Arrangements of General Pope — Engagement at Catlett's Station — Federal 
loss of baggage and stores — The Rebels cross the Rappahannock — Battle with 
the troops of General Sigel — Approach of Rebels toward Manassas — Conflict at 
Kettle Run — At Bristow's Station — The great Battle at Manassas on August 
29th — Incidents of the struggle — Engagement renewed on the 30th — Its inci- 
dents and results— Retreat of the Federal Army- Battle of Chantilly— Death 
of Generals Kearney and Stevens— Return of the Federal Army to Washington 
— Losses during the campaign of General Pope in Virginia— Sketches of Gen- 
erals Kearny and Stevens— A Court-Martial summoned at Washington to in- 
vestigate charges against General Porter — Its verdict 312 



16 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

Battle of Baton Rouge — Situation of the place — Federal troops posted there — 
Movements of General Breckinridge — Incidents of the engagement — Death of 
General Williams — Assistance of the Federal gunboats — Final defeat and 
repulse of the Rebels — The Rebel ram Arkansas — Its destruction — Indian mur- 
ders and devastations in Minnesota — Causes which led to them — Incidents 
coiipccted with them — Their suppression and punishment — General Sibley — 
Battle fought near Richmond, Kentucky — Federal troops engaged — Federal 
advantage — Federal repulse — Union troops are re-formed in line of battle three 
times — General Nelson — Federal losses — Battle at Tazewell — Expedition of 
Colonel EUet on the Mississippi and up the Yazoo — Capture of the transport 
Pair Play — Results of the expedition — Battle near Denmark, Tennessee — Inci- 
dents of the engagement — Heroism of Captain Frisbic — Federal victory — 
Apprehensions of an invasion of Ohio by the Rebels — Proclamation of (Governor 
Tod — Preparations made to receive the enemy — General Lewis AVallace — Re- 
treat of the Rebels — Termination of the popular excitement — Summary of un- 
important events in August, 1862 325 

CHAPTER XXX. 

The Battle of Sovith Jlountain — Position of the combatants — Troops of General 
Reno— Incidents of the engagement — Heroism of General Hooker — Victory of 
the Federal Army — Retreat of the Rebels — Death of General Reno— Sketch of 
his career — Attack of the Rebels on Harper's Ferry — Forces commanded by 
Colonel Miles — Incidents of the bombardment — Surrender of llie works to the 
enemy — Death of Colonel Miles — Retreat of the Rebels toward the Potomac — 
The great Battle of Antietam — Positions assigned the Federal forces — Desperate 
fighting of Hooker's division — Incidents of the battle on the riglit wing — Opera- 
tions of Burnside on the left — Events in the Federal centre — Conclusion of the 
engagement — Retreat of the Rebel Army across the Potomac — Sketches of Gen- 
erals Hooker and Sumner — Battle at Mumfordville, Kentucky — Its results — 
Federal troops engaged — Battle at "Washington, North Carolina — The Rel)els 
defeated — Explosion of the gunboat Picket — Civil aspects of the war — President 
Lincoln's Proclamation of September 22d, 1862 — Its contents — Its influence 
upon Slavery and upon the Rebel Government — Mr. Lincoln suspends the 
Habeas Corpus Act, on September 24th, 1862 338 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

The battle at Inka — Dispositions made by General Grant — Incidents of the en- 
gagement — "Victory of the Federal troops — Rebels repulsed at Boonsborouph — 
Convention of the Governors of Loyal States at Altoona. Pennsylvania — Their 
address to President Lincoln — His reply — Proposal of Peace discussed in the 
Confederate Congress — Argument of Mr. Foote — Fate of the proposition — 
Battle of Augusta, Kentuck-y — Engagement at Corinth, Mississippi — Position 
of the Rebels — First day's fighting — Incidents of the second day — Desperate 
charges made by the Rebels — Their final defeat and flight — Sketch of Major- 
General Rosecrans — Invasion of Pennsylvania by the Rebel General Stuart — 
His route — Incidents which occurred at ("hambersburg — Stuart's safe return to 
Virginia — Skirmishes on the Potomac — Results of his raid 353 



CONTENTS. 



n 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

The Federal victory at Lavergne, Tennessee — General Negley — Battle on the 
Hatchie River — Expedition of General Brannan up the St. John's River — Its 
results — The Battle of Perry ville — Heroism of General Rousseau — Incidents of 
this engagement — Its consequences — Final escape of General Bragg and his 
Army from Kentucky — Inefficiency of General Buell — His removal from the 
command of the Army of the Ohio — Appointment of General Rosecrans as his 
successor — Fruits of General Bragg's invasion of Kentucky — Summary view of 
minor events which occurred in September and October, 1862 361 



CHAPTER XXXTII. 

Exploits of the Confederate cruiser, the Alabama — Her peculiar structure — 
Efforts made to capture her — Their failure — The expedition sent by General 
Mitchel against the Charleston and Savannah Railroad — Incidents of the 
undertaking — Battles — Their results — Return of the expedition — Various recon- 
noissances made by the Army of the Potomac — Important results accomplished 
by them — Occupation of Snicker's, Ashby's and Thoroughfare Gaps by the 
Federal troops — Brilliant engagement near Maysville, Arkansas — Flight of the 
Rebels — Successful reconnoissance of Captain Dahlgren to Fredericksburg, 
Virginia — Skirmishes at Philomel and New Creek, Virginia, and at Williams- 
ton, North Carolina — -Abortive attempt of the Rebels under Morgan and Forrest 
to capture Nashville, Tennessee — Federal expedition to Thibodeausville, Louis- 
iana — Reconnoissance of General M'Pherson toward HoUy Springs, Mississippi 
— Approach of the Federal Army under Burnside to Fredericksburg — The city 
Bummoned to surrender — The refusal — Embarrassing delay of Burnside's 
operations 370 



CHAPTER XXXTV. 



Assembling of the Federal Congress, December 1st, 1862 — Annual Message of 
President Lincoln — Its Characteristics — Its discussion of the National Finances 
— Of the Emancipation of the Slaves — Plan proposed by the President — Official 
Report of the Secretary of the Treasury — Its leading features — Financial details 
— Skirmish at Franklin, on the Blackwater, Virginia — Capture of Union troops 
at Hartsville, Kentucky — General Geary's Reconnoissance to Charlestown and 
Winchester — Surrender of Winchester — Stuart's raid on the towns of Dumfries 
and Occoquan — Expedition of General Washburne from Helena to Coflfeeville, 
Mississippi — Its results, and return — The capture of the Steamship Ariel by the 
pirate Alabama — Incidents connected with it — Her final release — Departure of 
the Banks expedition from New York — Infamous frauds perpetrated upon the 
Government — Arrival of the expedition at New Orleans — General Banks suc- 
ceeds General Butler — Effect of Butler's Administration — Results of the 

Blockade of the Southern Purts 

2 



382 



18 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 



The Battle of Fredericksburg — Tlie laying of the Pontoon Bridges — The Pontoniera 
driven away — Renewal of the attempt — Its second and third failure — Bombard- 
ment of Fredericksburg — The bridges are constructed — 'Die Federal troops cross 
the Rappahannock — Preparations for the conflict — Strength of the works of 
the Rebels — Superior advantages of their position and numbers — Commence- 
ment of the engagement by General Franklin — -Incidents of the Battle on the 
left wing— Tlie results — The contest on the right and the centre — Movements 
of Generals Meade and Gibbon — Heroism of Sumner — Impregnable position of 
the enemy — A gallant charge — Heavy losses of the Rebels — Operations in the 
centre imder General Hooker — Plan of Wilcox and Burns — General results of 
the engagement — Federal and Rebel losses — Sketch of General Franklin — Of 
Generals Jackson and Bayard — Events subsequent to the Battle — Resignation 
of Mr. vSeward — Popular Censure — General Burnside assumes the responsibility 
— The Cabinet remains unchanged — Battle at Cave Hill, Arkansas — Federal 
victory 393 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

The expedition of General Foster from Newbern to Kingston and Goldsboro — 
Commencement of the march — Skirmish at Southeast Creek — Its results — The 
Federals continue their march to Kinston — Battle at that place — Incidents of 
this engagement — Its results — Operations of the Federal Fleet which accompa- 
nied the expedition— ^Skirmish at Whitehall— Battle at Goldsboro — The return 
of the expedition — Skirmishing with the enemy — Exploits of Major Garrard 
and Fitzsimmons — Arrival of the expedition at Newbern — Its results — Federal 
losses — Sketch of General Foster — Capture of Holly Springs — Battle of Davis's 
Mills in Mississippi- — Heroism of Colonel Morgan — Defeat at Van Dorn — Posi- 
tion of affairs toward the close of the year 1862 — President Lincoln's Emanci- 
pation Proclamation — Its provisions — Feelings with which it was regarded by 
different classes of the Community — Its influence upon the future events of the 
war 404 



CHAPTER XXXVn. 

Conclusion of the year 1862— The armies of Rosecrans and Bragg approach each 
other at Murfreesboro, Tennessee — Position of their respective forces — Number 
of troops engaged — Beginning of the Battle — Incidents of the first day — The 
Federal right wing driven back — Pursuit by the Confederates — The retreat 
stopped — End of the first day's combat — The engagement resumed — Artillery 
duel — Furious charge by the Rebels^-Heroism of Generals Negley and Davis — 
The Rebels finally overpowered — A general charge on their lines — Its result — 
Complete defeat of the Rebel .Vrray — Revolt of the Anderson Cavalry — It.'j 
alleged causes — The Loyal Three Hundred — Federal loss in the Battle at Mur- 
freesboro — Losses of the- Confederates — Field Order of General Rosecrans re- 
epectiog the Anderson Cavalry 41S 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER XXXVIII. 



19 



The loss of the Federal Iron-clad Monitor at sea — Her peculiar structure — Her de- 
parture from Hampton Eoads — A rising storm — The Monitor becomes disabled — 
Cause of the misfortune — Her situation becomes desperate — Removal of her 
crew to the Rhode Island — Her final disappearance — The Federal Army under 
General Sherman attack Vicksburg, Mississippi — Landing of the troops at John- 
son's Ferry, on the Yazoo — The attack commenced on the 27th of December — 
Partial success of the Federal forces — The assault resumed on the 28th — Des- 
perate fighting — The first line of works carried — Sherman orders a general 
charge — The Federals repulsed and defeated — Terrible slaughter-^-The Union 
Army withdrawn — General Sherman superseded by M'Clernand — Federal 
losses — Causes of their defeat — Minor engagements at Springfield and Harts- 
ville, Missouri 424 



CHAPTER XXXIX. 

A peculiar feature of the History of this Civil War — The Battle of Hunt's Cross- 
Eoads in Tennessee — Gallantry of General Sullivan and the Indiana troops — 
Defeat of Forrest — His flight to the Tennessee River — The expedition of Gen- 
eral Carter into East Tennessee- — Its objects — Its success — Difiiculties and 
merit of the undertaking — Skirmish near Moorefield, Virginia — Attack of the 
Rebels on Galveston — Their success — Capture of the Harriet Lane — Explosion 
of the Westfield — Federal losses on this occasion — Address of the Workingmen 
of Manchester, England, to President Lincoln — His reply — The bombardment 
of Arkansas Post — Land and naval forces detailed to this service — The location 
and importance of Arkansas Post — Commencement of the assault by Admiral 
Porter — Co-operation of the land troops under General M'Clernand — Incidents 
of the conflict — Surrender of the fort and of the Rebel troops — Losses on both 
tides — Value of the conquest — Sketches of Admiral Porter and General 
M'Clernand 432 



CHAPTER XL. 

General Bumside resigns the command of the Army of the Potomac — He is suc- 
ceeded by General Hooker — The Army in winter quarters — Importance of the 
question of negro troops in the Army — Policy of different parties respecting 
it — Exploits of the Rebel Steamer Oreto — Destruction of the Steamboat Hat- 
teras — Expedition of General Weitzel up the Bayou Teche — Death of Commo- 
dore Buchanan — Skirmish at Woodbury, Tennessee — Second siege of Fort Don- 
elson — Its result — Federal victory over General Pryor on the Blackwater, 
Virginia^Triumph of Confederate Rams in the Harbor of Charleston, South 
Carolina— Sketch of Commodore Ingraham— The passage of the National 
Currency Bill— The Conscription Law— Loss of the Federal Steamer Queen of 
the West — Capture of the Federal Iron-clad Indianola — Destruction of the 
Rebel Steamer Nashville — Attack on Fort M'Allister — Resolutions of Congress 
Denouncing Foreign Intervention — Remaining Military Events of February 
and March, 1863 — Engagements at Strasburg, Virginia — At Hartwood Church, 
Virginia — At Bradyville, Tennessee — At Thompson's Station, Tennessee 443 



20 CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XLI. 

Minor Military Operations during March, 1863 — Expedition from Murfreesboro 
under Colonel Ilall — He engages and defeats the Rebels at Milton, Tennessee — 
Expedition of General Prince from Newbern — Its results — Attack by (he Rebels 
on Union troops at Deep Gully — Their repulse — Desperate cavalry fight near 
tlie Rappahannock between Generals Averell, 8tuart, and Lee — Its result — 'J'Iil' 
passage of the Federal Fleet past the Rebel batteries at Port Hudson — Co- 
operative movements of General Banks — Incidents of the engagement at Port 
Hudson — Death of Commander Boyd Cummings-^IIis heroism — Loss of the 
Steamer Mississippi — Success of the Hartford and Albatross — Conflagration of 
Jacksonville, Florida — Victory of General Gillmore at Somerset, Kentucky — 
Report of the Congressional Committee on the Conduct of the War — Its pecu- 
liarities and contents — Its exposition on the conduct of Generals McClcUan, 
Patterson, and Stone— Impression produced by it on the Public mind — End of 
the winter campaign of 18G2-3 — Skirmishes in Carroll County, Arkansas — At 
Woodbury, Tennessee — Abortive expedition of General Sherman up the Black 
Bayou in Mississippi 457 

CHAPTER XLII. 

Preliminary Reflections — Rise of the Anti-War Democrats, or the Peace Party — 
Its avowed opinions and opposition to the National Administration — Suspense 
of the Writ of Habeas Corpus — The course of President Lincoln sustained by 
Congress and the Loyal portion of the Nation as Constitutional, Wise, and 
Patriotic — Precedent of the British Parliament — Factious opposition of the 
Peace Party to the Conscription Act and to the Prosecution of the AVar — Their 
proflcred friendship spurned even by the Confederates themselves — Their 
alleged but groundless fears of designed Centralization by the National Admin- 
istration — Their hostility to the President's Emancipation Proclamation — The 
existence of Negro Slavery and determination to perpetuate it the source of our 
greatest National difficulties, and the ultimate cause of the present Rebellion — 
'ITie judicious, gradual, and progressive course of the Government on this sub- 
ject vindicated — Objections of the Peace Party to the Financial Measures of the 
Government — Their vindictive but futile attempts to detract from the personal 
character of tlie President 470 

CHAPTER XLIII. 

The preparations for another attack on Charleston — Formidable character of the 
fortifications — The crossing of the bar — Order of Battle prescribed by Admiral 
Du Pont— The attack — Obstructions in the harbor — I'he terrible storm of fire — 
The New Ironsides unmanageable — Gallantry of the Commander of the Keokuk, 
and of the Commanders of the Monitors — The Keokuk riddled and sinking — 
Three of the Monitors disabled — Withdrawal of the Fleet — Return to Port 
Royal — Admiral Du Font's action justifiable — Other naval actions on the Atlan- 
tic Coast, and in the Gulf and Mississippi River — Battles and skirmishes on land 
— In the Department of the Cumberland, at various points in Tennessee and 
Kentucky ; in the Department of Missouri, the attack on the Sam Gaty ; in the 
Department of the Frontier, at Fayetteville, Arkansas, and its vicinity, and in 
the Department of the Gulf— ^Expedition to Pascagoula — The Battles on the 
Teche — Destruction of three Rebel Iron-clads, and capture or destruction of 
eleven transports, and two thousand prisoners — Complete rout of the liebels... 482 



CONTENTS. 31 



CHAPTER XLIV. 

Raids in both Armies — Marmaduke's expedition for the capture of Cape Girardeau 
— Colonel Carter's demand for the surrender of the town — General M'Neil's reply 
— Marmaduke's demand — The result — Flight of Marmaduke, and pursuit by 
Vandever and M'Neil — Colonel Streight's raid — Difficulties and disasters — 
Penetrates nearly to Rome — Is compelled to surrender — Rebel treatment of the 
Officers of the expedition — Colonel Grierson's raid — Its continued and wonder- 
ful success — His Brigade reaches Baton Rouge — Results accomplished by the 
expedition — Colonel Clayton's raid — Meets Marmaduke — Clayton with two 
hundred and thirty men fights and repels Marmaduke's Division — Lieutenant- 
Colonel Jenkins's fight with Carter's Texas Brigade— The expedition reaches 
Helena in safety — Skirmishes in Western Virginia — The afi'air at Greenland 
Gap— Capture of Alexandria, Mississippi — Skirmish at Monticello, Kentucky. . 498 



CHAPTER XLV. 

The siege of Washington, North Carolina — Attempts to raise it — The Steamer 
Escort runs past the Batteries with reinforcements and supplies — General Fos- 
ter escapes in her and prepares to raise the siege — The Rebels abandon it — 
Siege of Sufiblk, Virginia — Longstreet abandons it to reinforce Lee — Hooker's 
management of the Army of the Potomac — His plans for attacking Lee — Move- 
ments of his troops — Ruse below Fredericksburg — The concentration of six 
Corps in the vicinity of Chancellorsville — The counterplot of Lee — Jackson's 
attack on the right wing — Panic in the Eleventh Corps — ^Their flight — The ad- 
vance of the Rebels checked by Berry's Division — Battle of the Wilderness — 
Jackson mortally wounded — Hooker re-forms his lines^Battle of Chancellors- 
ville, on Sunday morning — Hooker again changes his lines — Movements of 
Sedgwick's Corps — Battle of Marye's Hill — Battle of Salem Heights — The 
Rebels recapture Fredericksburg— Battle of Banks' Ford— Sedgwick's Corps 
cross the Ford — General Hooker calls a Council of War — Recrosses the Rap- 
pahannock at United States Ford — Review of the Campaign 515 

CHAPTER XL VI. 

Stoneman's expedition — The plan of it substantially that of General Burnside — 
Biographical sketch of General Stoneman — Starting of the expedition — Its 
adventures — Detachments sent in difl^erent directions from Thompson's Cross 
Roads — Colonel Wyndham's raid to Columbia — Colonel Kilpatrick's adventures 
— Lieutenant-Colonel Davis's expedition to cut the two railroads— Results of 

■ the expedition — The Army of the Potomac after the Battel — Lee's determina- 
tion to invade Pennsylvania — Pleasonton sent to attack Stuart's Cavalry — 
Biographical sketch of General Pleasonton — Success of his attack — His subse- 
quent skirmishes and fights with Stuart's Cavalry — Lee's positions discovered — 
Movement of Hooker's Army — The Rebel Army cross the Potomac — Hooker's 
follow — Hooker relieved of the command of the Army — Meade appointed his 
successor — Position of the two Armies — Only two Union Corps near Gettys- 
burg — A Battle impending 532 



22 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTEE XLVII. 

Sketch of General Meade — Topography of the Battle-field — The beginning of the 
Battle — Death of General Reynolds— Sketch of his life — Coming xip of the 
Eleventh Corps — The position on Cemetery Hill procured — Retreat of the First 
and Eleventh Corps to Cemetery Hill — Great loss of prisoners— The state of 
feeling in the two Annies — Depression of the Citizens of Gettysbnrg — Rein- 
forcements of the Union Army — Position of the two Armies on the morning of 
July 2 — Opening of the second day's Battle — The attack on Sickles' Corps — 
'J'he Ninth Massachusetts Battery — The charge of the Pennsylvania Reserves — 
The enemy beaten back — Ewell's attack on the Eleventh Corps and on Green's 
Brigade — He penetrates to Spangler's Spring — The Tliird Day's Battle — Attack 
on the Union right — The repulse — Terrible artillery duel on the Left Centre 
— Assault by Pickett's Division — Terrible slaughter — Longstreet's attack on 
Round Top — This too repulsed — The Battle over — Retreat of the Rebels — 
Crossing of the Potomac — General Meade's error — The losses on both sides — 
General orders of the two Commanders — Beneficial result of the invasion to the 
Union cause 550 



CHAPTER XLVIII. 

General Grant takes command in person of the Army for the reduction of Vicks- 
burg — His Canal projects — The Canal across the Peninsula — Route by Round- 
away Bayou — Lake Providence Canal — Yazoo Pass— Steele's Bayou — Succes- 
sive failures — He resolves to attack from below — The running of the Batteries 
— Excitement among t:;e spectators — March of the Army to Hard Times, 
Louisiana — Attack on Grand Gulf — Repulse of the Gunboats — They nm past 
the Batteries — Landing at Bruinsburg — Battles of Shaiffer's Plantation and Port 
Gibson — Evacuation of (Jrand Gulf — Skirmish at Fourteen Mile Creek — Battle 
at Raymond — Capture of Jackson, Mississippi, and destruction of Rebel property 
tliere — March of the Army Westward — Battle of Champion Hill — Battle of 
Black River Bridge — Vicksburg invested — Assaults of the ninetcentli and 
twenty-second of May — Siege of the City — Its capitulation on the Fourth of 
July — Terms of the surrender — The results of the Campaign — Rebel and Union 
losses — Sherman's pursuit of Johnston — Capture of Jackson and defeat of the 
Rebels — General Ransom's expedition to Natchez — General Herron's capture 
of Yazoo City — Operations of the Gunboats on the tributaries of the Mississippi 
— The Battle of Milliken's Bend — Bravery of the Colored Troops — Attack on 
Lake Providence 566 



CHAPTER XLIX. 

'I'he investment of Port Hudson — Battle fought by General Auger — The arrival 
of additional forces — The assault of the twenty-seventh of May — The brilliant 
attack of General Weitzel's Division — Partial success of the assault — Tlie 
assault of the fourteenth of June — Its failure — The closeness of the siege — 
Suffering of the garrison — Tlieir surrender — Tlie Rebel attacks on Brashear 
City and Tcrribonne — Inhuman massacre of infirm Contrabands and women and 
children— The murder of negroes at St. Martinsville— The attack of the Rebels 
on Helena, Arkansas— Their signal defeat — Review of the progress of the War 
during the last eleven months — Tlie begiiming of the end 583 



CONTENTS. 33 



CHAPTER L. 



The Army of the Pbtomac at rest— The overthrow of the Rebel power in Arkan- 
sas—The Guerrillas and Bushwhackers of Arkansas and the Indian Territory 
— Quantrel and his band— The sacking of Lawrence— Attempt to murder Gen- 
eral Blunt^Cabell, Marmaduke, Shelby, and Coffey, make a raid into Missouri, 
and are defeated and routed — Morgan's raid into Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio 
— His capture and imprisonment — His escape — Sketch of his life — His death — 
The riots of the summer of 1863 — The great riot in New York— Its causes and 
objects— The reign of terror— The mob subdued— The loss of life and property 
by it 



597 



CHAPTER LI. 

Department of the South — Capture of the Atlantar— General Gillmore succeeds 
Hunter, and Dahlgren, Du Pont — Gillmore's strategic plan — Reasons for be- 
lieving it an error — Folly Island — Gillmore's Batteries there — Capture of the 
southern portion of Morris Island^Peints in other directions — The first as- 
sault on Wagner — Repulse — Erection of Batteries — Bombardment and second 
assault — A costly failure — The siege pressed — Other Batteries erected — The 
" Swamp Angel" located — Bombardment of Port Sumter — Its substantial re- 
duction — Gillmore demands the surrender of Fort Sumter and the Forts on 
Morris Island, and threatens to bombard Charleston in case of refusal — Beau- 
regard replies haughtily and insolently — KSillmore's rejoinder — The approaches 
to Fort Wagner completed — The garrisons of Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg 
evacuate those Works — Gillmore's despatch announcing the capture — Other 
events in the Department — Sketch of General Gillmore — Sketch of Admiral 
Dahlgren 611 



CHAPTER LIL 

The Department of the Cumberland — Army of the Cumberland in motion — The 
strength and position of the two Armies — ^Topography of the country of Middle 
Tennessee — General Rosecrans' tactics — The movement by the left flank — Its 
complete success — Manchester, Decherd, Cowan, Shelbyville, and Tullahoma 
taken — Bragg's Army driven eastward to University and Sweden's Cove, and 
thence to Chattanooga — The movement of the Union Army toward Chatta- 
nooga — Rosecrans determines to outflank Bragg's position — Route of the 
several Corps — Peril of McCook's Corps — The concentration of troops at 
McLamore's Cove — Preparations for Battle — The first day of the Battle of 
Chickamauga— The second day — The line broken and seven Brigades cut off 
— General Rosecrans at Chattanooga — General Thomas fights till sunset and 
repulses the enemy — Sketch of General Thomas — Results of the Battle — 
McCook and Crittenden relieved, and their Corps consolidated — General Thomas 
succeeds General Rosecrans — Perilous condition of the Army — General Grant 
put in command of the Grand Military Division of the Mississippi — Reinforce- 
ments ordered up - 628 



34 CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

Sketch of General Grant — He is appointed to the command of the Military Pirision 
of the Mississippi, and arrives at Chattanooga — The capture of Brown's Ferrj' — 
Movements of Hooker's command — Battle of Wauhatcliic — The results gained — 
Attempts of the Rebels to break Grant's communications — Bragg sends Long- 
street's Corps to besiege Knoxville — General Grant's instructions to General 
Burnside — Fighting and retreating — Longstreet arrives before Knoxville and 
invests it — Topography of the Chattanooga Valley and its surroundings — 
Bragg's Message — Grant's plan for the defeat of his Army — The capture of the 
Rebel Batteries on Bald Knobs — Sherman's movements — The pontoon hrulges 
— The Bastion taken — Hooker's attack on the Rebel left wing on Lookout 
Mountain — The surprise — The " Battle above the Clouds" — The fighting on 
the east side of Lookout — Evacuation of their positions by the Rebels — 
Hooker follows them to Mission Ridge — Sherman's persist(int and repeated 
attacks upon Fort Buckner — Repulse of his attacking columns — Their object 
gained, in drawing the Rebel troops from Fort Bragg — The assault on the centre 
by the Fourth Corps — Difficulties of the attack — Capture of the Crest and Fort 
Bragg — Flight of the enemy — Pursuit to Ringgold — Fight at Ringgold (jap — 
Sherman marches to Knoxville and raises the siege — Battle of Bean's Station 
— Results of the Chattanooga Campaign — General Grant's congratulatory order 
— General Halleck's estimate of the Campaign 644 



CHAP'TER LIV. 

Department of the Northwest — Indian troubles in Minnesota — Death of Little 
Crow — General Sibley's expedition against the Indians^He defeats, pursues, 
and routs them— General Sully's Battle at Whitestone Hill — Escape of the 
Indians — General Conner's Battle with the Indians^ — Department of West Vir- 
ginia — General Averell's raid into Southwestern Virginia — His capture at Salem 
and destruction of Cwnmissary and Quartermasters' stores— His escape from 
the six Generals — Sketch of General Averell — Other operations in West Vir- 
ginia — Army of the Potomac — Lee's flanking movement — Its extent — General 
Meade's excessive caution — The Cavalry Battle at Brandy Station — General 
Warren's Battle with Hill's Corps at Bristow Station — Hill repulsed — Custer's 
attack on Stuart's Cavalry^ — Lee's return to the Rapidan — Imboden's attack on 
Charlestown, Virginia — Lee removes to the Rappahannock and fortifies his po- 
sition — Meade drives him back, taking over two thousand prisoners — Sedgwick's 
assault at Rappahannock Station — Its success — The left wing at Kelly's Ford 
and Brandy Station — Meade's coup-de-main — His plans unmasked — His with- 
drawal across the Rapidan — Results 660 



CHAPTER LV. 

The "Anaconda" Policy^ — Reasons why it could not succeed in crushing the Rebel- 
lion — Department of the Gulf — The occupation of Texas determined upon — 
The reasons assigned for it — General Franklin ordered to Louisiana — Expedi- 
tion of (ienerals Banks and Franklin to Texas — The great preparations made 
for it^The broops and their commanders — The disastrous attack on Sabine Pass 
and City — Advance of the Army to Vermillionville — The coast expedition to 



CONTENTS. 25 

Texas — Reconstruction in Louisiana — The starting of the advance of the Grand 
Army- — Capture of Simmsport, Bayou Glace, and Fort de Eussy — Alexandria 
captured and occupied — Battles of Teachoes and Cane River — The Array too 
much scattered — Arrival at Grand Ecore — The advance toward Mansfield — The 
Battle of Mansfield — Rout and panic — Battle of Pleasant Hill — The rrtreat 
down the Red River — Grand Ecore — Jumping the sand-bars — Alexandria — The 
Rapids — Colonel Bailey's Dams — Escape of the Gunboats — Rear-Admiral Por- 
ter's Report — The retreat to Simmsport and Morganzia — General Steele's re- 
treat to Little Rock — General Canby in command of the Trans-Mississippi 
Division — Department of the South — Political aspirations of Florida Unionists 
■ — Their pleas for an expedition into Northern Florida — The expedition ordered 
—The plan — General Seymour at its head — Delays and disasters — Battle of 
Olustee — Retreat of the Union forces — Losses — End of the "Anaconda" 
PoUcy 672 



CHAPTER LVI. 

Sherman's Meridian expedition — The co-operative movements and their failure — 
The movable column — Advance into the enemy's country — Return — General 
Grant promoted to the Lieutenant-Generalship, and Sherman appointed to com- 
mand the Military Division of the Mississippi — Sketch of Sherman — Other 
changes in commands — Reorganization of the Eastern and Western Armies — 
Improvement in discipline and morale — Forrest and Chalmers set out on an ex- 
pedition for plunder and murder — Attack on Union City — On Paducah — The 
massacre at Port Pillow — Atrocity of the conduct of the Rebels — The Rebel 
Government promote Forrest and Chalmers for it — Buford's demand for the 
surrender of Columbus, Kentucky — Forrest's retreat 689 



CHAPTER LVII. 

Preparations for the advance — General Grant's strategy — Simultaneous movement 
• — The numbers in the opposing Armies — Situation of the subordinate Armies 
of the Union and their numbers — General Butler's advance — The feint on York 
River— Ascent of the James to City Point and Bermuda Hundred — The advance 
on Fort Dai-ling — The troops driven back — Attack of the Rebels on Bermuda 
Hundred — They are repulsed — Departure of the Eighteenth Corps — The attack 
on Petersburg — Its partial failure — Army of the Potomac- crossing the Rapi- 
dan — The Battles of May 5th and 6th — Lee's change of position — Death of 
Wadsworth — Sketch of Wadsworth — Fighting of May 7th and 8th — Partial lull 
on the 9th — Death of General Sedgwick — Desperate fighting on the 10th — The 
results still indecisive — Quiet on the next day — General Grant's despatch — 
" Fighting it out on that line" — The terrible Battle of the 12th — The charge of 
the Second Corps — Desperate fighting — Wilcox's Division forced back — Success 
turning to the Union side — Losses of the eight days on the Union side — Losses 
on the Rebel side — Impossibility of movements during the storm — Sketch of 
General Sedgwick 70-^ 

CHAPTER LVIIL 

Continuation of Grant's campaign — Battles near Spottsylvania — Reinforcements 
— The Battle of the 18th of May — The repulse — Another flank movement to the 
North Anna, and beyond — Ewell's raid upon the Union rear — He is repulsed 



26 CONTENTS. 

with loss — Fighting near the North Anna — Strength of the Rebel position — 
Another flank movement — Recrossing the North Anna — March to Ilanover- 
towu — Cavalry engagement on Tolopatomoy Creek — Battle of Tolopatomoy 
Creek, or Shady Grove Church — Topography of the country north of the Chick- 
ahominy — Position of Lee's Army — Cavalry Battle for the possession of Cold 
Harbor — The Battle of Cold Harbor — ^Desperate lighting of the Sixth and Eigh- 
teenth Corps — Fighting on other parts of the line — The Battle of the Chicka- 
hominy— Indecisive results of the gallant and desperate fighting — TJie opposing 
lines very near each other — Losses of both sides since the Battles of the Wil- 
derness — Sketch of General Hancock — Sheridan's first raid — Richmond threat- 
ened — His force surrounded at the Chickahominy — Rebuilding Meadow Bridge 
— Gallant charge on the enemy — His escape — His second raid — The Battles of- 
Treviliau Station — Sheridan withdraws, after punishing the enemy severely, 
ond rejoins the Army of the Potomac south of the James River 720 

CHAPTER LIX. 

The troops in West Virginia — Crook and Averell defeat the Rebels on New River 
— The Battle of New Market — Sigel defeated — He is relieved of command, and 
sent to Martinsburg as post commandant — General Hunter succeeds him — 
Battle near Mount Crawford — ITie Rebels defeated, and their general killed — 
Hunter captures Staunton and Lexington, and burns the Lexington Military 
Institute, and Governor Letcher's honse, but fails to join Sheridan, and is com- 
pelled by Early to fall back from Lynchburg into the Kanawha Valley, after a 
losing fight — Early takes advantage of this to descend the Shenandoah Valley 
to the Potomac — Hunter's efforts to retrieve his blunder — Army of the Poto- 
mac — Crossing the James — .Cavalry reconnoissance to Malvern Hill — The at- 
tack on Petersburg — Partial success — Butler cuts the railroad — The assaults of 
the Second and Ninth Corps on the defences of Petersburg — Incomplete success 
— The Rebels retire to their inner line of defences — Failure of the attempt to 
carry these — The attacks on the Weldon Railroad — The disastrous repulse of 
June 22d — The position nearly regained, but no advance made — Wilson's and 
Kautz's raid on the Weldon and Southside Railroads — Great destruction of rail- 
road tracks and property — Heavy losses of the expedition in its return march — 
Early's foray into Maryland and Pennsylvania — Terror of the inliabitants — 
The Battle of Monocacy — Wallace defeated — The Sixth and Nineteenth Corps 
ordered into Maryland — General Ord succeeds General Wallace — Railroads 
broken up and trains captured by the Rebels — Washington threatened — Rebels 
defeated by General Augur — Their retreat across the Potomac — Fighting at 
Snicker's and Ashby's Gaps — Averell's Battle near Winchester — Defeat of the 
Rebels — Battle of Winchester, July 24th — Crook defeated, and Mulligan killed 
— Sketch of Mulligan — The panic in Maryland and Pennsylvania renewed — 
Absurd reports — Burning of Chambersburg — Mosby's little raid — Governor 
Curtin calls a special session of the Legislature — Tliirty tliousand militia called 
out — Early's retreat — Fighting near Cumberland, Maryland — Rebels defeated 
by Averell at Moorefield, Virginia — The mine at Petersburg — Demonstration 
on the enemy's left — Fight at Deep Bottom — Explosion of the mine — Fatal 
blundering — Repulse and heavy loss 735 

CHAPTER LX. 

Sherman's Atlanta campaign — Sherman's preparations — The force under his com- 
mand, and the several Armies composing it — The Army of the enemy — Its 



CONTENTS. 2^ 

position and commander — Sketch of Johnston — The demonstration on Eocky 
Faced Ridge, and Battles there — Flanking movement through Snake Creek 
Gap on Eesaca — Battles at Resaca — Flanking movement toward Kingston — 
Capture of Rome — Crossing the Etowah — Movement toward Dallas — Battles 
of New Hope Church and Dallas— Sherman moves to the left — Occupation of 
Allatoona Pass, and Big Shanty — The Pass made a secondary base of supplies 
— The enemy driven from Pine and Lost Mountains — The aifair of " the Kulp 
House" — Assault on the enemy on Kenesaw Mountain — Repulse — Flanking 
again — The Rebels compelled to fall back to the Chattahoochie — Occupation 
of Marietta — The Union Army cross the Chattahoochie — Burning of Roswell 
factories 752 



CHAPTER LXI. 

Rousseau's expedition to Opelika, and the West Point and Mongomery Railroad 
— The position of the Union Army — First Battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 
20th— Second Battle of Peach Tree Creek, July 22d— Death of McPherson— 
Biographical sketch of General McPherson — Garrard's expedition to Covington 
— Stoneman and McCook undertake cavalry expeditions — Failure of Stoneman — 
Partial success of McCook — Battle of July 28th before Atlanta — Siege of 
Atlanta — Its strength — Tenacity of Hood in holding the railroad lines — Sher- 
man extends his hne to the right, but Hood holds the railroad — Bombardment 
of Atlanta — Wheeler's raid to cut Sherman's communication — Sherman sends 
Kilpatrick to cut the railroad below Atlanta — Partial success — Sherman raises 
the siege, and sends Williams back to the Chattahoochie, while the main Army 
moves toward Jonesboro — Battles near Jonesboro — Hardee defeated and driven 
southward — Hood evacuates Atlanta — The Union Army take possession of the 
city — Removal of the citizens from the city — Results of the campaign 764 

CHAPTER LXII. 

The Department of North Carolina and Southeast Virginia — Capture of the Under- 
writer — Attack on Newbern — Attack on Plymouth, North Carolina — Desperate 
fighting by the garrison of the Fort — Capture of Plymouth — The Albemarle's 
first appearance — She drives the Union Gunboats from the river — The Battle 
between the Albemarle and the Sassacus — Daring conduct of Commander Roe 
— The Albemarle crippled — Explosion of the boiler of the Sassacus — The hero- 
ism of the crew — The Sassacus disabled — Retreat of the Albemarle — Her subse- 
quent fate — Daring exploit of Lieutenant Gushing — Morgan's last raid into 
Kentucky — Capture of Cynthiana, and surrender of General Hobson's troops — 
Defeat of Morgan by General Burbridge — The gunboat disaster — The Rebel trap 
• — Retreat of Sturgis — The train in a slough — Complete rout and disorder, and 
loss of train and guns — Bravery of the Tj\^-ro troops — Forrest's raid on Mem- 
phis — The Forts at the entrance of Mobile Bay — Farragut's anxiety for their 
capture — The attack on the Forts — The Battle with the ram Tennessee — Her 
surrender — Results of the Ba: lie — Surrender of the Forts — Sketch of Comman- 
der Craven — Sketch of Farragut 781 

CHAPTER LXIIL 

The Middle Military Division organized, and General Sheridan appointed its com- 
mander — Organization of the new Army of the Slienandoah — Sheridan concen- 
trates his troops on the line of the Potomac — Advancing and retreating — 



28 CONTENTS. 

" Harper's Weekly" — Early's misconception of Sheridan's character — His move- 
ment to Berryville — The cavalry fight at Darkesville — The Battle of Opequan 
Creek, or Winchester — Early " sent whirling" up the Valley — Battle of Fisher's 
Hill — Early again defeated and routed — "Settling a new Cavalry General" — 
Rosser's defeat — Early defeated again at Little North Mountain, on the 12th of 
October — Sheridan visits Washington— Early creeps up on the left flank of the 
Union Army — The Union troops defeated badly, and driven to Middletown — 
Sheridan comes up, makes the fugitives " face the other way," reorganizes the 
Army, attacks, defeats, and routs Early, and sends him once more " whirling" 
up the Valley, with the loss of his artillery, wagons, etc. — Subsequent opera- 
tions in the Valley, in the Autumn — Desolating the .Valley to repress the 
guerrillas — Early sends a part of his force to Lee, and Sheridan returns the 
Sixth Corps to the Army of the Potomac — Biographical sketch of Sheridan. . . 795 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

Political parties, and their influence during the War — " The era of good feeling" 
—Its speedy termination — Fernando Wood's somersaults — The professions of the 
Pro-Slavery Democratic leaders— Their desire for a " more vigorous prosecution 
of the War" — " The great unready" — Opposition to emancipation nominally re- 
linquished — The suspension of the Habeas Corpus Act, and arbitrary arrests — 
The conscription — Their objections to it — Their hostility to the Financial Policy 
of the Government — Secret organizations opposed to the Government — The 
Peace Party and its leader — Sketch of Vallandigham — His treasonable address 
and his arrest — Judge Leavitt's refusal to grant a Writ of Habeas Corpus, and 
his opinion of treasonable utterances — Vallandighara's trial and sentence — The 
President commutes it to transportation beyond the Union lines — Protest of 
the Albany Committee — The President's reply — Protest of the Columbus 
Committee — The President's propositions — The object of these demonstrations 
— Vallandigham nominated for Governor and defeated — His escape to Canada 
and return to Ohio — Character and conduct of his associates in Canada — He 
attends the Chicago Convention — The proceedings of this Convention — Its 
platform — Its nominees — General McClellan's letter of acceptance — He accepts 
the nomination, but repudiates the platform, while Mr. Pendleton accepts both 
— Utter defeat of the Peace Party at the November election — Efforts at Nego- 
tiations for Peace — The Jacques and Gilmore mission — A. H. Stephens' appli- 
cation to go to Washington in a Rebel War Steamer — The Greeley and Sanders 
correspondence— -"To whom it may concern" — The pretended indignation of 
Clay and Holcombe — Subsequent revelations of their character and purposes — 
Lee's announcement to Jeff. Davis — P. P.Blair's mission — Rebel Commissioners 
appointed — Mr. Seward and Mr. Lincoln meet them — The conference at Hamp- 
ton Roads — The demands of Davis— Impossibility of conceding them — Failure 
of the conference 809 



CHAPTER LXV. 

The Navy of the United States at the commencement of the War — Its inadequacy 
for the work to be done — The duty required of the Navy — The purchase and 
construction of vessels for the Navy — The number, character, and armament of 
the vessels of the Navy during the War and at its close — The Iron-clads — 
Preference of the Government for the Monitors — Their efficiency in Naval Bat- 
tles — The River Iron-clads, Turtle-backs and Tin-clads — What was accomplished 



CONTENTS. 29 

by the River Squadrons — The work of the Blockaders of the Atlantic Coast — 
The Rebel Navy — Stolen vessels — Their Privateers — Their Iron-clads — Fate of 
their vessels — The Anglo-Rebel Privateers — Their names and character — The 
attempts to build armored ships for the Rebels in England and France — Their 
failure — The history of the Alabama — Her perfidious attack on the Hatteras — 
She enters the Port of Cherbourg, and finding escape without a fight impossi- 
ble, her commander challenges the Kearsarge to a Battle — The comparative 
size, armament, and crews of the two vessels, and their means of resistance — • 
Captain Semmes's " preparations" — The Deerhound — The Battle — Despicable 
conduct of the owner of the Deerhound — Semmes receives ovations — Rage of 
the English at the sinking of the Alabama— Causes of it — The capture of the 
Georgia — History of the Florida — Her capture — Commander Collins censurable 
for seizing her in a Neutral Port — Action of the United States Government — 
Brazil satisfied — Lieutenant Reed's adventures as a Pirate — Capturing fishing 
smacks and coasters — Cutting out the Cushing — Capture of the Lieutenant and 
his crew — The seizure of the Chesapeake — Her recapture — Career of the Talla- 
hassee, the Olustee, and the Chickamauga — The Shenandoah and her piracies 
— She comes to Liverpool and delivers herself up to the British Government — 
Course adopted by that Government — The career of the Stonewall or Olinde— 
Her surrender to the Spanish Government, and final transfer to the United 
States — Losses of the Mercantile Marine by the Rebel cruisers 825 



CHAPTER LXVl. 

Disturbances in Missouri — The small number of troops in the Department — Gen- 
eral Rosecrans in command there — Price thinks the opportunity favorable for 
another invasion of Missouri — Marmaduke sent to test its feasibility — He is 
repulsed and driven back toward Arkansas — Price's expedition in September — 
The number of his troops— The Union force collected to oppose him — The Battle 
of Pilot Knob — Fight at Harrison's Station — Skilful management of General 
Ewing — Rolla securely garrisoned — General Pleasonton takes command of the 
cavalry — Condition of St. Louis and Jefi'erson City — Price makes a fatal delay 
— He threatens Jefferson City, but finding it too strongly defended turns aside 
to Booneville — Sanborn follows and harasses him — Pleasonton joins in the pur- 
suit — The Battles of the BigBlue^Little Osage Crossing, and Marais des Cygnes 
— Price completely routed — He is defeated once more at Newtonia — Results — 
Indian troubles on the Frontier — The league among the tribes of the Sioux 
Nation — General Pope's ideas of the best method of breaking their power — 
General Sully sent with a large cavalry force to attack them, and Posts estab- 
lished along the Frontier— His campaign— The Battle near the Little Missouri 
— The defeat and flight of the Indians— Sully falls back to his trains and pursues 
them to the "Bad Lands" — Description of the "Bad Lands" — He attacks and 
defeats the Indians again — They are completely scattered and broken — General 
Pope's plans for Peace with them in future — The massacre of the Cheyennes 
by Colonel Chivington— Details of the surprise and slaughter— Investigation 
by the Committee on the Conduct of the War— Chivington ordered arrested — 
Rebel Plots against the citizens of the Northern States— The scheme for the 
release of the Johnson's Island prisoners, and the burning of Buffalo, Cleve- 
land, etc. — How baffled — Blackburn's plan for disseminating Yellow Fever and 
Small Pox — John T. Beall's raid upon Lake Steamers — His capture, trial, and 
execution — The raid on St. Albans — Arrest and discharge of the robbers — The 
Plot for releasing the prisoners and destroying Chicago — How discovered 



ID CONTENTS. 

— Attempt to bum the Hotels in New York — Arrest, trial, and execution of 
Kennedy 841 



CHAPTER LXVII. 

Hood attempts to cut Sherman's Line of Communication, and, movinj^from Macon, 
first goes to Dallas, and then falls back upon the railroad at Big Shanty — 
Sherman follows, and witnesses, and directs the Battle at AUatoona Pass, wliere 
the Rebel troops are defeated by General Corse — Description of Battle of 
AUatoona — Hood captures Dalton, but is compelled to abandon it, and retreats 
before Sherman to Gadsden, Alabama — Sherman pursues to Gaylesyille, and 
then detaching Thomas to Nashville, and sending him two Corps, returns to 
Kingston — Destruction of the railroad — Return to Atlanta — Its destruction — 
Sherman's Telegraphic Despatch — His general orders to his Army — The march 
— The enemy deceived and confused— The reorganization of his Army — Sketches 
of the leaders of the two wings, Generals Howard and Slocum — Disposition of 
the troops — Foraging — The route of the troops veiled by the Cavalry — Union of 
the columns at Milledgeville — Rest and collection of supplies — Skirmishing and 
fighting at Buckliead Creek and Waynesboro — The attempt to rescue the Union 
prisoners at Millcn — It is foiled by their removal — Approach to Savannah — 
The position of the troops — Assault and capture of Fort McAllister by Hazen's 
Division^Communication opened with the Fleet — Sherman summons Hardee 
to surrender, but he declines — Preparations for a siege of the City — Hardee 
evacuates it and escapes to Charleston — Savannah occupied and governed by 
General Geary — The quiet and good order of the City — Sherman's Christmas 
Present to the President — Sherman's encomiums on his generals and troops — 
The results of the capture of Savannah, and of the campaign — Sherman's Gen- 
eral Orders — Ilis interview with the leading men of the colored people — The 
assignment of the Sea Islands to the negroes during the War 854 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

The Nashville Campaign — Sherman's resolve — Davis's boast — Hood tries to fulfil 
it — The offer to give Hood his rations — Movements of General Thomas's com- 
mand — The Fourth and Twenty-third Corps assigned to General Thomas — 
Sherman's order — His instructions — A part of Hood's force crosses the Tennes- 
see — The number of Hood's troops — Effective force of Thomas — Cheatham's 
Corps crosses the Tennessee — Forrest's raid on Johnsonville — Schoficld passes 
through Johnsonville to Pulaski — Hood advances on Pulaski — Schoficld's and 
Thomas's measures — Falling back to Columbia — Calling in the garrisons — The 
crossing of Duck River— Hood attempts to flank Schoficld at Spring Hill, but 
fails to do so — Causes of the failure — The race for Franklin — Schofield wins— 
The importance of the stake — Schofield keeps the Rebels at bay till his men 
have thrown up temporary defences — Hood's address to his troops — His plan — 
Its partial success — Heroism of General Stanley — Resultsof the Battle— Sketch 
of (teneral Stanley — Schofield falls back to Nashville, and Milroy to Murfrces- 
boro — Thomas's reinforcements come up — Position of the two Armies — Hood's 
blunder — The expedition against Murfreesboro — Its failure — Thomas prepares 
to attack Hood's left, at the same time demonstrating upon his right — The Battle 
of Nashville — First day — Hosidts — Hood's condition and hopes — Second day — 
Disposition of tha troops — Cavalry attack on the rear — The general advance — 
The assault — Repulse — Advancing again — The enemy's lines broken, and he 



CONTENTS. 81 

compelled to fly in the utmost disorder — The retreat — The pursuit — Its relent- 
less character — Results — Gallant conduct of Colonel Palmer — The campaign 
in Bast Tennessee and Western Virginia — Battles of Eangsport, Abington and 
Marion — Capture of Wytheville and Saltville — Burbridge's return to Kentucky. 871 

CHAPTER LXIX. 

The Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James — Grant strikes the Weldon 
Railroad — Sharp fighting — After a desperate engagement Reams's Station falls 
into the hands of the enemy — Fort, or Battery Harrison capt\ired — Battle of 
ChiifBn's Farm — Capture of Fort McRae — Battle of Peebles' Farm — Kautz's 
Cavalry defeated — Attempt to turn the right flank of the Union Army — It fails 
— Repulse of the Union troops — The Battle of Hatcher's Rim — Mahone inter- 
poses between the Second and Fifth Corps — Failure of the entire movement — 
The first expedition against Fort Fisher — General Butler's management — The 
powder-boat — General Butler's debarkation, reconnoissance, and re-embarkation 
— He is relieved of his command — The second expedition, under command of 
General Terry — Furious bombardment — The Fort carried — Sketch of General 
Terry— Sketch of Admiral Porter 893 

CHAPTER LXX. 
The Goldsboro campaign — Sherman determines to march through the Carolinas 
• — Movement of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Corps to Hilton Head — Capture 
of Pocotaligo Bridge — Movement of the left wing — Delayed by floods — Grover's 
Division garrisons Savannah — Savannah and its defences transferred to Major- 
General Foster — The Rebels adopt the Salkahatchie as their defensive line — 
Movements of the Army of the Tennessee — Slow progress of the left wing — 
— The advance upon Orangeburg — Evacuation of Charleston — The approach 
to Oolimibia — Surrender of the City — Destructive fire — The advance to Winns- 
boro — Balpatrick's movements — The speculations of the Rebels as to Sherman's 
objective — They compel Davis to give Johnston the command of their Armies 
in North and South Carolina — Crossing the Wateree — The approach to, and 
capture of, Cheraw.— Advance on Fayetteville, N. C. — Hardee abandons it^— The 
Battle of Solomon's Grove — Kilpatrick surprised, but rallies and defeats the 
enemy — Sherman's letter to the Lieutenant-General — His correspondence with 
Wheeler and Wade Hampton — Pusillanimity and cowardice of South Carolina 
— The horrors of War dealt out to her in full measure — North Carolina spared 
— The last stage of the campaign — Hardee's attack on the left wing at Averys- 
boro — The Battle of Bentonville — The advance to Goldsboro — Mowers' daring 
flank movement — Goldsboro reached, and the Army resting and receiving sup- 
plies—General Sherman's summing up of results 913 

CHAPTER LXXI. 

Surrender of Rebel Fortifications at the entrance to Wilmington Harbor — Gen- 
eral Schofield put in command of the Department of North Carolina — The 
advance upon Fort Anderson — The Rebels abandon the Port — The operations 
of the Fleet — General Cox crosses Town Creek, bombards Eagle Island — 
Crosses Brunswick River, and drives the enemy out of Wilmington — Results 
— The movement on Kinston and Goldsboro — Battle at Southwest Creek — 
Capture of Union troops — Kinston evacuated, and occupied by Schofield— 
General Terry moves from Wilmington to Goldsboro — General Grant determines 
to cut Lee's communications on the Northwest — Sheridan's raid on Lynch- 
burg — General Grant's instructions to Generals Meade, Ord, and Sheridan — 
Gordon's attack upon Fort Stedman — He captures the Fort, but it is retaken 



Si CONTENTS. 

— General Meade's Congratulatory Order — The general advance upon Lee's lines 
— General Grant's instructions to General Sheridan- — General Warren's repulse 
— His Corps put under Sheridan's command — Sheridan's Battle at Dinwiddie 
Court House — The Battle of Five Forks — Attack on the Fortifications of 
Petersburg — Petersburg and Richmond evacuated — Pursuit of Lee — Battles 
of Jetersville, Farmville, High Bridge, DeatonsviUe, and Appomatos Station 
— Correspondence between Grant and Lee — Surrender of Lee — Sketch of Gen- 
eral Lee 985 

CHAPTER LXXIL 

The Assassination of the President — The circumstances — Attempt to murder 
other High Officers of the Government — Arrest and punishment of the Assas- 
sins — Sketch of Lincoln — The stability of the Government demonstrated — 
The advance of Sherman to Smithfield and Raleigh — Dispositions made to 
compel Johnston's surrender — Johnston asks an interview — The "memoran- 
dum drawn up and sent to Washington — Its terms — Its rejection by the 
Cabinet — General Grant bears the news, and is authorized to take command — 
Sherman's prompt action — Johnston surrenders on the same terms as Lee — 
Sherman marches his Army to Richmond and Washington — Disbanding of 
the forces — Stoneman's expedition — Canby's siege and capture of Mobile — 
Surrender of the Rebel Fleet — General Dick Taylor's surrender — Wilson's 
Cavalry expedition— Capture of Montevallo and Randolph — Croxton's separate 
expedition — The Battle and capture of Selma — Capture of Montgomery, 
Wetumpka, Ala., and Columbus, Ga. — Battle at West Point, Ga. — Its capture 
— La Grange, Griffin, and Forsyth captured— Sherman's Armistice — Capture 
of Macon — Detention at Macon — Croxton's return to the Main Army — His 
achievements — The surrender of all the Rebel troops East of the Chatta- 
hoochie — Distribution of troops — Pursuit and capture of Jefferson Davis — 
" The poor old mother" and her boots — Disposition made of the prisoner— Re- 
sults of Wilson's campaign — Kirby Smith's surrender — Sheridan on the Rio 
Grande 958 

CHAPTER LXXIIL 

Finances of the War — Unpromising state of affairs when Mr. Chase became Secre- 
tary of the Treasury — His measures — The confidence of capitalists and the 
people secured — The first Seven-thirties — I'he Five-twenty bonds — Bonds of 
1881 — Compound Interest notes — Ten-forties — The Seven-thirties of 1864, and 
1865 — Their immense sale — The early Gold Demand Notes — The Legal Tender 
Notes — Fractional Currency — Certificates of Indebtedness — Statistical table 
of the debt — Taxation — Customs — Internal Revenue — Income Tax — Amount 
of Revenue collected — The National Banking System — Suspension of Specie 
Payment and rise of Gold — Comparison of our National Debt and that of Great 
Britain in 1815 — Probable time of payment of the Debt — Rebel losses of Slave 
Property — Losses by Cavalry expeditions and raids — Union losses by raids and 
by Rebel Privateers — Grants made for Bounties and aid of Soldiers' families — 
The contributions for the Sick and Wounded — The United States Sanitary 
Commission — The Western Sanitary Commission — The Christian Commission 
— The Freedmen's Aid Commission — The'Union Commission — Other donations 
— The effect of this liberality on the Nation 989 

CHAPTER LXXrV. 
Review of the War 1002 



THE 



CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



INTROD[JCTION, 



ORIGIN OF THE SOnTHEEN REBELLION — CLASSIFICATION OP ITS SEVERAL CAUSES — THE ACT 
OP 1816 RESPBCTINQ A TARIFF — AGENCY OP HENRY CLAY AND JOHN QUINCT ADAMS — 
POSITION OF JOHN C. CALHOUN — HE FIRST CONCEIVES HIS PROJECT OF NULLIFICATION — 
HIS MEMORIAL TO GOVERNOR HAMILTON — THE OPERATION OP A HIGH TARIFF — THE LEGIS- 
LATURE OF SOUTH CAROLINA — OUTBREAK OF THE NULLIFICATION MOVEMENT — VIGOROUS 
MEASURES OP PRESIDENT JACKSON — MR. CALHOUN IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE — A 
MEMORABLE DEBATE — FINAL SETTLEMENT OF THE DIFFICULTY — AMERICAN SLAVERY — ITS 
ORIGIN — THE PROPOSITION OP THOMAS JEFFERSON — SLAVERY IN THE TERRITORIES^ — THE 
COMPACT OP 1787 — COMPROMISE OF HENRY CLAY — ANNEXATION OF TEXAS — THE WILMOT 
PROVISO — COMPROMISE OP 1850 — SLAVERY IN KANSAS — RISE OP THE REPUBLICAN PARTY 
— ITS PRINCIPLES AND POLICY — ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES BUCHANAN — TREASON IN THE 
FEDERAL CABINET — PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS OF THE CONSPIRATORS — POLICY OF MR. 
BUCHANAN RESPECTING SECESSION — PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN OP 1860 — ELECTION OP 
MR. LINCOLN — THE DOCTRINE OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY AS OPPOSED TO FEDERAL CENTRALI- 
ZATION — DISCUSSION OF THE SUBJECT. 



From the period of the establishment of the Federal Government, the 
people of South Carolina have been remarkable for their restive and trouble- 
some temper. They were among the most tardy and reluctant of the 
States in announcing their approval and acceptance of the Federal Con- 
stitution. They have always entertained a false and exaggerated estimate 
of their own importance in the Union ; and in all the troubles which have 
disturbed and alienated the opposite portions of the country, in all the 
conflicts in the National Legislature which have endangered the per- 
petuity of the Union, they and their leading statesmen have had an un- 
enviable prominence. Their pernicious influence has been extended on 
various occasions to the communities immediately around them ; and in 
some instances their disloyal example has been followed by not a few of 
the Southern States. Thus it was that they were gradually instrumental 
in fomenting a feeling extremely hostile to the Federal Government, 
which at length culminated in the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion. 
Although the censure due to the originators and chief perpetrators of 
that great crime does not belong exclusively to the people of South 
Carolina, it is but justice to ascribe to their agency a predominating 
(3) (33) 



3i THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

sliare of it. We may arrange all the controversies which contributed 
to the birth of this Rebellion, under the three following general heads : 

I. The Free Trade Policy, which, under the influence of Mr. Calhoun, 
led to the experiment of Nullification. 

TI. The Advocacy of Slavery, both as already existing in the Southern 
States, and as proposed in the new territories of the Federal Union. 

III. The Doctrine of State Sovereignty and Supremacy, in opposition 
to the policy of Federal Centralization and Power. 

In discussing the various causes which led to the Southern Rebellion, 
we will treat of them as comprised under these three general topics, and 
in the order of their historical sequence. 

I. In the year 1816 an act was passed by the Federal Congress, by 
which a reduction of five per cent, was made on imported woolen and 
cotton goods. The people and the statesmen of the country who were in 
favor of the policy of protection, were opposed to this reduction, and 
determined as soon as possible to secure the adoption of a higher 
tariff. Accordingly, in 1824, Henry Clay and John Quincy Adams suc- 
ceeded in obtaining the passage of a law, by which the profits of certain 
kinds of manufactures were greatly increased. It was soon discovered 
that the manufacturers of the Eastern States, those engaged in the iron 
trade in Pennsylvania, and the producers of wool and hemp in the 
Northern and Western States, who constituted the most important por- 
tions of the mercantile community in the nation, were not sufficiently 
protected by this tariff. Accordingly, in the session of Congress of 
1827-8, after a long and desperate conflict with the advocates of the 
interests of the single staple of the South — cotton — a bill was passed 
imposing a tariff of duties, the average rate of which was nearly fifty per 
cent, on imports. This act received the votes of all the Representatives 
of the nation except those of the more prominent Southern States. The 
-latter condemed it in the most violent terms : stigmatized it as a " bill of 
abominations;" and began to mutter threats of future resistance and ven- 
geance. 

At that period the most distinguished member of Congress from the 
South, with the single exception of the patriotic Henry Clay, was John 
Caldwell Calhoun, of South Carolina. No man excelled him, among that 
high and brilliant galaxy of genius, in logical acuteness, in his 
power of close, clear, demonstrative reasoning, in his general knowledge 
of the principles of international and municipal law, and in the boldness 
and fearlessness of his character. He was even then the Magnus Aijolh 
of Sectionalism ; and as soon as the tariff of 1828 was passed, in spite of 
his opposition and that of his confederates, by which the interests of the 
cotton States were made secondary to the welfare of the whole nation, he 
commenced to revolve in his mind the desperate scheme of Nullification. 
If the National Government would not become subservient to the promo- 



CLASSIFICATION OF ITS CAUSES— THE ACT OF 1816. 35 

tion of the interests of the South could it not be possible to resist and 
overpower that government, v.'ithin the limits of the offended states? 
Calhoun's answer to this inquiry was an affirmative one. 

Immediately after the adoption of this high tariff, meetings were held 
in several portions of South Carolina, in which the policy of Nullification 
was introduced, discussed, and finally commended. At the request of 
eoine of his constituents, Mr. Calhoun prepared a document, in July, 1831, 
which defended this policy under the existing state of affairs. This pro- 
duction was styled "The South Carolina Exposition and Protest on the 
subject of the Tariff," and was addressed to the Legislature of the State. 
That body ordered a large number of copies to be printed and distributed, 
and afterward passed a resolution which declared the Tariff Acts of Con- 
gress for the protection of the manufacturers of the North and East un- 
constitutional ; asserted that they ought to be resisted, and invited other 
States of the South to unite with South Carolina in opposing the execution 
of those acts within their respective limits. 

At that period Andrew Jackson and Mr. Calhoun were personal and 
political friends. But soon the latter became dissatisfied with the admin- 
istration of the former, and was gradually alienated from him. The 
President did not condemn the high tariff, as Mr. Calhoun believed it 
his duty to do; and from the year 1831 Mr. Calhoun took the position of 
an open enemy to his policy and his person. One cause of the hostility 
which thenceforth existed between these remarkable men, was the fact, 
that at that period General Jackson discovered that Mr. Calhoun had, 
while a member of Mr. Monroe's Cabinet, advised that he should be rep- 
rimanded for his conduct during the Seminole war, in putting Arbuthnot 
and Armbruster to death. Thenceforth there was a bitter and implacable 
hostility between them, which endured without abatement till the end of 
their lives. 

Mr. Calhoun continued his active agency in preparing the people of 
South Carolina for forcible resistance to the Federal Government, and in 
preparing the way for practical Nullification. In August, 1882, he 
addressed a memorial of great length and marked ability to James Ham- 
ilton, at that time Governor of South Ca-rolina, presenting all the arguments 
which could be devised in favor of that policy. In this production, which 
the people of South Carolina regarded as their Magna Gharta, he assumed 
and defended the position that the Federal Constitution was a mere compact, 
which had been made and ratified by the several States which had adopted 
it, and that they had done so in their capacity as sovereign and indepen- 
dent governments. He further contended, that in adopting the Federal 
Constitution, the several States regarded the General Government merely 
as their agent in the exercise of certain powers and functions which they 
had delegated to that government, of the extent and nature of which the 
States themselves were, and always must remain, the final and supreme 



36 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

judges. lie concluded by endeavoring to prove, that when the General 
Government abused the powers thus delegated to it by the several States, 
in the opinion of all or any of them, the State or States so regarding it, 
possessed the right to resist and nullify the illegal acts performed by the 
Federal Government, each within its own particular limits. 

These positions Mr. Calhoun defended with great vigor of thought and 
force of reasoning. His views were, however, in opposition to those of 
Washington, Hamilton, and nearly all the founders of the Federal 
Government. They were condemned by the whole "Whig party through- 
out the nation ; and even the majority of the Democratic party through- 
out the South, with the exception of South Carolina, withheld their 
approval of them. 

The results produced by the existence and operation of a high tarift' 
were found to be most beneficial. The surplus of the revenue constantly 
increased. The public debt was rapidly melting away from the ample 
resources furnished by the duties on imports. President Jackson stated, 
in his annual message of December, 1831, that soon the public debt would 
by this precess be entirely liquidated ; and recommended that, inasmuch 
as so high a tariff would then be no longer necessary, it should be after- 
ward reduced. Accordingly the act of 1832 was passed by Congress, 
which was declared by its supporters to be the ultimatum, the permanent 
proportion, of imposts which ought to exist and be retained in the country. 

But this wise policy did uot satisfy Mr. Calhoun and his confederates. 
He and they insisted that if the public debt had been liquidated by the 
public revenue, then there was no longer a necessity for any tariff what- 
ever; and that the reduced tariff just aflopted was entirely too high to 
remain as the permanent law of the land, after the exigencies of the nation 
and of the government had been met. 

As no one except the people and representatives of South Carolina 
could discover the force or the conclusiveness of this reasoning they stood 
alone in the advocacy of their position. The rest of the nation contended 
and believed that the machinery of the National Government involved 
other expenses, and required other resources besides those connected with 
the public debt ; and consequently they insisted that there should still 
remain a reasonable tariff, which might furnish a sufficient revenue to 
meet other inevitable expenditures. They therefore refused to adopt tlie 
free trade policy, as contended for by the people and the politicians of 
South Carolina. 

This determination was the signal for an immediate resort to desperate 
measures by the disaffected. The Representatives in Congress from South 
Carolina issued an address to the people of that State, informing them 
that the Federal Government had at last adopted the protective system 
&s its "permanent and unalterable policy ; asserting that no hope of future 
relief could be entertained from that source, and urging them to adopt 



OUTBREAK OP THE NULLIFICATION MOVEMENT. 3^ 

such measures as would effectually remedy the evil. An election for 
members of the State Legislature was about to take place, and the issue 
was at once formed for or against Nullification, among the candidates 
voted for. A violent contest ensued. Although the great majority of 
the electors in the State were in favor of the policy of Mr. Calhoun, there 
was another party in existence, small, but highly respectable, and very 
determined, headed by the distinguished statesman Joel R. Poinset, who 
supported the measures of the General Government. But their efforts in 
behalf of law and order were unavailing, and the struggle terminated in 
the election of a large majority of Nullifiers to the Legislature. 

That body assembled in October, 1832, and chose delegates to a State 
Convention, which met at Columbia on the 19th of November. On the 
24th of the month, the Convention passed the famous order of Nullifica- 
tion. That ordinance declared the acts of Congress of 1828 and 1832 to 
be wholly null and void within the limits of the State of South Carolina. 
It forbade any appeal to be made to the Supreme Court of the United 
States in any case involving the validity of the ordinance itself. It 
prohibited the authorities of the State of South Carolina, or of the Fede- 
ral Government, from executing the acts of Congress aforesaid within the 
State, from and after the first of February, 1833 ; and it declared that any 
attempt made by the Federal Government to enforce the revenue laws 
otherwise than through the civil tribunals, which would of course be 
abortive, would be an outrage so great as to ."justify the State in seceding 
from the Union, and in estahlishing a separate and independent government^ 
The Legislature of South Carolina was still in session, and that body 
immediately passed resolutions which approved of this ordinance, and 
gave it greater effect. It did more. It ordered the State to be placed in 
a position of defence; it organized, armed, and equipped the number of 
troops which were deemed necessary to resist the General Government in 
its efforts to enforce the collection of the revenue; and -it encouraged the 
citizens to maintain their position and to defend their invaded rights 
until the last extremity. 

As soon as the action of the Nullifiers of South Carolina became known 
to the inflexible hero and patriot who then sat in the chief executive 
chair of the nation, he took the most vigorous measures to crush them. 
He issued a proclamation declaring the ordinance of the State Convention 
treasonable, and subversive of the Federal Constitution ; he announced 
his determination to enforce the collection of the national revenue at all 
hazards; and ho cautioned the people of the State of South Carolina against 
the ruinous policy which they were tempted to adopt. This proclamation 
was answered by another from Mr. Hayue, at that time Governor of the 
State, in which the policy of Nullification was justified. At the same 
time the latter summoned twelve thousand volunteers to take arms in 
(^position to the Federal troops. 



88 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

During tlie progress of these events Mr. Calhoun had remained in 
South Carolina, and had been the prime mover in the rebellion. In 
December, 1832, he was chosen to succeed Mr. Hayne in the United 
States Senate, and to defend the conduct of his native State in the Na 
tional Legislature. At that moment President Jackson was undecided 
whether it was not his duty to arrest Mr. Calhoun before he reached 
Washington, on the charge of treason ; and the general impression was, 
fihat such an event would take- place. Beyond the limits of South Caro- 
lina Mr. Calhoun was generally regarded with distrust, sometimes with 
abhorrence, as being in heart a traitor to the government; and on his 
way to Washington, he was repeatedly assailed by the clamors and in- 
sults of the indignant people. But he was at that time Vice President 
of the United States, and he remained invested with that office until he 
took his seat in the Senate. That fact and other prudent considerations, 
induced Jackson to refrain from the extreme measure which he had once 
contemplated. But it is worthy of remark, that the stern hero of New 
Orleans afterward bitterly regretted his lenity on this occasion, and con- 
tinued to do so during the remainder of his life. 

Shortly after Mr. Calhoun took his seat in the Senate, he introduced 
a resolution requesting the President of tbe United States to lay before 
that body the documents connected with the Nullification ordinance, cer- 
tified copies of which had been transmitted to him by Governor Ilayne. 
Immediately, and before his request could be complied with. General 
Jackson addressed a message to the Senate bearing date January 16th, 
1833, in which he condemned the conduct of South Carolina in reference 
to the question of Nullification. This message, and all the documents 
having i-eference to the matter, were referred to the Committee on the 
Judiciary for consideration. Daniel Webster was a prominent member 
of this committee, and exerted himself to procure the adoption of such a 
report as should effectually crush the scorpion head of Nullification. 
Under his guidance the committee reported the famous Force Bill, which 
invested the President with additional powers in reference to the matter, 
and extended and increased the jurisdiction of the courts of the United 
States in cases arising under the revenue laws. Tlie acknowledged pur- 
pose of this bill was to enable and encourage the President to put down 
Nullification by force of arms. 

At this crisis Mr. Calhoun came forward, and enacted the most distin- 
guished and important achievement of his life. lie addressed the Senate, 
and proposed that, before the discussion of the provisions of this bill 
should be commenced, the important abstract questions of constitutional 
law, which were involved in the issue, should be debated; and in order 
to bring about that result, he introduced a number of resolutions, which 
included the topics at issue. These resolutions contained the substance and 
the germ of the whole policy of southern resistance to the Federal Gov 



MR. CALHOUN IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE. 39 

ernment, and they have been since, and still remain, the creed and 
catechism of secession politicians. The overwhelming majority which 
was arrayed against Mr. Calhoun in the Senate, soon laid those resolutions 
upon the table; and the bill reported by the committee was then taken 
up for consideration. A memorable debate ensued. Mr. Calhoun deliv- 
ered on this occasion his ablest effort, known as his "speech against the 
Force Bill." But his logic and eloquence were useless. The bill passed, 
after one of the most magnificent displays of forensic power and genius 
ever witnessed in that hall, which has been the arena of so many masterly 
and consummate orators. The bill became a law on the 28th of February, 
183S. 

Immediately afterward, General Jackson adopted the most vigorous 
measures to crush the power and the life of the hydra of Nullification. 
He dispatched General Scott with a body of troops to Charleston. Forts 
Pinckney and Moultrie, which have been since invested with an unfortunate 
celebrity, were strongly garrisoned. When the rebels discovered that 
they had no time-serving, imbecile, pusillanimous supreme magistrate to 
contend with ; when they saw that, if they persisted in resisting the pro- 
cesses and the writs of the Federal Government, Charleston would be 
bombarded, and they would feel the full weiglit of the just indignation of 
the government, they retraced their steps, their ardor died out, they 
approved of more prudent measures; and eventually the same State 
Convention which had adopted the infamous Ordinance of Nullification, 
repealed it, and ceased their opposition to the authority of the United 
States. 

Such was the termination of the first attempt of the politicians of South 
Carolina to resist the execution of the laws, and to destroy the unity of 
the National Government. Nor can we forbear here to indulge the re- 
flection that if, on the more recent outbreak of rebellion which has oc- 
curred in that State, so thoroughly infected with treason, a chief execu- 
tive officer, possessing the same energy, sagacity, and patriotism, had 
occupied the highest seat of power, measures of the same efi'ective nature 
would have been adopted, which would have speedily led to the accom- 
plishment of the same glorious and felicitious results. The seed, how- 
ever, which Calhoun and his associates sowed, fell into productive soil, 
took deep root, sprang up, and brought forth deadly and noxious fruit, 
some sixty, some even a hundred fold. His memorable saying was not 
forgotten : " If you should ask me the word that I would wish to have 
engraven on my tombstone, I answer, it is Nullification." 

II. The second cause which led to the Southern Eebellion was the con- 
test, often characterized by extreme bitterness and malignity, which has 
been progressing during many years between the opposite portions of 
this Union, in reference to the extension and restriction of slavery, ita 
perpetuity in those States in which it already existed, and its introduction 



10 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

into those new Territories which have been, and which might hereafter be, 
from time to time, organized by the Federal Government. 

In March, I80O, John C. Calhoun declared, in the Senate of the United 
States, that he had believed from the first that " the agitation of the sub- 
ject of slavery would, if not prevented by some timely and effective 
measure, end in the dissolution of the Union." His prediction was veri- 
fied. The " agitation" of so important an institution can n^er be pre- 
vented or suspended, even on tlie part of prudent, moderate, and con- 
servative statesmen, and hence the expedient of disunion was at last re- 
sorted to. We will present a brief survey of the facts connected with the 
past history and discussion of this irrepressible subject in our country. 

On the 22d of December, 1620, a Dutch trading vessel, a slave ship, 
sailing directly from the coast of Africa, pasaed up James river, in Vir- 
ginia, and landed twenty negroes, who were immediately sold to the 
chief inhabitants of Jamestown. They were the first slaves of African 
origin who ever existed on the American continent. The purchasers 
were English adventurers, aristocratic cavaliers, who, at home, had been 
accustomed to idleness and luxury, but having become reduced in 
wealth, had emigrated to the new world to improve their broken fortunes. 
To men of such habits and tastes the presence of such chattels as slaves, 
compelled to obey all their whims and minister to all their caprices, was 
a very acceptable and novel addition to their means of enjoyment. The 
example of this Dutch slave dealer, whose name has passed into an igno- 
minious oblivion, was soon followed by others; and in a short time 
vessels, crowded with the manacled and helpless children of Africa, 
sailed into every port of the American continent, and freely sold their 
human cargoes to the inhabitants of every colony which had then been 
planted. 

By this means, and by the natural increase of the negroes, slavery 
became gradually established in all the thirteen colonies. Immediately 
after the conclusion of the Revolutionary War, and while the several 
States were still governed by the Articles of Confederation, Thomas Jeffer- 
son introduced a resolution into the Continental Congress to the effect that, 
after the year 1800, no slavery should exist in any of the Western Terri- 
tories or on any soil not included within the established and ancient limits 
of the States themselves. This proposition was made in April, 1784. 
But it was overruled because, though sixteen delegates voted for it, and 
only seven against it, the Articles of Confederation required that the 
votes of m«e States should be given in favor of any resolution to give it 
the validity of law. When the Federal Constitution was discussed 
previous to its adoption, this subject was the most difficult with which 
the immortal sages and statesmen who composed that instrument were 
called upon to deal. Already had this institution become closely inter- 
woven with all the customs, interests, and associations of the citizens of 



AMERICAN SLAVERY— ITS ORIGIN. 41 

the Southern States ; and whatever might be the abstract opinions which 
the people of those States entertained in reference to the subject of , 
human liberty, and the equal rights of man, their personal feeling and 
their individual interests had become identified with negro bondage, as 
an essential feature of their social and political existence. All, there- 
fore, that could be done by the advocates of the discontinuance of this 
institution was, to obtain the introduction of a clause in the amendments 
to the Constitution, somewhat ambiguous in its meaning, which enacted 
that "No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without 
due process of law, nor shall private property be taken for public use 
without just compensation." 

As this provision amounted to little or nothing in restricting the difi^u- 
sion of slavery, when new Territories were occupied and settled in the 
South, and were afterward elevated to the dignity and invested with the 
prerogatives of sovereign States, slavery invariably went hand in hand 
with that process. Thus, when Kentucky was formed out of the limits 
of Virginia, when Tennessee was carved out of those of North Carolina, 
when Alabama and Mississippi were created from those of Georgia, this 
institution constituted a component element of their political and social 
existence. When first these regions were ceded to the Federal Govern- 
ment as Territories, it was with the express understanding, that Congress 
should not attempt by any law or statute to abolish slavery within their 
boundaries ; and they even stipulated, by an express condition, that when 
these Territories had acquired the requisite number of white inhabitants 
to entitle them to admission to the Union as States, they should be thus 
admitted with the institution of slavery as it then already existed in them, 
fully recognized, allowed, and protected. 

The sixth- article of the compact made in 1787, between the United 
States and the people and States west and northwest of the river Ohio, pro- 
hibited the introduction of slavery in those immense regions. An 
attempt was made in January, 1807, in the American Congress, to sus- 
pend this article for ten years throughout the vast " Indiana Territory," 
of which General Harrison was then the Governor. It failed, and thus 
those States and Territories have ever since remained exempt from the 
presence and the incubus of negro slavery. 

On three several occasions a desperate struggle occurred in Congress, 
in reference to the existence of slavery in the territory comprised within 
the State of Missouri. The first was in 1817, when she was admitted as 
a Territory. Then an eftbrt was made to have a clause forbidding the 
existence of slavery in her limits inserted in her constitution. After a 
long and angry debate that clause was expunged. The second contest 
occurred in 1819, when Missouri presented her claim to admission to the 
Union as a State. Henry Clay was then Speaker of the House, and the 
committee appointed by him to report on the subject, were all, with a 



42 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

• 

single exception, Representatives from tlie South. They reported in favor 
of the recognition of slavery in the Territory. Tlieir recommendation, 
after .another protracted and vigorous conflict, was supported by both 
Houses ; and slavery was recognized by an express clause of the Constitu- 
tion of the State. The third combat on this subject occurred in 1820. It 
was called forth by an attempt of the pro-slavery advocates to amend the 
Constitution of the State, so as to prevent free negroes from entering and 
residing within the limits of Missouri ; and asking the approval of Con- 
gress to the measure. On this occasion, after a lengthy discussion, Henry 
Clay, who may justly be termed the Napolton of Compromises, came for- 
ward with his famons Missouri Compromise, as the best possible settle- 
ment of a difficulty which became apparently more complicated and more 
pernicious from hour to hour. He proposed, in the report of a committee 
of which he was the chairman, that a pledge should be required of the 
Legislature of Missouri, that the Constitution of that State should not be 
interpreted to authorize the passage of a law, .bj' which any of the citizens 
of either of the States should be excluded from the enjoyment of all the 
privileges and immunities to which they were anywhere entitled, under 
the Constitution of the United States. The meaning of this proposition 
was, that as negroes were then recognized by the constitutions of several of 
the State.s, as citizens possessing certain rights ; and as the Federal Con- 
stitution recognized the validity of those State constitutions, therefore, the 
State of Missouri should not pass any law which deprived the free negroes 
residing within her limits of the rights which they might elsewhere have 
possessed. 

The measure introduced and advocated by Mr. Clay, was eventually 
passed, and became the law of the land in February, 1821. 

Tha Territory of Texas was originally a province belonging to the 
Vice-royalty of Mexico, while that State was yet a portion of the Spanish 
monarchy. After the deliverance of Mexico from Spanish power and 
tyranny, Texas remained a part of the Mexican Republic. In 1835 
her inhabitants revolted from the authority of that Republic, and estab- 
lished an independent government. In 1836 the decisive victory of San 
Jacinto secured the perpetuity of their liberties, by delivering the Texans 
from the authority of their former rulers. In 18-ii the new Republic 
apj-lied for admission to the Federal Union ; and as slavery already ex- 
isted within her limits, that difficult and eternally obtrusive theme 
became a prominent element of the discussions which ensued in conse- 
quence of her application. Texas was finally admitted to the Union in 
1845, with a clause in her constitution fully recognizing the existence of 
slavery within her borders. 

The war with Mexico whose government had protested against the ad- 
mission of Texas, immediately followed. The armies of the United States, 
under the generalship of the gallant Scott and Taylor, marched into the 



SLAVERY IN THE TERRITORIES. 43 

territory of the enemy, and carried the Stars and Stripes in triumph fi'om 
one field of glory to another, until they were unfurled, and waved in 
majestic splendor, from the summit of the towers and spires of the . city 
"of Montezuma. During the progress of this memorable war, the Federal' 
Congress voted liberal supplies to our armies in Mexico ; but in August, 
1846, when President Polk demanded an appropriation of thirty thousand 
dollars for immediate use, and two millions more for subsequent exigen- 
cies, a number of the Representatives from the North determined to em- 
brace the opportunity to place some restriction, as the price of their votes, 
upon the extension of slavery in the territory which had been the cause 
of the war. 

Hon. David Wilmot, of Pennsylvania, was chosen aa the representa- 
tive of this faction, and he offered in the House his famous proposition, 
known as the Wilmot Proviso. That Proviso set forth : " That as an ex- 
press and fundamental condition to the acquisition of any territory from 
the Republic of Mexico by the United States, by virtue of any treaty 
which may be negotiated between them, and to the use by the Executive 
of the monies herein appropriated, neither slavery nor involuntary servi- 
tude shall ever exist in any part of said territory, except for crime, 
whereof the party shall first be duly convicted." This proposition, after 
being adopted by the House, was rejected by the Senate. It was subse- 
quently revived in various forms, and under different disguises. Mean- 
while the war progressed to a glorious conclusion, and other topics of 
grave and absorbing interest occupied the attention of Congress and the 
nation. But the peculiar circumstances under which the Wilmot Proviso 
happened to have been originally proposed, gave it a prominence in the 
annals of American political affairs, to which it was not entitled by any 
inherent importance or merit of its own. 

After the triumphant termination of the war with Mexico, a grateful 
nation elevated Zachary Taylor to the Presidential chair. It became the 
duty of the Congress which immediately afterward convened, to determine 
whether or not slavery should be admitted into the newly-acquired Ter- 
ritories of California and New Mexico. This topic elicited, as was usually 
the case, a^discussion of extreme duration and violence. At length, in 
January, 1850, Henry Clay proposed his resolutions in the Senate known 
as the Compromise of 1850. 

The most important propositions contained in this remarkable docu- 
ment were these : That it was inexpedient for Congress to provide by 
law, either for the introduction of slavery into, or for its exclusion from 
any of the territory acquired by the United States from Mexico ; that ter- 
ritorial governments should be provided by Congress for all those new 
acquisitions, without adopting any provision whatever respecting slavery ; 
that it was inexpedient to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia, as 
long as slavery existed in Maryland ; that, however, it was expedient to 



44 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



prohibit, within the District, the sale of slaves which should be brought 
into it from other States, either for the purpose of being sold in it, or of 
being transported through it to slave markets elsewhere. In support of 
this compromise Mr. Clay exhausted, for the last time, all the resources' 
of his marvellous and matchless eloquence, — an eloquence whose persua- 
sive power and pathos the heavy burden of years had been unable to di- 
minish or enfeeble. The venerable statesman presented in the Senate of the 
United States, on that occasion, one of the sublimest spectacles ever ex- 
hibited by pure patriotism., by exalted genius, and by dauntless hero- 
ism, iq the annals of mankind. He believed that the safety and perpe- 
tuity of the Federal Union, to whose power and glory he had himself 
contributed so much and so long, depended upon the adoption of the 
measures which he then proposed ; and he acted and spoke accordingly. 

One of the most memorable debates which ever occurred in the 
National Legislature ensued, in the discussion of these propositions. 
Eminent Senators delivered some of their most elaborate and masterly 
arguments. Among those who opposed them with great zeal, was 
Jefferson Davis, then honored as the Senator from Mississippi. During 
the long period of two months, the subject occupied the exclusive atten- 
tion of Congress. Mr. Clay's propositions gradually became modified by 
so many amendments, mutilations, and addenda, that they were finally 
termed, with considerable show of propriety, the Omnibus Bill. As the 
Omnibus Bill, they were eventually passed by both Houses ; but when 
thus adopted they retained very little of the spirit and of the purposes 
which characterized them when they iirst proceeded from the gifted 
mind and the patriotic heart of the Sage of Ashland. Another impor- 
tant feature of this act was the adoption of a more efficient fugitive slave 
law, by which the slave property of the South was protected still more 
zealously and efficiently than before. 

All these struggles, to which the institution of slavery had thus far 
given rise, were mere impalpable conflicts of words. A time now ap- 
proached, in the history of this controversy, when it assumed more 
tragical and desperate aspects, and became invested with more formida- 
ble and repulsive features. 

In the session of Congress of 1852-3, Stephen A. Douglas introduced 
a bill for the purpose of organizing the Territory of Nebraska out of the 
region lying immediately west of Missouri. It is evident that this 
Territory was included within the limits of that tract from which 
slavery was forever to be excluded, and to which exclusion the Southern 
States had themselves consented, by the terms of the Missouri Compro- 
mise, in order that they might obtain the admission of Missouri as a 
slave State. In 1852 the National Conventions, both of the Whig and 
the Democratic parties, indorsed and accepted the Compromise of 1850, 
which implied that the Territory of Nebraska should not be made a slave 



SLAVERY IN KANSAS. AS 

region. In January, 1854, Mr. Douglas reported a bill for the purpose 
of organizing the Territory of Nebraska, in which a clause was intro- 
duced, which declared that the Missouri restriction on slavery in that 
Territory was inoperative tmd void. In May, 1854, this bill passed both 
Houses of Congress, was signed by the President, and became a law. 
During the progress of the discussion, however, the bill had been 
variously modified ; and, when finally adopted, it contained the following 
important provision : that it was the true meaning and intent of the act 
of 1850, not to legislate slavery into any Territory or State, nor to ex- 
clude it therefrom ; " but to leave the people thereof perfectly free to 
regulate their own domestic institution in their own way, subject only 
to the Constitution of the United States;" and that such a policy of non- 
intervention, neither protecting, establishing, prohibiting, nor abolishing 
slavery within the Nebraska Territory, should remain a fundamental 
principle in its Constitution. 

Subsequent to the passage of this law, aad expressly covered by its 
provisions, the Territory of Kansas was organized. It unquestionably 
left the people, that is, those who were the lawful citizens of both Ter- 
ritories, at liberty to determine for themselves whether or not slavery 
should" exist in future within their limits. It devolved the important 
duty of deciding the matter upon the legal authorities of each Territory, 
chosen in a legitimate manner, and expi-essing their will in a constitu- 
tional way. Then the great struggle began in regard to the ultimate 
decision of the people respecting the existence of slavery in future 
among them; and then were enacted all those horrors and outrages 
which have rendered the annals of Kansas a dark and repulsive spot on 
the pages of American history. 

After the organization of the Territory, successive Governors, ap- 
pointed by the President, administered its affairs with different degrees 
of integrity and success, some of them being honest, sober, and capable 
men ; others being knavish, drunken, and imbecile. The legal inhabi- 
tants of Kansas began to assemble in various portions of the Territory, 
to express their opinions in public meetings, to arrange their plans of 
political action, and to perform other duties which devolved on them as 
good citizens. Prominent among these duties, in the progress of time, 
were the adoption of a State constitution and the formation of a State 
government. The paramount question to be decided by them still was, 
whether slavery should be recognized and permitted as a future element 
in the laws and the social condition of the community. Conventions 
were held at Lawrence, at Topeka, and elsewhere. The convention 
which sat at Topeka in September, 1855, possessed all the sanctions and 
forms of law in its favor, which were necessary to invest its_ acts with a 
legitimate and binding authority. It was summoned by an express 
proclamation of the Governor. It was attended by all the executive 



4& THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

officers of tbe Territory, by the Clerk of the Supreme Court, and by the 
Attorney-General. Its members were chosen 'in a legal manner, and 
they represented the lawful inhabitants of the Territory. They passed a 
resolution providing for the better government and organization of the 
State, designated the proper qualification of voters, and appointed the 
times and places where these voters should assemble to determine 
whether slavery should in future exist witliin their limits. 

The large majority of the inhabitants of Kansas were ardently opposed 
to slavery. The Territory had long been the scene of execrable acts of 
violence and disorder which were perpetrated chiefly by that class of 
depraved and irresponsible persons who will always constitute a part of 
the inhabitants of any new territory. But at the period which now 
arrived, these outrages assumed a more terrible form, and events occurred 
in that remote and primitive region, which make the citizens of a well 
ordered and prosperous social State shudder with horror. This contest 
also assumed importance in another respect. Kansas became represen- 
tative ground, and the struggle a representative one between the whole 
North and South — between the partisans of slavery and the advocates 
of freedom throughoul the entire nation. 

As the question whether Kansas should thenceforth be a free State 
was to be determined at the ballot-box, the ballot-box became the centre 
around which many of these violent outrages clustered. The majority 
of the opponents of the freedom of Kansas were to be found among the 
desperate and savage adventurers who lived in Missotfri, in the vicinity 
of the Kansas border. Immense crowds of these ruffians, infuriated by 
political rancor, and still more by excess in intoxicating drinks, rode 
over to the places appointed for holding the elections ; and sometimes 
by threats, sometimes by actual violence, d^gited the purposes of the 
law, and interfered with, and often entirely suppressed, the rights of the 
citizens at the ballot-box. 

The Convention which was held at Topeka, in Kansas, adopted a free 
State constitution for the future government of .the T«trit%ryA That 
constitution was afterward presented in due form to Congress for their 
approval, by commissioners appointed for that purpose. In the House 
the document was referred to the Committee on Territories ; a majority 
of whom reported in favor of the admission of Kansas, under its pro- 
visions, as a free State. A desperate contest then ensued between the 
advocates of slavery and its opponents, in which Alexander II. Stephens, 
of Georgia, afterward the Vice Pi-esident of the Southern Confederacy, 
especially distinguished himself At length, hov/ever, on the 3d of July, 
1856, the final vote was taken upon the subject, and the bill passsed ; 
thus receiving the sanction of law, so far as the approval of that particular 
department of the National Legislature was concerned. 

In this review of the causes which led to the Southern Rebellion, it is 



RISE OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY. i*j 

proper that a brief notice be taken of the famous " Dred Scott case," by 
which the advocates of the interests of slaveholders succeeded in obtain- 
ing from a majority of the judges of the Supreme Court of the United 
States an opinion which threw the weight and the influence of that august 
tribunal in favor of pro-slavery interests and pretensions. Chief Justice 
Taney, while concurring in the judgment of the majority of the Court, 
that the Circuit Court of the United States, for Missouri, had no jurisdic- 
tion in the suit brought by the plaintiff" in error, Dred Scott, on the ground 
that the latter was not a citizen of Missouri, went on to take jurisdiction 
- for the announcement of an opinion, not growing out of the case, nor 
justly deducible from any thing which had occurred in it, but only de- 
clared in the interests of slavery, to the effect that for more than a century 
previous to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, negroes, 
whether slave or free, had been regarded as " beings of an inferior order 
and altogether unfit to associate with the white race, either in social or 
political relations ; and so far inferior that they had no rights which the 
white man was bound to respect," that consequently such persons were 
not included among the " people " in the general words of that instrument, 
and could not in any respect be considered as citizens ; that the inhibition 
of slavery in the territories of the United States, lying north of the line 
of thirty-six degrees, thirty minutes, known as the Missouri compromise, 
was unconstitutional ; and that Dred Scott, a negro slave, who was re- 
moved by his master from Missouri to Illinois, lost whatever freedom he 
may have thus acquired, by being subsequently removed into the Territory 
of Wisconsin, and by his return .to the State of Missouri. 

To the monstrous assumptions of this ex parte opinion, unsustained as 
they were by any authorities, and contradicted by an able argument of 
the Chief Justice himself in his younger and better days, Justices Nelson, 
Grier, Daniel, Wayne, Campbell and Catron (the last named with some 
qualifications) gave their sanction ; while Justices McLean and Curtis, 
confessedly the ablest members of the Court, dissented in able opinions 
which exhibited the fallacy of the opinions of the Chief Justice. 

The opinion of Chief Justice Taney was hailed with great satisfaction 
by the South, which claimed at once that it should be regarded as having 
the authority of law, a demand which the North never granted. The 
majority of the people of the Northern States regarded this extra-judicial 
deliverance of the highest officer of the United States Supreme Court with _ 
utter loathing and contempt ; and it was, perhaps, fortunate for its author 
that no case came up to test its authority before the Court was, by the 
death, resignation and secession of six of its members, including the 
Chief Justice himself, completely reorganized. 

The events which had occurred in Kansas during the administration 
of Mr. Pierce, and the mysterious disappearance of the Whig party, once 
so powerful and respectable in the arena of American politics, led to the 



48 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

sudden rise of a new and formidable political organization, which took 
the not inappropriate name of the Republican party. It owed its birth, 
in reality, to the apprehensions created by the continual and insatiable 
aggressions of the slave power in the United States, which seemed de 
termined, by every expedient which could possibly be rendered available 
for that purpose, so to mould and control the Federal Government, in all 
its various branches, legislative, judicial and executive, as to convert it 
into the mere tool of a slave propagandism. The new party was com- 
posed of old Whigs, moderate anti-slavery men, some native Americans, 
and some Democrats, who, having become convinced that the old Demo- 
cratic party had entirely betrayed and ignored its primitive principles, 
felt themselves fully justified in abandoning it. The cardinal doctrine of 
the Republican party was, not to interfere with the institution of slavery 
as it already existed, either iu the slave States or even in the slave Terri- 
tories. Its fundamental principles and purposes, as set forth first in the 
Philadelphia platform, under which Mr. Fremont was nominated, and 
afterward in the Chicago platform, under which Mr. Lincoln was nomi- 
nated, were simply to prevent, by legitimate and constitutional means, the 
extension of slavery in those Territories which were as yet untainted by 
its presence and its power. On the 18th of June, 1856, the National Con- 
vention of the Republican party nominated Mr. Fremont as their candidate 
for the Presidency. Now, for the first time, were the great issues connected 
with slavery-extension in the Territories placed before the nation in such 
a form, that the voice of the whole people could be heard upon them with- 
out the mixture of fanatical zeal or ultra partizanship. The contest was one 
of the most violent which had overtaken place in any free government, in 
connection with the strict observance of law and order. In its desperate 
throes with the new organization, the ancient Democratic party was shaken 
to its centre. James Buchanan, whom it had selected as its candidate for 
the Presidency, guided his confederates through the storm with consum- 
mate skill. The result of the contest was favorable to his aspirations. 
Never before had so young a party made so magnificent a display of or- 
gani^iation and strength as did the Republican on this occasion ; but Mr. 
Buchanan was elected President by an inconsiderable majority. 

In March, 1857, he entered upon an administration which deserves to be 
regarded as the most ignominious which has occurred iu the annals of the 
Federal Government. His election, indeed, postponed the act of secession 
on the part of the South for a limited period; for there is sufficient proof 
to satisfy every impartial mind that the leading politicians of the South 
had already determined, in 1856, that, if the Republican candidate had 
then been chosen, the act which disgraced the year 1861, would have been 
anticipated in the year 1857. The success of the Democratic party, how- 
ever, deprived them both of the excuse and of the motive for immediate 
secession. A nother Chief Magistrate had been elected, who, they thought, 



ADMINISTRATION OF JAMES BUCHANAN. 49 

would certainly equal, possibly lie might even excel, all his predecessors 
in subserviency to southern arrogance and southern interests. This 
hope was more than realized by the result. 

Nevertheless, the grand enterprise of secession remained constantly 
uppermost in the minds of the very same men who afterward achieved it. 
The Southern Convention which met at Montgomery, Alabama, in 1858, 
deliberately contemplated the ultimate and inevitable purpose of breaking 
up the Union into fragments. Already at that period a man of superior 
talents, of daring spirit, and of perverted ambition, had devoted himself 
to the attainment of the bad eminence of being regarded as the most 
active, resolute, and indefatigable of the foes of the Union. William L. 
Yancey was a prominent member of that Convention, and all the re- 
sources of his powerful eloquence were employed to give perfect form and 
vigorous spirit to the enterprise of secession. In order to prepare the 
way for the attainment of ultimate success, he announced the fact that 
the South were entitled, and would thenceforth assert their right, to what 
he termed Congressional Protection to slavery in the Territories ; and 
that doctrine was announced as being a fundamental part of the future 
issue in party politics. Soon this idea was promulgated by those jour- 
nals in the South which were devoted to secession. Tn September, 1858, 
the New Orleans Delta proclaimed this doctrine as being a leading 
element of future agitation. The Richmond Enquirer, then under the 
control of Henry A. Wise, took the same position. But these dema- 
gogues never expected to achieve so disgraceful a result, as to render the 
Federal Government subservient to that measure. Their real purpose 
was to make the demand in Congress, knowing that it would be rejected ; 
thus to create a fresh hostility between the North and the South, and by 
the assistance of that hostility to commence the agitation of secession 
with the greater probabilities of success. 

The disunion chiefs took time by the forelock, and provided for dis- 
tant emergencies. In September, 1858, Jefferson Davis alluded in a 
speech delivered at Jackson, Mississippi, to the possibility of the election 
of a Eepublican President, and made the following declaration : " If an 
abolitionist be chosen President of the United States, you will have pre- 
sented to you the question whether you will permit the government to 
pass into the hands of your avowed and implacable enemies. Without 
pausing for an answer, I will state my own position to be, that such a 
result would be a species of revolution, by which the purposes of the 
government would be destroyed, and the observance of its mere forms 
entitled to no respect. In that event, in such manner as should be most 
expedient, I should deem it your duty to provide for your safety outside of 
the Union, from those who have already shown the will, and would have 
acquired the power to deprive you of your birthright, and reduce you to 
worse than the colonial dependence of your fathers." This sentiment 
4 



50 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

uttered in 1858, increased in intensity and strength until it was realized 
in 1861. As the administration of Mr. Buchanan progressed, it became 
evident that he regarded the interests and the demands of the South with 
a partial eye. Probably unaware of the desperate extremes to which 
their leaders were capable of going, and unable to penetrate the ultimate 
purpose of their designs, he aided them whenever it lay in his power 
so to do. 

One important act of this description was the President's agency in 
reference to the Lecompton Constitution. The Senate not having approved 
of the instrument which had been adopted by the Topeka Convention, 
excluding slavery from Kansas, a subtle scheme was contrived by south- 
ern Eepresentatives for the purpose of forcing Kansas into tlie Union as a 
slave State, from a knowledge of which scheme even the Governor and 
Secretary of the Territory were carefully excluded. A new constitution 
was prepared at Washington, under the auspices of the Administration, 
the ultimate effect of which was to secure the admission of slavery into 
the future State. A convention was summoned to meet at Lecompton, 
for the express purpose of approving and adopting that constitution ; — at 
the same time, the provision made to exclude the Free State men from an 
equal share of influence at the ballot-box ; the use of United States troops 
to overawe citizens in the exercise of their legitimate rights ; and other 
arbitrary acts, clearly demonstrated the perverted feelings which animated 
the Chief Executive. When infamous frauds were committed at the 
ballot-box in Kansas, and returns of the elections were made to the Federal 
Government, which were known and demonstrated to have been illegal, 
Mr. Buchanan refused to go behind those returns, and insisted on receiving 
the voice of one fifth of the population of the Territory as the fairly uttered 
sentiment of the legal majority. Fortunately there was a formidable 
power in the legislative department of the Government, which was able 
to overrule the perversity of the Executive. The result was, that the 
people of Kansas escaped the misfortune of having an institution forced 
upon them which was repugnant to their feelings, to their principles, and 
to their interests. Kansas was eventually admitted to the Union as a 
free State, in spite of the opposition of the southern politician's, and in 
spite of the compliant artifices of the President. This event was another 
heavy grievance to the South ; and it confirmed the foregone conclusion 
of their leaders in favor of secession. 

The politicians and statesmen of the South were now convinced, from 
various indications, that the probabilities in favor of the success of the 
candidate of the Republican party in 1860 were overwhelming. They 
accordingly commenced to take the preliminary steps which were neces- 
sary to accomplish their favorite project. Unfortunately for the Union, 
the Cabinet of Mr. Buchanan was infested with men unworthy of their 
high trust. In the formation of that Cabinet the South had, as usual, ob- 



PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS OF THE CONSPIRATORS. 51 

tained an undue and exaggerated proportion. When the chief conspira- 
tors sounded Mr. Floyd, the Secretary of War, they found him a willing 
and ready tool. He prostituted all the influence and resources of his 
office to their designs. Quietly and gradually, so as not to excite public 
suspicion, an immense number of muskets, belonging to the Federal 
Government, were transported by that traitor to places in the Southern 
States, where they could be of no possible service in time of peace, but 
would be ready at hand in the event of war. During the year 1860, a 
hundred and twenty-five thousand stand of arms were sent southward 
from the armory at Springfield alone. During that year, not a single 
musket was sent to any fort or arsenal in the Northern or Western States. 
Twenty thousand muskets were sold to the South at a merely nominal price. 

Thus munitions of war were plundered from their rightful owners, and 
placed in the hands of the secret enemies of the government, for the ex- 
press and anticipated purpose of destroying it ; and this was done by one 
who himself held a distinguished post in that government, and had sworn 
to support the Federal Constitution. Mr. Cobb, Secretary of the Treasu- 
ry, assisted the infamous enterprise, as far as the functions of his office 
permitted him. Mr. Thompson, Secretary of the Interior, was also a 
pariiceps criminis. A large proportion of the Cabinet being in the secret 
service of the enemies of the Union, they commenced their treasonable 
purposes with decisive advantages in their favor. It is not probable, 
however, that Mr. Buchanan suspected, much less that he approved of, 
the designs of these traitors. No reasonable motive can be assigned, or 
imagined, which could have induced him so to do. He had attained the 
highest honor known to exist in any free government. He had occupied 
the seat which had been adorned by the genius and virtues of Washington, 
Jefferson, and Adams ; and no Southern Confederacy, however successful 
and powerful it might become, could give him any glory or profit as great 
or greater than that which he had already attained. The loftiest aspira- 
tions of his ambition had been realized. He had likewise gratified some 
of the less noble instincts of his nature, for he had rewarded his worst 
enemies, and had punished his best friends, to a monstrous and marvellous 
extent. Why should he desire to see the Union broken into fragments, 
and his own name descend to posterity surrounded with the execrable 
distinction of having contributed to destroy that government which, 
while it had accomplished many better and more commendable things, 
had also rendered him so illustrious and distinguished? The supposition 
is extremely improbable and absurd. 

The Presidential campaign of 1860 presented several very remarkable 
features. It was a four-sided conflict, in which almost every shade of 
political opinion was represented by a separate candidate for the Presi- 
dency. The old Democratic party nominated John C. Breckinridge of 
Kentucky for that office ; against whom the friends of Stephen A. Douglas 



52 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

pitted that talented and ambitious statesman. An organization which 
took the name of the Union party, selected John Bell of Tennessee as 
their champion ; while the great Republican party, buoyant with confi- 
dence and hope, nominated Abraham Lincoln of Illinois as their standard 
bearer. It cannot be denied that the ultra pro-slavery faction in the 
South, found greater sympathy with their own views in the sentiments 
and policy of Mr. Breckinridge, than in those of any other candidate ; 
and had he been chosen, it is probable, perhaps it is certain, that as in the 
case of Mr. Buchanan's election, the act of secession would have been 
postponed for a brief period.* 

But such was not destined to be the result. The Republican party 
entered into the struggle with the resolute determination to leave no fair 
means untried to attain success. In vain was it urged against them that 
they were a sectional party, that they were an abolition party, that they 
were a disunion party. To the first charge they answered that, to call 
them sectional was merely a fetitio principii ; because it yet remained to 
be demonstrated at the ballot-box whether they were sectional: if they 
elected their candidate by a constitutional majority, they could not be a 
sectional party, but the party of the majority of the whole nation. To 
the second charge, that they were an abolition party, they answered by a 
direct traverse or denial ; and they supported that denial by the assertion 
that uo abolition sentiment could be found in the Philadelphia or Chicago 
platform, and that no representative man of the party, who was authorized 
to speak for them, was, or could be called, an Abolitionist. Because in- 
deed a few Abolitionists chose to vote for their candidate, that fact did not 
make the whole party Abolitionists, any more than, because some Free- 
masons voted for him, that did not make the whole party Masonic. To 
the third charge, that they favored disunion, they replied that they sup- 
ported the Constitution and the laws ; that they would never secede from 
the Union ; that in fact they would fight for it to the last extremity ; that 
if they gained the control of the administration, it should only be by con 
stitutional means ; and that they would then administer it only in accord- 
ance with the settled and lawful machinery of the government. 

The event proved that the greater portion of the nation was with the 
Republican party. Mr. Lincoln was elected by a decisive majority, lie 
was a person every way worthy of the high position to which he was 
elevated. He was a man of the people; the architect of his own fortune ; 
accustomed to hardship, to vicissitude, to triumph ; familiar with the laws 
and Constitution of his country ; eminent as a prudent and practical 
statesman ; with a character not only free from every stain, but adorned 

* The division of the Democratic party by the friends of Mr. Donfrlas. and his 
nomination to the Presidency, thereby insuring the election of Mr. Lincohi, may be 
regarded as having exerted a powerful influence, though innocently and indirectly, in 
precipitating the outbreak of this pre-destined Rebellion. 



THE DOCTRINE OF STATE SOVEREIGNTY. 53 

Dy many great and rare virtues. His election to the Presidency at once 
capped the climax of that long train of unspeakable wrongs and outrages 
which the chivalrous South had suffered with such exemplary patience 
during so many years, from the Northern portion of the Union ! There 
was an extreme and an excess of injury, however, which transcended the 
limits of even Southern patriotism and endurance, and that extreme had 
at last been perpetrated ! 

III. We stated at the beginning, that the third cause which led to the 
Southern Eebellion, was the assertion of the supremacy of State Eights 
in opposition to the policy of Federal Centralization. Before concluding 
this Introduction, it may be proper to dwell briefly on that point. 

The seceding States affirmed their privilege to withdraw from the 
Union on the ground that each individual State possesses the right to take 
back and recall from the National Government those powers which it 
delegated to it when the Union was formed, thus resuming its own isolated 
position and sovereign functions ; and that each State possesses this right, 
separately, at any time when it may think itself aggrieved. Never was 
a greater absurdity uttered. If indeed the separate States possessed any 
such right, then each State would in reality be paramount to the Federal 
Government, and the idea of Federal consolidation becomes an impalpable 
phantom and a visionary myth. But that no State which once formed a 
part of this Union possesses, or can possibly possess, any such prerogative, 
is evident from the following considerations : 

The Federal Government was established, not by the States as such, 
individually, but by the people of the whole collection of States. The Con- 
stitution was framed and adopted by those who expressly called them- 
selves " The People." Therefore it is the people of the entire Union only 
who possess the right to dissolve the Federal Government, if^ in any 
case, they feel disposed, for good and sufficient reasons, so to do. This 
cardinal doctrine was plainly acknowledged by the very men who 
adopted the Federal Constitution. Among other declarations of a similar 
character, we may cite the language of Virginia, uttered when she gave 
her adhesion to the General Government. She then declared that '' the 
powers granted under the Constitution, being derived from the people 
of the United States, may be resumed by them, whenever the same shall 
be perverted to their injury or oppression." In this statement no allu- 
sion is made to the reserved and sovereign right of the individual States 
to withdraw. When the people of the seceding States became integral 
portions of the Federal Government, they bound themselves, as a part of 
the grand aggregate of the people, to support it, unless, as a grand aggre- 
gate, they should become convinced that their interests would be pro- 
moted by its dissolution. 

The Federal Government was established on this basis, not only for 
tthose who framed it, but with the express understanding and covenant 



54 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

that its provisions should benefit and should bind with equal force those 
who came after them. The makers of it declared that they established 
it " for themselves and their posterity." Whatever obligation, therefore, 
bound the party of the first part attached inevitably to the party of the 
second part. Both live under the same conditions, and are controlled by 
the same duties. If the separate States which established the National 
Government could not as States secede, neither could their descendants 
or legal representatives secede ; for the latter could inherit and possess no 
prerogatives which the former did not possess. That those who framed 
the Constitution never intended that any individual State as such should 
claim the right to withdraw from the Union is evident from the signifi- 
cant fact that they made no provision in the Constitution itself for such a 
process. There is no clause in that instrument which designates the way 
in which a State shall secede. If those who framed the Federal Govern- 
ment intended that either themselves or their descendants should possess 
the right, as separate States, to withdraw, they would undoubtedly 
have provided for the exercise of so important and so fundamental a 
function. 

Those who established the Federal Government expressly condemned 
this doctrine of State supremacy. They say, " This Constitution shall be 
the supreme law of the land, any thing in the constitution or laws of a 
State to the contrary notwithstanding." No assertion could possibly be 
plainer. This clause declares in substance that the people who estab- 
lished the Federal Government organized it for themselves and for their 
posterity; that they went into the Union for the purpose of forming com- 
ponent parts of one grand organic political structure, intended for perma- 
nent and perpetual duration ; and they teach that, should any State 
undertake to pass laws, or even to adopt a constitution, which shall in any 
way conflict with the provisions already contained in the Federal Con- 
stitution, and in oppo.sition to this purpose, they shall be null and void. 
Thus, therefore, if any State, as a State, or the jJeojyle of a single State, shall 
pass a law in favor of secession, and against the supremacy of the 
National Government, that law is «}wo facto null and void. Now, those 
States which seceded approved of this clause in the Federal Constitution 
by their own Eeprescntatives in Congress assembled at that time. It 
therefore binds them and their descendants forever ; and the act of seces- 
sion by any State is, by their own provisions and solemn stipulations, 
a fraud and a violation of the law which they themselves had sanctioned. 

Those who asserted that the Southern States, or any other portion of the 
Union, have a right to secede on the ground that the Union is a mere 
compact or partnersM}} between the several States, may be answered and 
condemned out of their own mouths. Let us admit, for the sake of 
argument, that the Federal Government is a mere partnership, what then? 
It necessarily follows that, in order to dissolve it legall}' and rightfully, 



STATE SOVEREIGNTY— DISCUSSION OP THE SUBJECT. 55 

the process must be accomplished precisely as all other partnerships are 
dissolved. According to the established principles of municipal law- 
there are four processes by which a partnership may be dissolved. The 
first is by the death of one of the contracting parties. The second is by 
the expiration of the time for which the partnership was entered into. 
The third, where no definite period was specified, during which the part- 
nership should continue, by the mutual consent of all the parties to the 
contract. The fourth is, where such general consent has not been 
obtained, by giving previous notice to all the parties in interest of an in- 
tention to withdraw, and by making a full and final settlement of all the 
accounts existing between those involved in the partnership. 

Now, in the present instance, none of these essential conditions were 
■complied with. No one of the parties who formed the alleged partner- 
ship of the Federal Government was extinct. The period of time for 
which the alleged partnership was entered into had not expired, because 
no particular period had ever been specified. There remained, therefore, 
the third condition — the unanimous consent of all the parties to the com- 
pact. But that consent was not given ; it was refused pertinaciously and 
clamorously by twenty -three partners out of thirty -four, and those twenty- 
three were the parties who had furnished nine-tenths of the capital, who 
had borne three-fourths of the expense of the concern, and who had 
always derived the least profit from its operations. Lastly, no previous 
legal notice had been given of an intention to withdraw ; nor had any 
provision been made for a full and final adjustment of the accounts 
and interests existing between the various members of the alleged part- 
nership. If then the Federal Government were a mere compact, where 
was the right of the Eebel States to secede as they did? By their 
own showing, their act was illegal ; it was a public and national fraud ; 
it was a violation of law and order. It was as unjustifiable as their 
subsequent repudiation of the debts which they owed the citizens of 
the North, for almost every commodity which promotes the comfort, 
refinement, and civilization of human society. 

The secession of one or more States from the Union, in this illegal 
manner, was unjustifiable in another point of view. When the people 
who established the Federal Government ceded certain sovereign powers 
to it, which they would otherwise have enjoyed and exercised under their 
separate State governments, they did it with the implied pledge that 
they should receive in exchange therefor the benefits of a permanent 
nationality, which would result from the greater power and influence in- 
vested in and exercised by a General Government. That nationality is 
destroyed, and the benefits once conferred by it are lost, by the secession 
of a single State. Therefore the State which thus secedes inflicts an in- 
calculable injury on the rest of the community. "What nation was more 
respected throughout the world, what flag was more honored as it floated 



56 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

majestically in every clime under heaven, than that of the "United States 
of North America ?" There was a grandeur and glory associated with 
that name; bright recollections of the past, glowing visions of the future, 
inspiring thoughts of freedom, prosperity, enterprise, clustered around it, 
which invested it with deathless interest. Despots trembled in the re- 
cesses of their palaces, the people everywhere shouted with exultation 
and joy, when they heard it repeated. What was the cause of this? 
It was because the nation was then a unit. Iiunion fait la force. But 
now, becau.se the nation was divided, its glory departed ; it became a 
laughing stock to tyrants; and the friends of humanity and rational free- 
dom in every land sighed with regret at the lamentable spectacle. This 
result was produced by the act of secession, which inflicted an incalcula- 
ble injury upon those who were entitled to benefits. But the seceding 
States had also themselves enjoyed advantages from the same source in 
a preeminent degree ; they were bound, therefore, both by gratitude and 
by interest, to preserve the Union intact and perpetual. 

There was but one answer to these arguments, and that answer is an 
absurdity. It was asserted by the advocates of secession that, having no 
longer the majority in Congress, they could no longer mould the laws so 
as thereby to promote their own interests ; and especially that they could 
not obtain the admission of new Territories into the Union with slavery 
expressly protected and allowed in them. People from the free States, 
they said, could convey their various kinds of property, to those new Ter- 
ritories, and could have their titles thereto protected ; but emigrants from 
Southern States could not remove their slaves thither and retain posses- 
sion of them ; hence, it was high time to secede. The answer is : that the 
Southern States themselves assisted in establishing those very laws by 
which a certain definite majority rules in the National Legislature. They 
approved of those laws and obeyed them, as long as they operated to their 
own benefit and promoted their own aggrandizement. But if, in the 
course of time the South lost the majority which the Constitution requires 
and with that majority the controlling power, were they justified in re- 
pudiating the government which they had helped to construct, and had 
sworn to support? On the contrary they were obligated, as men of 
honor, honesty and veracity, to accept the legitimate consequences of 
their own free and deliberate acts. 



POLITICAL MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH CAROLINA, ETC. 57 



CHAPTER I. 

EFFECT OP MR LINCOLN'S ELECTION IN THE SOUTH — POLITICAL MOVEMENTS IN SOUTH 
CAROLINA AND GEORGIA — EXCITEMENT IN CHARLESTON — PRELIMINARY ACTS AND EVENTS — 
RESIGNATION OF FEDERAL OFFICERS — ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE STATE CONVENTION — 
OPPONENTS OF SECESSION — ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS — FEDERAL PROPERTY SEIZED IN 
CHARLESTON — CONVENTIONS SUMMONED IN GEORGIA AND ALABAJIA — ASSEMBLING OF THE 
CONVENTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA — THE FIRST ACT OF SECESSION FROM THE UNION 
PASSED — APATHETIC STATEMENT OP GRIEVANCES — SECESSION LOGIC — REFLECTIONS ON THE 
RESULT — POPULAR FEELINGS AT THIS TIME IN GEORGIA, ALABAMA, MISSISSIPI AND FLORIDA 
— LEVITY AND RECKLESSNESS OF THE SECESSION LEADERS. 

Ok the 6th of November, 1860, Abraham Lincoln was chosen President 
of the United States, receiving the votes of seventeen States, or of one 
hundred and eighty electors out of three hundred and three. As soon as 
the unwelcome intelligence was conveyed by telegraphic flashes to South 
Carolina and Georgia, an ebullition of intense indignation and disgust 
instantly burst forth throughout the length and breadth of those ancient 
communities. How quickly and promptly they were prepared to assume 
the attitude of rebels against the Federal Government, was demonstrated 
by the significant fact, that, on the very day after the one on which the 
general election was held, resolutions were adopted by both branches of 
the Legislature of South Carolina, then assembled at Columbia, in favor 
of calling a convention of the people of the State to act upon the question 
of secession, to re-organize the militia, and to prepare for military oper- 
ations. There seemed to be so settled a determination among the politi- 
cians and representatives of that State to assume the part which they 
afterward enacted, that very little preliminary deliberation was necessary 
to fit them for decisive measures. 

Nor were the leaders of popular opinion in South Carolina much in 
advance of their confederates in the neighboring State of Georgia. On 
the 8th of November a large meeting of the prominent citizens of Savan- 
nah was held in that city, who adopted resolutions admitting the necessity 
and commending the policy of secession. Great enthusiasm prevailed in 
the assembly, which passed, without a dissenting voice, a series of resolu- 
tions which set forth, that the election of Lincoln and Hamlin was an 
outrage which " ought not and will not be submitted to ;" that a petition 
be sent to the Legislature, then in session at Milledgeville, desiring them 
to co-operate with the Governor of the State in calling a convention of the 
people to determine on measures of redress ; that the Legislature be re- 
quested to pass laws to meet the commercial crisis which impended, and 



68 THE CrVIL WAE IN THE UNITED STATES. 

organize and arm the forces of the Commonwealth ; and that the Senators 
and Eepresentatives of Georgia in the Federal Congress be duly informed 
of these transactions. The spirit of'rebellion and disaffection spread with 
the utmost rapidity throughout the State. The ancient colonial flag of 
Georgia was unfurled, and flung to the breeze at Savannah ; and an im- 
mense assemblage, convened at Augusta on the same day, commenced 
active operations by enrolling a corps of minute men. 

Notwithstanding these spirited measures elsewhere the city of Charles- 
ton seemed determined to achieve and to retain the first place in the in- 
glorious enterprise of secession. On the 8th of November the time- 
honored Stars and Stripes, which had so long waved in graceful splendor 
over the Federal edifices in Charleston, were displaced ; and the Palmetto 
flag substituted in their stead. The leading ofl&cers of the Federal Gov- 
ernment, the District Attorney, the Collector of the Port, and the Deputy 
Collector, resigned their several positions, and duly notified Mr. Buchan- 
an, who still occupied the White House, of that important and calamitous 
event. Their example was soon followed by less insignificant personages. 
On the 10th of the month Mr. Chesnut resigned his seat in Congress, as 
Senator from South Carolina. The Legislature then adopted a resolution 
appointing the sixth of the ensuing December as the period for the elec- 
tion of delegates to the convention, which was to determine the future 
action of the state in reference to Secession ; and they designated the 17th 
of December as the date of its assembling. 

These events were the natural and necessary preliminaries to the great 
revolutionary movement which was destined soon to follow. But it is 
worthy of remark, that at this early period of the process, the politicians 
of South Carolina, and the citizens of that State whom they controlled so 
despotically, either by fear, or by conviction, or by delusion, were unani- 
mous in their support of the policy of rebellion ; whereas no such unani- 
mity existed at that time in the other seceding States. Thus, on the 
10th of November, a conservative meeting was held at Augusta, Georgia, 
composed of very respectable citizens, and presided over by the Mayor ; 
which adopted resolutions setting forth that, living as the people did under 
a government of law and order, it was their duty, if they felt that they 
suffered from the infliction of grievances, to seek redress from them only 
by legal and constitutional means. But their words of prudence and 
monition were like the voice of one calling in the wilderness ; or rather 
like the sound of a gentle whisper amid the roar and thunder of a furious 
tempest sweeping over the deep, unheard and unheeded by those around 
them. The feeling in favor of secession gradually became predominant 
throughout the States of South Carolina and Georgia ; and it was confi- 
dently asserted, that, before the period arrived for the inauguration of Mr. 
Lincoln, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, and Texas, would have united 
their fortunes with those ctf the two leading States. The latter had already 



EXCITEMENT IN CHARLESTON. 69 

gone too far to recede; they felt that the confidence and respect of the 
Union were now lost to them ; and they had but one course left, to per- 
severe to the end in the ignominious career they had begun. 

At this stage of the rebellion there was much doubt in the minds of 
several distinguished statesmen of Georgia as to the propriety and policy 
of secession. The most eminent of these was Alexander H. Stephens, 
who then held a high place in the estimation of the whole nation, for his 
undoubted talents, and his prudent, conservative disposition. At this 
period he opposed Secession with earnestness ; and stated his solemn con- 
viction, that the act would be injurious and pernicious to the South in 
every respect. He contended that the advocates of slavery would be 
able to protect their rights much more efiBciently while in the Union than 
when out of it ; and of the veracity and wisdom of this opinion there could 
be no possible doubt. But soon it became known that he had begun to 
waver in his position ; and the hope was entertained by the secessionists 
that he might be won over to their cause. Whether it was the bribe of 
the proffered office of the Vice Presidency of the new Confederacy about 
to be created, or whether it was the result of further and deeper research 
into the supposed interests of the South ; or whether he had become con- 
vinced that it was useless to resist the overwhelming tide which he saw 
rushing around him on every hand, we pretend not to say. But it was 
soon announced that the ablest statesman of Georgia, who had spoken so 
clearly, decisively and boldly in defence of the Union, had at length aban- 
doned that honorable position, and had declared himself in doubt on the 
subject of secession. This event greatly elated and encouraged those 
who had at one time despaired of his co-operation, and had feared his 
resistance to their enterprise. 

Further acts of hostility to the General Government continued to be 
perpetrated at Charleston. On the 13th of November, a company of 
South Carolina troops took possession of the United States Arsenal near 
that city. At Columbia the Legislature passed a bill authorizing the or- 
ganization of ten regiments, containing a thousand men each, for defence 
against the forces of the Federal Government, should the latter attempt 
to coerce the State into obedience to Federal authority. Soon afterward 
a public meeting was held in Institute Hall, in Charleston, for the purpose 
of receiving the members of the State Legislature who had returned from 
Columbia. An immense crowd assembled ; resolutions were passed com- 
mending these functionaries for their conduct in reference to secession ; 
and addresses were delivered by leading citizens in favor of the policy 
of withdrawing from the Union. The enthusiasm became still more in- 
tense when it was announced that Messrs. Toombs, Iverson, Howell Cobb, 
and Herschel V. Johnson, of Georgia, had made known their determina- 
tion to aid the cause of disunion. Meetings were then held in all the 
districts and parishes of South Carolina, in which the justice and necessity 



60 1'HE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITIiD STATES. 

of secession were earnestly defended by popular speakers, who thus im- 
pressed that doctrine more fully and deeply upon the minds of the people. 

At this period the attention of the citizens of South Carolina, Georgia, 
and Alabama, was chiefly occupied in the selection of delegates to the 
conventions, who were to decide the action of those States in reference to 
the subject of secession. The ablest men in the community were chosen 
for that important function — in South Carolina, Senators Hammond and 
Chesnut, Messrs. Rhett, Barnwell, Memminger, Keitt; in Georgia and 
Alabama, Messrs. Toombs, Cobb, William L. Yancey, and T. H. "Watts. 
The prevalent feeling among the great majority of those chosen by all 
these States was in favor of secession ; so that little doubt existed in the 
public mind in reference to the policy which they would ultimately adopt 
when they met and acted in an oflicial capacity. Meanwhile, financial 
difficulties began to oppress the mercantile community. As soon as the 
other portions of the National Confederacy discovered the prevalence of 
the secession sentiment, they lost confidence in the integrity and capabil- 
ity of those who advocated it. No longer were the drafts of the merchants 
of the seceding States honored at the North ; no longer were their bank 
notes received as a circulating medium beyond their own borders, except 
at a heavy and ruinous discount. Already did the secessionists commence 
to feel the injurious effects of the loss of public confidence. The banks 
of those States were constrained to suspend the payment of specie ; and 
business of all descriptions became more depressed and stagnant than had 
ever been the case before. This was, however, but the beginning of evils, 
which did not in the least degree diminish the treasonable and suicidal 
zeal of the secessionists. 

The convention who were selected by the people of South Carolina to 
determine upon the question of secession, met at Columbia on the 17th 
of December, 1860. It is recorded that, at the moment when this body 
assembled, several signs of indignant nature were exhibited, which an 
ancient Greek or Roman would have asserted, superstitiously, to have in- 
dicated and foreboded the wrath of the gods at the act about to be perpe- 
trated. A heavy fog of unusual dampness and thickness hung over the 
city, enveloping every thing in gloom and darkness. At the same time, 
the fearful ravages of the small-pox struck terror into the hearts both of 
strangers and citizens. Undeterred, however, by these sinister omens, 
the convention assembled at noon ; General Jamison was chosen tempo- 
rary chairman ; the names of the delegates were enrolled, and the con- 
vention was organized. At a subsequent election for permanent officers, 
the same gentleman was again elected President. So overpowered was 
he by his feelings of gratitude, when he rose to thank the convention for 
the exalted honor conferred upon him, that, having uttered a few inco- 
herent and absurd remarks, he concluded by declaring, with perfect truth : 

I can't say any thing; I can't express my feelings" — and resumed his 



PEELIMINARY ACTS AND EVENTS. 61 

seat amid the sympathy of the audience. One of the first and most pru- 
dent acts of the convention was to remove its sessions from Columbia to 
Charleston, ia consequence of the prevalence and virulence of the small- 
pox. Hon. Howell Cobb was present as Commissioner from Alabama ; 
Messrs. Elmore and Hooker were the Commissioners from Mississippi. 

When the convention re-assembled at Charleston on the 18th of 
December, its first achievement was to appoint a committee to prepare^ 
and report a Secession Ordinance, together with a Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Lawrence M. Keitt, one of the most violent and rabid of southern 
agitators, was selected as the chairman of this committee. At the same 
time Mr.Ehett offered a resolution, which wa» adopted with great unanimity, 
to the effect that a committee be appointed to provide for the assembling 
of a convention of all the seceding States, for the purpose of forming a 
constitution, and establishing a new confederacy. It was on the 20th of 
December that South Carolina consummated her treason and her disgrace 
by finally adopting the Ordinance of Secession.* 

When the ballot was taken upon the passage of this ordinance, it was 
sustained and approved by an unanimous vote. Out of one hundred and 
sixty-nine members, not a single dissenting voice was heard in favor of 
the glorious and time-honored Union. As soon as the action of the 
convention was communicated to the populace in the streets, loud and 
long acclamations rent the air. It was ordered by the convention that 
the momentous and decisive act which had just been performed should 
be communicated by telegraph to the Eepresentatives of South Carolina 
in Congress ; and provision was made for engrossing the ordinance, and 
for its signature by all the members of the convention, with great pomp 
and ceremony, at Institute Hall. 

Subsequent to the passage of this memorable act, a discussion ensued 
in the convention in reference to the new position and responsibilities 
thus assumed by South Carolina. It was asserted that, by the adoption of 
that ordinance, no person within the limits of the State possessed, or 
could exercise, any authority which he had previously derived from the 
Federal Government. There was no collector of the port, no postmaster, 
no United States judge, or attorney, or marshal; and it would become 

" This document was as follows : "An Ordinance to Dissolve the Union hetiveen the 
State of South Carolina and other States united with her under the compact entitled 
the Constitution of the United States of America : 

"We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in convention assembled, do 
declare and ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinance 
adopted by us in convention, on the 23d day of May, in the year of our Lord 1788, 
whereby the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified, and also all 
acts and parts of acts of the General Assembly of this State ratifying the amend, 
ments of the said Constitution, are hereby repealed, and that the Union now subsist- 
ing between South Carolina and other States under the name of the United States of 
America is hereby dissolved." 



e^ THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

necessary to appoint other officers in their stead. One member boasted 
that at last, after a struggle of forty years, there was no man in the State 
who dared to collect the revenues of the Federal Government. It was 
asserted by another, and the whole convention seemed to sympathize in- 
tensely with the remark, that great care should be taken in the measures 
which were adopted ; because nothing should be done which might affect 
the dignity, honor, and glory of South Carolina. There was a difference of 
opinion, however, among the assembled wisdom, whether the passage of 
the Ordinance of Secession abrogated all, or only some, of the laws of the 
United States within the limits or South Carolina. It was an argument 
which could not be answered, that the legal tender in the State must re- 
main gold and silver ; and what gold and silver could there be, except 
such as bore the stamp and superscription of the Federal Government ? 
That conclusive consideration settled the point, that South Carolina could 
not as yet wholly ignore the existence of the Government of the United 
States of North America. They must for the present allow that govern- 
ment at least a quasi existence. And so indeed they generously did. 
They agreed still to permit the Federal Government to spend money at 
the rate of a million per annum in carrying the mails through the seced- 
ing States. It was finally settled that the spirit of the ordinance must be 
observed, until they could treat with the General Government in regard 
to the further adjustment of details. 

On the 22d of December, the committee of the convention which had 
been appointed to prepare an address to the Southern States, for the pur- 
pose of obtaining their co-operation and sympathy, reported. The chair- 
man read an elaborate declaration of- the causes which existed, and which 
they regarded as sufficient justification for secession. It set forth, inter 
alia, that the Federal Government had signally failed to perform its duty 
toward the slaveholding States; especially in regard to the matter of 
executing the fourth article of the Federal Constitution, which provided 
that persons held to service and labor in one State, and fleeing to another, 
should be delivered up on the demand of the party to whom such service 
or labor was due. It was declared that all the Northern, and many of 
the Western States, had passed laws within their respective limits which 
effectually nullified this provision of the Federal Constitution; that some 
States had resisted the right of transit for slaves in the custody of their 
masters ; that others had directly refused to surrender to justice fugitives 
charged with murder ; and that in one or two States, slaves were pro- 
tected by the connivance of ministers of the law, from the power and 
grasp of their owners, who had pursued, had overtaken, and had de- 
manded their property. It added that, in view of these great and un- 
speakable outrages on the Federal Constitution, and on the rights of the 
South, it was time that the slave States should withdraw from a compact 
in which the legitimate eads contemplated by its establishment were de- 



A PATHETIC STATEMENT OP GRIEVANCES. 63 

feated. To incense the South still more, it was asserted that the free 
States had been guilty of the immeasurable impudence and presumption 
of assuming to decide upon the propriety of their domestic institutions ; 
denouncing as sinful the sacred institution of salvery ; establishing socie- 
ties among themselves whose express object it should be to disturb the 
peace and injure the property of the South, by enticing their slaves away 
from their homes, and by inciting those who remained to commit acts of 
rebellion and servile insurrection. 

This extraordinary document enumerated other causes of complaint 
against the North, which must indeed deeply move the sympathy of the 
universe. It declared that this malignant spirit, so hostile to the interests 
of the South, had continued its restless and pernicious agitations for 
twenty-five years, until at last it had secured a supremacy in the Federal 
Government. Aggravated, therefore, as former injuries had been, the 
future promised others still more insufferable. At this stage of the argu- 
ment, a specimen of South Carolina logic was introduced which presented 
an astonishing instance of dialectical skill. It was'asserted that a sectional 
party had obtained control of the Federal Grovernment, while, however, 
it had observed all the forms of the Constitution in so doing. It will remain 
an impenetrable mystery to all rational beings out of the seceding States, 
how a party can be sectional whose operations are carried on in strict 
accordance with the forms and provisions of the Federal Constitution, 
and yet is so powerful, both in force and in numbers, as to exceed every 
other party, and obtain a supremacy over all competitors in strict accord- 
ance with the provisions of that same Constitution. We may answer, 
that the triumphant party was either sectional or it was not. If it were 
sectional, then the National Government must also be sectional. If the 
government was not sectional, then the triumphant party could not have 
been sectional. But the National Government is not sectional, according 
to the admission of the secessionists themselves. Therefore, the party 
which, by legal and constitutional means, could and did obtain control 
of that unsectional government, could not possibly have itself been sec- 
tional. 

But as South Carolina had a logic of its own, so also had it a policy 
peculiar to itself. After the passage of the Ordinance of Secession, the 
convention resolved that, until otherwise provided, the Governor of the 
State should be authorized to appoint collectors and other officers con- 
nected with the customs for the several ports of the State, postmasters, 
and- other necessary persons, instead of the Federal functionaries who had 
been displaced. The oath to be administered to those persons appointed 
for that purpose was prepared and enjoined. It was as follows : " I do 
solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will be faithful and true in the allegi- 
ance I bear to South Carolina, so long as I may continue a citizen there- 
of; and that I am duly qualified according to the constitution of this 



64 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

State to exercise the duties of the office to which I have been appointed ; 
and will, to the best of my ability, discharge the duties of the office, and 
preserve, protect, and defend the constitution of this State. So help me 
God." 

Thus the Eubicon was at length passed, and secession became a stern 
yet absurd reality. When the news of this event was conveyed to differ- 
ent portions of the Union, it produced in different localities the most 
opposite effects. The inhabitants of the free States, both in the East, in 
the West, and in the centre, received the intelligence with mingled sur- 
prise and disgust. They regarded it as an evidence of the amazing 
stupidity, obstinacy and malignity of the people of South Carolina ; who, 
without any cause or excuse, except such as must excite the derision of all 
intelligent people, had dissolved their connection with a glorious and benefi- 
cent government, and had plunged themselves into all the inevitable hor- 
rors of political chaos and ruin. It was evidently a case illustrative of 
the familiar maxim : Quern Dens vull perdere, priusquam dementat. Even 
that party in the North from whom the secessionists had confidently 
expected to receive sympathy and comfort, the former advocates of 
southern interests, disappointed them in this respect ; and joined heartily 
in the general chorus of censure and condemnation which resounded 
throughout the land. The border slave States regarded the event with 
suspicion and apprehension, and sent no message of encouragement or 
congratulation. It was only in those States which had already expressed 
their approval of secession that any sympathy with the policy of South 
Carolina was expressed or exhibited — in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, 
and Florida. It is not impossible that this grand and prominent isolation 
in evil and in ignominy, may have flattered the vanity and strengthened 
the determination of that State, which has always been so remarkable 
and eminent for patriotism, and for that extreme modesty which is inva- 
riably an accompaniment of superior merit ! They had already accom- 
plished what was probably the chief motive of the movement — they had 
attracted to themselves the attention of the entire nation ; and they flat- 
tered themselves, doubtless, that soon they would be the object of the 
admiring scrutiny of the whole world. That eminence would indeed be 
an ample compensation for all that they would be called upon to suffer 
and to sacrifice in the future ; and they therefore might select for their 
motto that other maxim Post nuhila Pltmhus. 

Nevertheless, he who carefully considers the circumstances which at- 
tended this important event will be surprised at a singular and anomalous 
peculiarity connected with it. lie will observe that, in this instance, the 
most sacred of all political relations, involving in its embrace other ties 
more tender, other associations more solemn still, was ruptured with a 
degree of thoughtlessness, of exultation even, which indicated the mas- 
tery of malignant passions, and the presence of callous hearts. The actors 



LEVITY AND RECKLESSNESS OF SECESSION LEADERS. 65 

in this melancholy drama, as they went forth from their ancestral homes 
and their ancient associates, sent no words of kind farewell, they uttered 
no parting benediction to those with whom they had been so long con- 
nected, and from whose society they thus tore themselves. They made 
no allusion to past eventual incidents, to storms which, in other and 
/jappier times, they had nobly breasted shoulder to shoulder ; to scenes 
of sadness, where their gushing tears had mingled in one hallowed stream ; 
to fields of glory, where they had joined in common struggles and had 
achieved united triumphs. In that dark hour they seemed unconscious 
of the real extent of the peril, the disaster, and the disgrace, which, in the 
impartial judgment of the civilized world, they thereby brought upon 
themselves. True patriots, disinterested philanthropists, and wise states- 
men, do not disport themselves with such levity in the great crisis of 
human responsibility and destiny. It was indeed a spectacle calculated 
to excite the pity of the wise and good of all lands and ages. 
6 



66 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER II. 

TREASONABLE PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR PICKENS — RESIGNATION OF THE REPRESENTA- 
TIVES 0? SOUTH CAROLINA IN CONGRESS — THE CRITTENDEN PROPOSITIONS OP COMPROMISE 
— THEIR PROVISIONS — SCRAMBLE FOR FEDERAL PROPERTY — COMMISSIONERS OP SOUTH 
CAROLINA TO THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT — MAJOR ANDERSON — THE REMOVAL OF HIS 
COMMAND TO FORT SUMTER — MR. SECRETARY FLOYD — HIS RESIGNATION — DEMEANOR OF 
THE REBEL COMMISSIONERS AT WASHINGTON — THE CONVENTION OF THE SLAVEHOLDINO 
STATES — IMPORTANT EVENTS AT SAVANNAU — SECESSION OF MISSISSIPPI — PERNICIOUS IN- 
FLUENCE OF JEFFERSON DAVIS — RESIGNATION OF HIS SEAT IN THE UNITED STATES SENATE 
— THE SECESSION OF ALABAMA — OF FLORIDA, GEORGIA, LOUISIANA, AND TEXAS. 

On the twenty-fourth of December, 1860, Governor Pickens, of South 
Carolina, issued a proclamation setting forth that the State having seceded 
from the Federal Union, was thenceforth an independent and sovereign 
community ; and as such had the right to levy war, to conclude peace, t-^ 
negotiate treaties, and to do all other acts whatsoever which appertain to 
a free and independent government. On the same day, the Representatives 
of that State in Congress — Messrs. McQueen, Bonham, Boyce, and Ash- 
more — addressed a letter to the Speaker of the House, containing the 
resignation of their respective posts. That document was as follows: 
" We avail ourselves of the earliest opportunity, since the official commu- 
nication of the intelligence, of making known to your honorable body 
that the people of the State of South Carolina, in their sovereign capacity, 
have resumed the power heretofore delegated by them to the Federal 
Government of the United States, and have thereby dissolved our connec- 
tion with the House of Representatives. In taking leave of those with 
whom we have been associated in a common agency, we as well as the 
people of our commonwealth, desire to do so with a feeling of mutual 
regard and respect for each other— cherishing the hope that in our future 
relations we may better enjoy that peace and harmony essential to the 
happiness of a free and enlightened people." 

It was at this period that John J. Crittenden of Kentucky came forward 
in, the Senate with his famous propositions of compromise, for the purpose, 
if possible, of healing the difficulty. As these propositions possess an 
historical interest and importance, it may be proper here to state their 
principal contents. They provided tliat thenceforth slavery or involun- 
tary servitude, except for crime, of which the party should be duly con- 
victed by process of law, should be prohibited in all the Territories of the 
United States lying north of latitude thirty-six degrees and thirty minutes ; 
that in all the Territories south of that latitude, slavery should not be in- 
terfered with by Congress; and that when the Territories north of that 



THE CRITTENDEN PROPOSITIONS OF COMPROMISE. 07 

line were entitled to admission as States to the Union, they should be so 
admitted, with slavery or without it, as their respective inhabitants might 
themselves at that period determine. They also provided that Congress 
sho\ild possess no right to abolish slavery in the District of Columbia ; 
they denied the same right in the national dock yards and arsenals ; they 
maintained the right of the transit of slaves through the free States; and 
they proposed, that States in which fugitive slaves had been rescued from 
the possession of their masters, when in pursuit of them, should pay the 
value of them to their alleged owners. But the patriotic efforts of Mr. 
Crittenden, on this occasion, were useless; the extreme views held by both 
the Northern and the southern Senators upon the questions involved in his 
compromise, rendered an accommodation utterly impossible. 

The great State of South Carolina having withdrawn from the Union, 
the next thing .to be done was, to remove all the monuments of Federal 
power, and take possession of all the Federal property, which existed 
within her limits. It was beneath her dignity to permit those to remain 
before her eyes as mementos of her former degradation, as an humble 
member of the repudiated and rejected General Government. According- 
ly, the assembled convention proceeded to select commissioners to proceed 
to Washington as their representatives, and make a formal demand for 
these various objects of dispute. 

Immediately on their arrival at the seat of government, the commis- 
sioners announced their presence to Mr. Buchanan. In a communication 
to that functionary, Messrs. Barnwell, Adams, and Orr, respectfully, yet 
firmly set forth that they had been delegated by the State of South Caro- 
lina to inform the Federal Government of their withdrawal from the 
Union ; to negotiate in her name upon all such questions as necessarily 
arose in consequence of that act ; and that they were prepared to enter 
upon these negotiations in a friendly spirit, with the desire to inaugurate 
their new relations so as to promote the mutual advantage of both parties. 
They added, however, that " the events of the last twenty-four hours 
render such an assurance impossible. We came here the representatives 
of an authority which could, at any time within the past sixty days, have 
taken possession of the forts in Charleston harbor, but which, upon 
pledges given in a manner that we cannot doubt, determined to trust to 
your honor rather than to its own power. Since our arrival here, an 
ofl&cer of the United States, acting as we are assured not only without, 
but against your orders, has dismantled one fort and occupied another — 
thus altering to a most important extent the condition of affairs under 
which we came. Until these circumstances are explained in a manner 
which relieves us of all doubt as to the spirit in which these negotiations 
shall be conducted, we are forced to suspend all discussion as to any 
arrangement by which our mutual interests may be amicably adjusted. 
And, in conclusion we would urge upon you the immediate withdrawal 



68 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of the troops from the harbor of Charleston. Under present circumstances 
they are a standing menace which renders negotiation impossible, and, as 
our recent experience shows, threaten speedily to bring to a bloody issue 
questions which ought to be settled with temperance and judgment." 
To this address Mr. Buchanan replied evasively ; and his answer elicited 
a lengthy and haughty rejoinder from the commissioners. Meanwhile, 
the subject and the destination of the forts in Charleston harbor assumed 
an increasing importance. At that period Fort Moultrie was commanded 
by Major Anderson, under whose orders there bad been placed a small 
garrison. 

On the 26th of December that officer transferred his command from 
Fort Moultrie to Fort Sumter, a new and greatly stronger work. This 
act was one indicating intrepidity, sagacity and skill. Major Anderson 
thereby gained an important advantage over the secessionists ; and ho 
received the deserved applause of the nation in return. Immediately 
afterward the troops of South Carolina took possession of Fort Moultrie, 
and thus held the first armed position against the Federal Government. 
That position was of little service to them, however, inasmuch as Major 
Anderson, before withdrawing from it, had spiked the cannon, had burned 
the gun-carriages, and had left the works in a mutilated and useless con- 
dition. Secretary Floyd was greatly incensed at the conduct of Major 
Anderson. Being secretly in the service of the secessionists, he now 
began more openly to advocate their interests in the Federal Cabinet. 
Finding that the voice of public opinion was beginning to condemn him 
with general and harmonious censure, he read the following paper to the 
President in the presence of the Cabinet, and afterward resigned his office : 
"It is evident now, from the action of the commander of Fort Moultrie, 
that the solemn pledges of the Government have been violated by Major 
Anderson. In my judgment but one remedy is now left us by which to 
vindicate our honor and prevent civil war. It is in vain now to hope for 
confidence on the part of tlie people of South Carolina in any further 
pledges as to the action of the military. One remedy is left, and that is 
to withdraw the garrison from the harbor of Charleston. I hope the 
President will allow me to make that order at once. This order, in my 
judgment, can alone prevent bloodshed and civil war." 

The commissioners who were sent from South Carolina to the Federal 
Government, conducted themselves at Washington with such a degree of 
arrogance as effectually to defeat the purpose of conciliation between the 
rival Republics, if any such purpose had been entertained. Their last 
communication, addressed to Mr. Buchanan, was a singular efl'usion of 
combined impudence and imprudence. They assumed the dictatorial tone 
of masters, and assured the President that he had, in effect, compromised 
his honor by not immediately withdrawing the Federal troops from the 
forts in the harbor of Charleston. They reminded him, also, in language 



\ 



THE CONVENTION OF THE SLAVEHOLDING STATES. 69 

wbicli was absurd and ludicrous in itself, that " gentlemen of the MgJiest 
possihh public I'eputation, and the most unsullied integrity," had advised 
him to withdraw those troops as a measure due to the claims of peace 
and the continued prosperity to the country. They added that the 
authorities of South Carolina' were fully justified in taking possession of 
that portion of Federal property which they had already seized ; and that 
the President should have followed the counsel of Mr. Floyd in regard 
to the disputed matters, as that personage was his legitimate adviser in 
the premises. This assertion was erroneous, to use a gentle and courtly 
phrase ; because Mr. Floyd had already become strongly and justly sus- 
pected for those acts of treason against the Federal Government which 
were afterward clearly and unanswerably proved against him. The 
Commissioners also charged, that by approving of the removal of Major 
Anderson's command to Fort Sumter, the United States virtually com- 
menced hostilities and declared war against the State of South Carolina. 
This declaration was equally false ; because the three forts in the harbor 
of Charleston were exclusively Federal property, erected by Federal 
money, and therefore the Federal Government possessed an unquestion- 
able right to transfer its own troops to and from its own fortresses pre- 
cisely as it pleased, without involving a menace to any one. They 
concluded by declaring that the Administration, by refusing to comply 
with the demands of those whom the commissioners represented, assumed 
the entire responsibility of rendering civil war inevitable; that the State 
of South Carolina accepted the issue ; and they appealed to Him, " who is 
the God of Justice as well as the God of Hosts," for the propriety of their 
conduct. They declared that South Carolina would perform the solemn 
and momentous duty which devolved upon her, " hopefully, bravely and 
thoroughly." They concluded by informing the President of the impor- 
tant and calamitous fact, that they purposed to return forthwith to Charles- 
ton. However much posterity may condemn the cotiduct and policy of 
Mr. Buchanan in reference to the Eebellion, he will deserve their com- 
mendation for the manner in which he treated this extraordinary commu- 
nication. As soon as he became aware of its character and contents, he 
instantly ordered it to be returned to those from whom it emanated, 
without the undeserved courtesy of an answer. 

Oil the 26th of December Mr. Ehett introduced an ordinance into tlie 
Convention of South Carolina, recommending the assembling of another 
convention, consisting of represeiitatives from all the slaveholding States. 
This ordinance consisted of six separate clauses. The first provided for 
the summoning of the convention aforesaid at Montgomery, Alabama, 
whose duty it should be to adopt a Constitution for the government of a 
Southern Confederacy. The second clause recommended to the slave- 
holding States the appointment by each State respectively of as many 
delegates therefrom as they had members in Congress; and suggested 



10 THE CIVIL AVAE IN THE UNITED STATES. 

that the proposed Constitution should be voted on by States. The third 
ordained that, as soon as that Constitution shoud have been adopted by 
the convention appointed for the purpo.se, it slioulJ be referred to the 
Legislatures -of all the States concerned, for their ultimate discussion and 
approval. The fourth article affirmed that, in the opinion of the State 
of South Carolina, the Federal Constitution would form a suitable basis 
for the Confederacy of the Southern States. The fifth clause declared that 
the Convention of South Carolina should select eight delegates to repre- 
sent that commonwealth in the Convention of the Southern States. The 
last article provided for the election of one commissioner from each 
slaveholding State, whose duty it should be to call the attention of the 
people of his State respectively to the duty of complying with the pro- 
visions of this ordinance, as adopted and recommended by the Conven- 
tion of South Carolina. 

This important document had been laid upon the table of the Charleston 
Convention, for the purpose of future and more deliberate discussion. 
On the same day another ordinance was adopted, whose purpose was to 
gain the co-operation and aid of the Federal office-holders in the Palmetto 
State to the cause of the Rebellion. It enacted, that all citizens of South 
Carolina, who, at the period of the passage of the ordinance of secession, 
held Federal offices within the limits of the State, were thereby appointed 
to have and hold the same offices under the new government, and to 
receive the emoluments of the same until it was otherwise ordered. It 
also enacted that " the revenue and navigation laws of the United States 
being abolished, as regards the Federal Government, they shall, as far 
as may be applicable, be adopted by the State of South Carolina, and 
executed thenceforth as such ; and that all moneys which may thereafter 
accrue under those laws shall, when the salaries and expenses of the 
officials have been duly paid therefrom, be delivered to the Treasurer of 
South Carolina, and not, as heretofore, be paid to the Federal Govern- 
ment." This important act concluded by authorizing and commanding 
the officials of the State to "take possession of, and retain in their custody, 
all the property and funds of the United States which may come within 
their reach." This ordinance passed the convention with general 
unanimity. Immediately afterward the Palmetto flag was unfurled from 
the Charleston Post Office, from the Custom House, from Fort Moultrie, 
from Castle Pinckney, and from tlie Arsenal. 

It must be admitted that the Charleston Convention proceeded in the 
work of political organization with a considerable degree of sagacity and 
ability. They passed ordinances amending the Constitution of the State 
in all those particulars which were rendered necessary by the new atti- 
tude which she had assumed as an independent sovereignty. They 
authorized the Governor of South Carolina to receive foreign ambassa- 
dors, to appoint representatives to foreign courts, to make treaties "by 



SECESSION OF MISSISSIPPI. 71 

and with the advice and consent of the Senate," to fill vacancies in the 
Senate during its recess, to convene that body under extraordinary cir- 
cumstances ; in a word, to enact a rule similar to that of President of the 
■United States, as far as the limited circumstances of the case would 
permit. The convention also adopted laws governing the future rights 
and defining the future qualifications of citizens of the State. 

While these important events were transpiring in South Carolina, the 
political virus was being rapidly and efl'ectually difl'used throughout 
other portions of the Union. The commissioners who had been pre- 
viously appointed by the convention of that State to proceed to each of 
the Slaveholding States, and lay before the conventions which might 
there assemble the ordinance of secession, and solicit their approval and 
co-operation, bad been both diligent and successful in the execution of 
their trust. The new year 1861 was inaugurated at Savannah by the 
seizure of the Federal forts Pulaski and Jackson, by order of the 
authorities of the State of Georgia. This example was immediately 
followed by the Executive of Alabama, by whose orders the United States 
Arsenal at Mobile, and Fort Morgan, at the entrance to Mobile bay, were 
taken possession of by the State troops. 

The first Southern State which followed in the wake of South Carolina 
in the act of secession was Mississippi. The convention assembled at 
Jackson, on the 7th of January, and it soon appeared that the prevalent 
feeling among the delegates was in favor of withdrawing from the Union. 
The president, when assuming the duties of his ofRce, delivered an 
address, in which he advocated that policy in bold and unequivocal 
language. A committee of fifteen was immediately appointed to prepare 
and report an ordinance of secession, providing for the immediate with- 
drawal of the State from the Federal Union, with special reference to the 
establishment of a new Confederacy, to be composed of the seceding 
States. That committee reported on the 9th lost. Their report was 
wholly in accordance with the prevalent treasonable spirit. It was read, 
briefly discussed, and then adopted by a vote of eighty-four yeas to 
fifteen nays. By this precipitate act Mississippi became an outcast from 
the Union. The fifteen delegates who had opposed the ordinance made 
several efforts to postpone action in accordance with its provisions ; but 
in vain. The torrent of opposition was overwhelming. On the next 
day those fifteen appended their signatures to the ordinance, thereby 
making the voice of the convention unanimous. Then the demonstra- 
tions of joy on the part of the populace were enthusiastic in the extreme. 
The city of Jackson was illuminated, and as the news spread from town 
to town, and from village to village, glad shouts of rejoicing resounded 
throughout the State. 

That State was represented at this period in the Federal Senate by an 
individual who has since achieved an unenviable immortality. Jefferson 



73 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Davis bad long been known as one of tbe most violent and extreme 
advocates of Soutbern and sectional interests ; and though a man of 
acknowledged abilities, he had been too closely identified with the 
advocacy of disloyal sentiments to have gained the confidence or esteem 
of the nation. As soon as the news arrived at Washington that the 
State which he represented had withdrawn from the Union, it was 
announced that he would resign his seat in the Senate, and when so 
doing would deliver a brief address. The occasion would be one of 
unusual interest; and great curiosity was felt to ascertain Iiow the 
Senator would acquit himself of the difficult and delicate task before 
him. Accordingly he arose at the first convenient opportunity, and 
proceeded, with a tone and manner not destitute of solemnity and pathos, 
to announce, that the State which he represented in that august body 
having withdrawn from the Union, it became his duty to resign his seat 
and his functions in it. He continued by reminding those who heard 
him that he had invariably advocated, during the long period of his 
public political career, the right of each State to withdraw from the 
Union whenever she may choose so to do. This right was an abstract 
and paramount one, even where a State might not in reality possess any 
real ground of complaint against the Federal Government. But the 
case became stronger, and the right of secession more undeniable, when 
such a ground of complaint does exist. Such was the fact in the present 
instance. He held that the slaveholding States, and Mississippi among 
the rest, had serious causes of ofibnce against the Federal Government. 
He also asserted that a material difference existed between secession and 
nullification. The former was a total withdrawal from the Union ; 
the latter was an attempt to resist the authority of the general govern- 
ment, while tbe parties so resisting still formed a portion of that 
government. After dwelling upon these general topics he adverted to 
considerations more personal to himself; and in a tone of sympathy and 
cordiality which could scarcely have been expected from his hard and 
stern nature, gave utterance to those feelings of regret which naturally 
rose within him, at the severance of relations with which many 
pleasing and grateful Tecollections would forever be associated in his 
mind. 

After the delivery of this address ^fr. Davis withdrew from the Senate 
chamber amid the adieux of his political and personal friends. The 
example already given by the States of South Carolina and Mississippi 
was quickly followed by Alabama. A powerful and malignant genius 
controlled the destinies of that State, and led her on to perpetrate the 
most unfortunate event in her history. In the convention which met at 
Montgomery, "William L. Yancey was the leading and commanding 
spirit; for on the 11th of January the secession ordinance was passed 
by that body. That ordinance was a singular and anomalous produc- 



THE SECESSION OP FLORIDA AND GEORGIA. -78 

tion. It commenced by asserting that tte " election of Messrs. Lincoln 
and Hamlin to the two highest executive offices in the Union by a sec- 
tional party was an insult to the South too great to be borne." We 
cannot refrain from remarking here what a palpable absurdity appears 
upon the very face of this declaration ; because it is self-evident to every 
calm and clear thinker, as we have already asserted, that that party 
which proved itself at the ballot-box to be the most numerous and 
powerful in the whole nation, whichever party that might be, could not 
be called a sectional one; and whatever other defects it light exhibit, 
it must, in the nature of the case, be more national and . liversal than 
any other. The inhabitants of Alabama generally receive., the news of 
the secession of the State with immense exultation. In the towns, the 
villages, and the country, the wildest excitement prevailed. In Mobile 
particularly the enthusiasm was boundless. Throughout the length and 
breadth ot the entire commonwealth secession poles were planted, seces- 
sion flags were unfurled to the breeze, bands of music brayed forth seces- 
sion melodies, secession cannon thundered, and secession eloquence re- 
sounded, in honor of the glorious and propitious event. 

The next member of the Union which followed this ignominious 
example was Florida. Her apostacy was consunimated on the 12th of 
January. The convention of that State met at Tallahassee, and after a 
short debate, the secession ordinance was passed. It was signed by each 
member of the convention in one of the porticos of the capitol ; and it is 
recorded that, as each delegate appended his name to the instrument, he 
was hailed with c^teers, and a salute fired in his honor. Immediately 
afterward the Federal property at Pensacola was seized by the Eebels, 
with the exception of a single fortress. Fort Pickens was then held for 
the United States by Lieutenant Slemmer, who presented so firm and 
bold a resistance to the demands of the secessionists, that 'they desisted 
from any hostile demonstration for its acquisition. 

On the 19th of January, 1861, the ordinance of secession was passed in 
Georgia. The vote stood two hundred and eight against eighty-nine. 
It is worthy of note, that prominent among those eighty-nine who 
opposed this inglorious act, not only by their speeches, but by their 
votes, was Alexander H.Stephens, afterward elected Vice-President of the 
rebellious confederacy. This was a rare and extreme instance of that 
inconsistency of conduct and principle which is so frequent and prevalent 
a vice among American politicians. This ordinance was remarkable for 
its brevity. The important act of secession was performed by means of 
an instrument no longer or more elaborate than the following: "We, the 
people of the State of Georgia, in convention assembled, do declare and 
ordain, and it is hereby declared and ordained, that the ordinances 
adopted by the people of the State of Georgia in convention in 1788, 
whereby the Constitution of the United States was assented to, ratifled 



14 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and adopted, and also all acts and parts of acts of the general assembly 
ratifying and adopting amendments to the said constitution, are hereby re- 
pealed, rescinded, and abrogated. And we do further declare and ordain 
that the Union now subsisting* between the State of Georgia and other 
States under the name of the United States, is hereby dissolved, and that 
the State of Georgia is in full possession and exercise of all those rights 
of sovereignty which belong and appertain to a free and independent 
State." Immediately after the adoption of this ordinance Fort Pulaski 
was taken po essiou of by the troops of Georgia, acting under the order 
of the Gover ;r of the State. 

But the c.talogue of Eebel States was not yet complete. On the 
28th of January, 1861, the convention summoned in Louisiana passed the 
secession ordinance. The usual process of plunder against tlie property 
of the United States ensued immediately after the passage of this ordi- 
nance; and revenue cutters, arsenals, moneys, and other efl'ects of the 
United States, were seized by the orders of the Governor of the State. 
It was not until the 1st of February that the last of the States, which at 
that time united their fortunes with the secessionists, consummated the 
act. On that day Texas withdrew, by a vote of her convention, from the 
Federal Union. 



EFFOETS MADE FOR COMPROMISE AND SETTLEMENT. 75 



CHAPTER III. 

VARIOUS EFFORTS MADE FOR COMPROMISE AND SETTLEMENT — CONCILIATORY MEETINGS ECELD 

IN THE NORTHERN STATES — THEIR ULTIMATE FAILURE APOSTACY OP ALEXANDER H. 

STEPHENS — RESIGNATION OF THE SOUTHERN REPRESENTATIVES IN THE FEDERAL CONGRESf 
— THE REBEL CONGRESS CONVENED AT MONTGOMERY — ITS ORGANIZATION — ADOPTION 01 
A PROVISIONAL CONSTITUTION — THE ORGANIZATION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY- 
JEFFERSON D&VIS ELECTED PRESIDENT— A. H. STEPHENS CHOSEN VICE PRESIDENT — 

PROPHECIES OP SENATOR WIGFALL BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF JEFFERSON DAVIS, OP 

STEPHENS, OP THE CABINET MINISTERS OP THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY, MEMMINGER^ 

TOMBS, MALLORY, WALKER, BENJAMIN THE PERSONAL QUALITIES AND CHARACTERISTICS 

OF THESE OFFICERS. 

Notwithstanding the rapidity witla which the act of secession had been 
consummated in so many of the disaflected States, hopes were entertained 
that a resort to arms might yet be averted, and the schism be eventually 
healed. Several efforts were made in Congress to pass resolutions so 
amending the Federal Constitution as to satisfy the South. But those 
efforts failed, for two reasons : First, because it was not possible, in the 
nature of things, where such antagonistic interests and principles existed, 
for any amendment to be made to the Constitution which would meet the 
requirements and conscientious convictions of honest statesmen on the 
subject in dispute. Secondly, because it was equally impossible, in such 
a case, to propose any amendment which would find favor with selfish 
party leaders, with mercenary politicians, who flourish by means of the 
distinctions and strifes of factions, and whose occupation would be utterly 
gone if concord and unanimity prevailed throughout the whole country. 
Hence it was that, during the brief remainder of Mr. Buchanan's term of 
of&ce, the several efforts which were made in Congress to heal the difficulty 
proved abortive. 

Other expedients which were adopted elsewhere were equally inefiicient. 
One of these deserves to be noticed. It became the fashion in many of the 
cities of the North to hold public meetings, at which resolutions were 
adopted, setting forth how much the inhabitants of the free States depre- 
cated the secession of the South ; how much they abominated abolitionists 
and fanatics of every description ; how earnestly they desired the South to 
draw a broad aind clear distinction between these fanatics and the great 
mass of the conservative people of the North ; how much the latter valued 
the good will and the intelligence, which really meant the commerce and 
the trade, of the slave States. These demonstrations instead of accom- 
plishing the end intended by them, merely excited the contempt of 
Southern faoatics, and gave the entire population of the Cotton States an 
undue conception of their own importance. If they had not been deficient 



16 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

in arrogance before, tbeir vanity became greatly exaggerated afterward, in 
consequence of these pusillanimous and mercenary movements at tbe North. 

As soon as the several States had seceded, many of those persons who 
bad, within their respective limits, opposed the act on various grounds, 
gradually yielded to tbe pressure of tbe prevalent sentiments hostile to 
the North, changed tbeir position, and gave in their adhesion to the oppo- 
nents of the Union. The most extraordinary instance of such conversion 
was that of Alexander H. Stephens of Georgia. That able man, as we 
have already stated, bad at first opposed secession, and had refused to 
sign the ordinance when it was passed by the convention.- But imme- 
diately afterward, when he discovered that his State no longer remained 
in any respect identified with the Federal Union, and that there could be 
no further prospect of dignities and honors for him in that Union, he 
began to waver in his position. The art and tact with which be prepared 
the way for bis complete apostacy are worthy of notice. Nothing could 
have been more adroit or more specious. He wrote a preamble and reso- 
lution, which were adopted by the convention, to the following effect: 
" Whereas, the lack of unanimity in tbe action of this convention on the 
passage of tbe ordinance of secession indicates a difference of opinion 
amongst tbe members of the convention, not so much as to the rights 
which Georgia claims, or tbe wrongs of which she complains, as to tbe 
remedy and its application before a resort to other means of redress; and 
whereas it is desirable to give expression to that intention, which really 
exists among all the members of the convention, to sustain the State in 
the course of action which she has pronounced to be proper for tbe occa- 
sion ; therefore, resolved, that all tbe members of this convention, including 
those who voted against the ordinance as well as those who voted for it, 
.vill sign the same as a pledge of the unanimous determination of this 
convention to sustain and defend the State in this her course of remedy, 
with all its responsibilities and consequences, without regard to individ- 
ual approval or disapproval of its adoption." That is to say, those who 
voted against secession, and refused to sign the ordinance, promised, 
nevertheless, to sustain the State in the execution of it ; those who con- 
demned secession, and regarded it as pernicious, illegal and wrong, would 
nevertheless support those to their utmost who have pledged themselves 
to adhere to that pernicious, illegal and injurious policy to whatever 
results it may lead ! American political history presents many instances 
of profound and logical reasoning, of consistent and cohesive policy ; 
but we imagine that this case transcends tbe rest ! 

At this period all tbe representatives of tbe seceding States in the Federal 
Congress, except Mr. Bouligny of Louisiana, had resigned their seats and 
returned to their constituents. During the month of January, 1861, a 
number of the conventions which had passed the ordinance of Secession 
continued to sit, and to adopt those additional measures which were ren- 
dered necessary in consequence of their withdrawal from the Union. The 



THE REBEL CONGRESS CONVENED AT MONTGOMERY. ff 

Georgia Convention demanded from the Federal Government possession 
of all the Federal property within the limits of that State ; and appointed 
commissioners to proceed to the other apostate States, and give them 
counsel and encouragement. The convention of Alabama adopted a 
resolution approving of the action of the representatives of the State in 
withdrawing from the Federal Congress. All the conventions of the 
seceding States elected delegates to the Congress which had been appointed 
to meet at Montgomery, Alabama, for the purpose of establishing a 
Southern Confederacy. The Convention of Florida commended the action 
of Commodore Armstrong, who, being in command of the Pensacola 
Navy Yard at that time, surrendered it to the authorities of the State, 
without making the least elTort at resistance. "We fancy that Commodore 
Armstrong, will scarcely take rank, in the history of this memorable war, 
by the side of Anderson, Slemmer, Ellsworth, Lyon, and other heroic 
defenders of the Union. 

Thus had these seven States, which once formed a part of this benefi- 
cent Uniop, persisted in the suicidal act of completely destroying their 
connection with it. All the preliminary steps toward the establishment 
of a rival, and perhaps a hostile, republic in the South had now been suc- 
cessively taken. The foundations of the new political edifice had been 
laid with a degree of prudence, resolution and harmony worthy of a 
more glorious and commendable enterprise. The Southern Congress of 
Montgomery, destined to achieve an unenviable immortality, was about 
to convene and to complete all the features and details of the architectural 
monstor which had been begun. 

The Congress of the seceded States met at Montgomery, Alabama, on 
Monday, February 4th, 1861. They assembled in the Senate chamber 
of the Capitol. A full representation from every Rebel State appeared 
and took their seats. The convention was called to order by Mr. Chilton, 
a delegate from Alabama. lie moved that E. W. Barnwell, of South 
Carolina, be chosen temporary Chairman. The motion prevailed. Mr. 
Barnwell took the chair and made a thankful speech. He then invited 
the Eev. Dr. Manly to ofier a prayer. That individual at once came for- 
ward and prayed. The chairman then reminded the convention that the 
first duty which devolved upon them was to provide for their more per- 
fect organization by electing permanent officers. But it appears that the 
chairman was precipitate in his suggestion ; for Mr. Rhett rose and asserted 
that the first thing in order was not that measure, but to examine and 
approve the credentials of the delegates. The chairman admitted the 
truth of the observation, and the verification was commenced. That 
preliminary process being completed, the delegates signed the roll. The 
whole convention consisted of forty-one members, one delegate only being 
absent. 

The Congress being thus organized, Mr. Rhett proposed that the body 
proceed at once to the election of permanent officers; and without giving 



78 THE CITIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the members any opportunity to express their approval or their disapproval 
of the proposition, he proceeded to nominate Howell Cobb, of Georgia, as 
President of the convention. He also proposed that the election be made 
by acclamation. This proposition was also complied with, and Mr. Cobb 
was chosen by the acclamatory process. The result being announced, 
and indeed being plainly apparent of itself, it was followed by " much 
applause." Mr. Cobb then took the chair, and addressed the convention. 
He, too, was oppressed with more than an ordinary and painful degree of 
grateful emotion ; but he gave utterance to the best of his ability to his 
"sincere thanks" for the honor conferred upon him; after which the 
remaing officers of the Congress were elected. These also received their 
honors by tlie exaggerated and superfluous process of acclamation. Mr. 
Stephens then moved that a committee be appointed to report rules for 
the government of the convention. This proposition was agreed to ; and 
the committee being appointed, the proceedings of the first 4ay terminated. 
It is not pertinent to our purpose to follow the details of the less im- 
portant transactions of this Congress. "We will allude merely to those of 
leading interest, and having a direct bearing upon the events which 
ensued. The body adopted the novel, but doubtless commendable, expe- 
dient of holding secret sessions, so that a portion of their transactions 
remains unknown to the general public. Eesolutions were passed from 
day to day perfecting the organization of the new Confederacy. The 
most important of these had reference to the adoption of a Constitution, 
the election of Executive officers, providing .suitable buildings and accomo- 
dations for the inferior functionaries of the Confederacy, and selecting a 
flag and other emblematical and official contrivances. On the sixth day 
of their deliberations the delegates adopted a Constitution, which had 
been reported by the committee appointed for that purpose. This Con- 
stitution was termed a "provisonal" one, intended to govern the new 
Confederacy for one year from the inauguration of the future President, 
or until a permanent confederation between the States should be put in 
operation. 

On the same day which was signalized by the adoption of this Consti- 
tution, the-chief executive oificers of the new republic were chosen by the 
Congress : Jefferson Davis of Mississippi was elected President, and Alex- 
ander H. Stephens of Georgia Vice President. It must be admitted that 
great sagacity and prudence were exhibited in the selections thus made. 
Among the very considerable number of eminent men who resided within 
the limits of the Rebel States, it is probable that none could have been 
chosen bo well adapted to the peculiar positions which were then to be 
filled. It was evident that the future President must needs be a man 
possessing both civil and military talents. He should be familiar with 
the machinery and principles of government in the cabinet, as well as 
with the command and conduct of an army in the field. He should also 
be well acquainted with the structure and aims of that great and powerful 



THE PROPHECIES OF SENATOR WIGPALL. 79 

Republic against whose lawful control tliey had rebelled. He must be 
shreAvd, resolute, firm and desperate. Above all things, he must be 
extremely fanatical in his Southern prejudices, and be thoroughly infected 
with secession principles. . Such a man preeminently was Jefferson 
Davis. The Vice President must resemble him in all these respects ex- 
cept one. He need possess no military knowledge, no martial experience. 
It would be his duty to carry on the Government in the absence of the 
chief Executive ; and while the latter was at the head of the victorious 
armies of the Southern Confederacy, sacking Washington, driving Mr. 
Lincoln and his cabinet in hot haste from the Capital, striking terror into 
the inhabitants of the North, burning cities, blockading ports, capturing 
ships upon the high seas ; during the progress of all these heroic and 
magnificent deeds, which it was confidently and exultingly asserted the 
invincible Davis would soon be achieving, he, the Vice President, must 
be conducting the home government with prudence, harmony and skill. 
These boasts respecting the future achievements of the Eebel President 
formed a prominent feature, at this period, of the prevalent sentiment and 
utterances in the seceding States. 

No person was more enthusiastic and constant in giving expression to 
these vauntings than ex-senator Wigfall of Texas. But Wigfall's prog- 
nostications were liable to an objection of a very peculiar and serious 
character. King Charles II. of England was accustomed to assert that 
Prince George of Denmark, who had married his niece, the Princess 
Anne, afterward Queen, was extremely shallow ; that he had tried the 
Prince when sober, and he had tried him when drunk ; but that, whether 
drunk or sober, there was nothing in him. This was precisely the defect 
of the prophecies of Senator Wigfall. It did not produce the slightest 
difference whether the prophetic frenzy came upon him when intoxicated, 
or when not intoxicated; in either case there was nothing in him; in 
no case did his predictions prove to be in accordance with the event. 

We venture to predict that the rok which Jefferson Davis and his chief 
associates have enacted, will be regarded by posterity, when the passions 
and prejudices of this stormy time shall have been lulled to repose by the 
Lethiian flood of years, as the most unenviable and execrable which has 
ever fallen to the lot of any human being. We do indeed read of that 
"aspiring youth who fired the Bphesian dome," that be might thereby 
secure an immortality of fame; yet we have never learned that any — ex- 
cept the cruel and infamous Gloster, and such as he — commended him 
for the rash act. Those who have striven, from the promptings of a sim- 
ilar motive, to mar and desolate the nobler fabric of the American Union, 
will incur a condemnation during after ages, more intense, more univer- 
sal, more enduring than his. Let us glance briefly at the personal histo- 
ries and characteristics of these great historic criminals. 

Jefferson Davis will occupy in future ages a position in the annals of 
the great republic of the New World not very unlike that of Benedict 



80 



THE CIVIL WAR IN TlIK UNITED STATES. 



Arnold and Aaron Burr. That he is a remarkable man in many respects, 
capable of high and great as well as of base and mean achievements, is 
an unquestionable fact. His personal history, which is full of variety and 
interest, clearly demonstrates the truth of this assertion. He was born 
in Christian county, Kentucky, in June, 1808. His father, who was a 
wealthy planter, removed soon after his birth to Wilkinson county, Mis- 
sissippi. His son gave early proofs of superior intelligence and talent, 
and at the usual age was sent to Transylvania College in his native Slate. 
Having completed the course of study there, he was admitted to the Mili- 
tary Academy at West Point in 1824. He graduated in that institution 
in 1828, and was appointed brevet second lieutenant, and commenced 
service in the regular army. 

Mr. Davis distinguished himself in the events which occurred in the 
Black Hawk war. In 1833 he was promoted to a first lieutenancy of 
dragoons, and in that capacity made a number of expeditions against the 
Camanches, Pawnees, and other hostile Indian tribes upon the frontiers. 
It was in 1835, that, chiefly in consequence of ill health, he resigned his 
commission, returned to Mississippi and commenced the pursuits of a 
planter. He remained in retirement and repose till 1843, when he began 
to take an active part in political life. He entered the arena of politics 
as a Democrat, and was chosen one of the Electors for the State of Mis- 
sissippi who gave their ballots for Polk and Dallas in 1844. In the 
following year he was chosen to represent his adopted State in Congress, 
and thus began a new and more pacific career. In that body Mr. Davis 
soon acquired fame, and assumed a prominent position as a public speaker 
and an energetic partisan. His clearness and force of thought, his bold 
and impressive delivery, his fluency and freedom of utterance, always 
commanded respect and attention fiom his auditors. 

He was thus winning his way to a high political reputation, when, in 
July, 1846, he was appointed colonel of the first regiment of Mississippi 
volunteers when they were about to serve in the Mexican war. He im- 
mediately accepted the post, resigned his seat in Congress, proceeded to 
New Orleans, took command of the regiment, and led them forward to 
the assistance of General Taylor, then posted on the Rio Grande. At the 
storming of Monterey, in September, 1846, he acted with great gallantry, 
and was appointed one of the commissioners to arrange the terms of the 
capitulation of that city. At the bloody battle of Buena Vista, in 
February, 1847, he won new laurels, exhibited superior heroism and 
bravery, was severely wounded, and received from General Scott, com- 
mander-in-chief, an honorable notice in his dispatch of March, 1847. In 
the following summer he returned to Mississippi, and was immediately 
appointed by the Governor of the State to fill a vacancy which had oc- 
curred in the Federal Senate. In January, 1848, he was elected by the 
Legislature of that State to the same high office ; and after the expiration 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKEICHES OF DAVIS AND STEPHKXS 81 

of his term, in March, 1851, was again chosen for another period of ser- 
vice in the Senate of the United States. In 1851 he was nominated by 
the Democratic party in Mississippi for Governor, against Henry S. Foote, 
but was defeated by a small majority. 

After the nomination of Mr. Pierce for the Presidency, in 1852, 
Mr. Davis took a very active part in the campaign, and spoke ably in 
favor of his old comrade in arms throughout the entire State. As a 
reward for his efficient services, the new President appointed him to the 
office of Secretary of War. He possessed abilities which qualified him 
for the duties of his high position, and he conducted its affairs with 
energy and success. He was exceedingly popular with the officers of the 
army, and made some important improvements in the service. He in- 
troduced the use of the minie rifle, increased the inland and coast frontier 
defences, and explored the several routes for the Pacific railroad. What 
the zeal and ability of Arnold had been previous to his treason to his 
countr}'', the efforts and services of Davis were before the origin of the 
Southern Rebellion. After the termination of the administration of 
Mr. Pierce, Mr. Davis was elected by the Legislature of Mississippi to 
the Senate of the United States, for the term ending in March, 1863 ; 
but before that term had expired he had abandoned his post, left the 
serene haven of high official life, and embarked upon the stormy ocean 
of rebellion against a great and beneficent government. In this rash act 
a desperate ambition was unquestionably his leading motive. He vainly 
imagined that he would attain still higher eminence, and that he would 
at length strike the stars with his sublime head — sublimi ferial sidera 
vert ice. 

Of the remaining members of the Eebel government it will be un- 
necessary to speak at much length. Alexander Hill Stephens, the 
Vice President, was born in 1818, and was a man of superior natural 
talents, a brilliant and powerful thinker, an able and effective orator. 
He represented the State of Georgia during a series of years in the 
national Legislature ; and he attained a distinguished position in that 
body, so richly adorned by diversity, profundity and profusion of talent, 
among its members, at different periods. Laboring all his life under ex- 
tremely ill health, hovering continually and feebly over an open grave, 
the slender and uncertain hold which he maintained upon existence did 
not prevent him from taking an active part in the great debates and 
forensic battles which occurred in the House during the period of his 
presence in it. When the project of secession was first agitated in 
Georgia, he opposed it, as has already been stated, with the utmost zeal. 
We have previously narrated how he changed his position, stultified his 
own arguments, and espoused the cause of the Rebels. The reward of 
his services was the second dignity in the new confederacy. As to hLs 

qualifications for the duties of his position, there could be no question ; 
6 



82 TJIE CIVIL WAU IN THE UNITED STATES. 

for he was well adapted to tliem, both by superior natural talents and by 
long experience in political life. 

The most remarkable of the men who were subsequently appointed to 
the Kebel Cabinet, was Charles G. Mciaminger, who became Secretary of 
the Treasury. This person was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, in 1804, 
and was brought to Cliarlestou when two years of age by Lis parents. 
Soon afterward their premature deatli left him friendless and destitute in 
the world. He then became an inmate of an orphan asylum ; but after 
some years was so fortunate as to obtain the patronage of Governor 
Bennet of South Carolina. That gentleman became interested in his fate, 
and assisted him to commence a career which afterward attained no small 
degree of distinction. Mr. Memminger's iutellectusl qualities were much 
above the ordinary range. His mind was clear, strong, sagacious. In 
temper he was ambitious, persevering, determined, self-confident. Small 
in person, he compensated for that deficiency by unusual activity and 
energy of movement. He was for a long time prominent in political life 
in South Carolina. For many years he was cliairman of the Committee 
of Finance of the Legislature of the State. He always opposed the ex- 
istence of banks and the use of paper money. In truth, he had been to 
the State of South Carolina what Albert Gallatin was to the Federal 
Government in the Revolutionary era. He was, however, a man of 
details, and never rose to grand national views, nor achieved a national 
fame in the arena of politics. By his zeal and earnestness in advocating 
secession, he invested bis name with an unenviable and execrable noto- 
riety, and forever tarnished the honorable eminence which he had pre- 
viously secured. 

Next in the order of importance in the Rebel Cabinet was Mr. Toombs, 
the Secretary of State. This person distinguished himself in the Federal 
Congress, during a number of year.s, as a zealous advocate of southern 
interests. He was noted for his impetuous and declamatory style of 
speaking. He was an admirable representative of the peculiarities of 
southern eloquence — ardent, rapid, noisy. Mr. Mallory, the Secretary of 
the Navy, formerly occupied a seat in the United States Senate. He was 
a man of very moderate talents and utilitarian tendencies. General 
L. Pope Walker, the Secretary of War, was comparatively unknown to 
the nation at large, but he had ac(|uired some military reputation in the 
South. J. P. Benjamin, the Attorney -General, had previously represented 
the Slate of Louisiana during some years in the Federal Senate. He 
possessed no inconsiderable attainments as a jurist, and marked ability 
as a forensic orator ; but his most remarkable and prominent characteris- 
tic was his acquisitiveness, as was demonstrated both by his earlier and by 
his maturer history. 



ASSEMBLING OF THE PEACE CONGRESS. 83 



CHAPTER IV. 

ASSEMBLIKO OF THK PEACE COXGRESS AT WASHIXGTON — THEIB PROPOSALS OF COMPROMISE — 
THEIB REJECTION AND FAILURE — ATTITUDE OP PRESIDENT BUCHANAN — PUBLIC SENTIMPJ^T 
RESPECTING FORT SUMTER — MISSION OF THE " STAR OF THE WEST" — FINAL ESTABLISHMENT 
OP THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT AT MONTGOMERY — INAUGURATION OP JEFFERSON DAVIS 
AS PRESIDENT — HIS ADDRESS — INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN — HIS ADDRESS — 
HIS CABINET OFFICERS — THE FAMOUS ORATION OF A. H. STEPHENS AT SAVANNAH — ITS HIS- 
TORICAL IMPORTANCE — HIS FIRST POSITION — HE REFUTES JEFFERSON, HAMILTON, AND 
MADISON — HIS SECOND POSITION — THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY 
—ABSURDITY AND FALLACY OF THAT FOUNDATION — THE FUTURE CONDITION AND DESTINY 
OF THE NEGRO RACE. 

While the founders of the Southern Confederacy were thus complet- 
ing their work at Montgomery, a vigorous effort was being made by 
eminent men in the nation — beyond the jurisdiction of the Federal Con- 
gress — to heal the difficulty, and avert the horrors of civil war. A Peace 
Congress was convened at Washington, whose special aim and purpose 
it was to accomplish this desirable result. Ex-President Tyler presided 
over its deliberations ; and during the progress of its sessions a committee 
was appointed, consisting of one member from each State, for the purpose 
of drawing up pacific propositions, which might be acceptable to both 
parties. The chairman of this committee was the venerable James Guthrie 
of Kentucky. After much discussion, certain proposals of compromise 
were agreed upon. 

Having adopted a number of elaborate Articles, every word of which 
had been carefully weighed and discussed, the Congress provided for their 
being communicated to the hostile and rival Governments, for their con- 
sideration and approval. They then adjourned. But the ultimate fate of 
these propositions was unfortunate. They satisfied neither party, over 
whose minds the spirit of extreme irritation prevailed ; and thus they failed 
in accomplishing the benevolent and patriotic purpose for which they 
were evidently intended. 

The leaders of the Southern Rebellion at Charleston were not disposed 
to permit themselves or their achievements to disappear from public view ; 
and although the attention of the nation was chiefly directed to the events 
tlien progressing at Montgomery, they managed to make sufficient com- 
motion to be the subjects of continued astonishment and general scrutiny. 
Fort Sumter was still held by Major Anderson for the United States with 
a small garrison. The administration of James Buchanan continued to 
drag out its ignominious length; and the sole purpose of that personage 
seemed to be, to keep things as quiet as possible, and to avoid decisive 
and bold measures of any kind, until he should escape from the difficulties 



84 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

of his official position. But the voice of public sentiment imperatively 
demanded that some demonstration should be made for the assistance 
and support of the commandment of Fort Sumter, which seemed to be in 
greater peril at that moment than any other of the Federal fortresses. 
Accordingly, a vessel named the Star of the West, was freighted with 
provisions and ammunition, and dispatched from New York to the port 
of Charleston. It was the hope of the nation that efficient relief would by 
this means be afforded to Major Anderson ; and that he would be so far 
strengthened, as to be able to resist with success any attack which the 
Eebels might make upon him. Such, however, was not destined to be the 
case. As the Star of the West hove in sight off the bar of Charleston, 
she was greeted with a discharge of artillery from the shore. As she con- 
tinued to approach the salute became warmer and more effective. At 
length the fire from Morris Island assumed a really dangerous vigor and 
fury. Then the commander of the vessel gave the order to port her helm ; 
she turned her head ; doubled upon her track ; proceeded out over the 
bar; and thence sailed back to New York. A more miserable and abor- 
tive attempt to accomplish any purpose could not possibly be conceived. 
This result excited general surprise and disgust throughout the nation. 
People of every class and every party inquired why the Federal Govern- 
ment, once so powerful and so prompt in the public service, both civil and 
military, had suddenly become so utterly imbecile and Worthless, that an 
armed rebellion against the Government could pursue its insulting and 
defiant course, could plunder public property, could declare its intention 
to attack and capture Federal fortresses ; and yet, all that the General 
Government could accomplish, after three months of menace on the part 
of the enemy, and of deliberation on the part of the Administration, was 
the sending of a single unarmed vessel, with a few men and some supplies, 
to make, as it were, a mere dumb show of relief, snd then return again, 
without having accomplished aiiything. What the real secret of this 
mysterious policy may have been, the future historian and apologist of 
the administration of James Buchanan must explain, and, if possible, 
must vindicate. 

Meanwhile, the establishment of the Rebel Government was progress- 
ing at its infant seat of empire. On the loth of February the Congress 
at Montgomery appointed a committee to make suitable arrangements 
for the reception of the new President, and for the ceremonies of his in- 
auguration. This committee performed their duties with energy and 
success; and Jefl'erson Davis was inducted into his office on the ensuing 
eighteenth of the month, in the capitol of the State, with as much pomp 
and ceremony as could be mustered for the occasion. The speech de- 
livered by the uew President was elaborated with much care, and was 
well adapted to the circumstances under which it was uttered. 

Mr. Davis concluded his address with pious allusions to the blessings 



THE INAUGURATION OF PEBSIDBNT LINCOLN. 85 

of Providence, and with devout petitions for future guidance and direc- 
tion from the Supreme Being. After the close of the ceremonies, 
the signing of the Provisional Constitution by the members of the 
assembled Congress ensued. Great exultation prevailed throughout 
Montgomery on that day ; and at night the general rapture was dis- 
played by fireworks, by melodies from brass bands, and by all the usual 
methods of joyful popular demonstration. 

Thus at last the Southern Confederacy was fully and permanently 
organized. Immediately afterward the members of the Cabinet of Mr. 
Davis were confirmed by the Congress without hesitation. They imme- 
diately entered upon the duties of their several ofiices. One of the first 
acts of the President was to appoint General Peter G. T. Beauregard, late 
a majar in the United States engineer corps, to proceed to Charleston, and 
take command of the forces assembled there for the attack aud capture 
of Fort Sumter. 

While the attention of the seceding States was occupied by those 
events, the chief interest of the nation was engrossed by the events tran- 
spiring at Washington. On the 4th of March, 1861, Abraham Lincoln 
was inaugurated as President of the United States, and assumed the 
functions of his high office. No man ever inherited a more difficult or a 
more perilous post than fell to his lot. No man ever left a government 
in a more wretched state of anarchy and confusion than his predecessor 
had done. Mr. Lincoln delivered an Inaugural Address characterized by 
great moderation, by extreme prudence, and by practical sagacity ; and 
the nation derived fresh confidence from its manly tone and spirit, in his 
fitness for the anomalous position in which he was placed. He selected 
his Cabinet with equal judgment and felicity. William H. Seward, one 
of the most able and eminent of living American statesmen, was appointed 
Secretary of State. Simon Cameron, an adroit and experienced man of 
business, became Secretary of War. Gideon Welles, already favorably 
known for his official ability, became Secretary of the Navy. Salmon P. 
Chase, one of the most accomplished and profound financiers of the day 
was placed at the head of the Treasury. Caleb B. Smith took charge of 
the Interior ; Montgomery Blair presided in the Post Office Department , 
Edward Bates became Attorney-General. 

On the 21st of March, Alexander H. Stephens, Vice President of 
the Southern Confederacy, delivered a memorable speech in the city 
of Savannah, which was commended by his partisans as a prodigious 
achievement of logical ability and skill. The professed purpose of this 
oration was to describe and to defend the leading principles of the Con- 
stitution of the Rebel Eepublic. It was regarded by the secessionists as 
an unassailable and impregnable bulwark of their peculiar institutions. 
Its delivery was a prominent event in the establishment of the new gov- 
ernment. It was cited as a representative speech uttered by a represen- 



86 TUE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

tative man, and it was applauded as the greatest intellectual monument 
erected by their statesmen during the progress of the war. As it will 
always retain an historical importance and significance, we may be per 
mitted briefly to examine some of its leading positions. 

Mr. Stephens commenced his oration by observing in substance, that 
the preeminent and most valuable ingredient of the Southern Constitution 
was its admirable settlement of the whole subject of slavery, by which 
that vexed question was clearly defined and practically adjusted forever. 
He then proceeded to say that the founders of the Federal Government, 
Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and their associates, maintained the posi- 
tion that slavery was a violation of the laws of nature; that they be- 
lieved it to be inherently wrong, socially, morally and politically ; and 
that they indulged the hope that at some future time it would b^wholly 
abolished and removed. This opinion, Mr. Stephens asserted, was false. 
The sages of the Revolutionary era were in error. Their views were 
limited, superficial, absurd. He had discovered that slavery is not a 
violation of the laws of nature ; that it is not wrong, socially, morally or 
politically. Nor was it destined to be evanescent, and eventually to pass 
away. 

Such was Mr. Stephens' bold and positive assertion. But where is the 
proo/ that the founders of the Federal Government on this point were in 
error? None whatever is adduced in this speech. Not a single argu- 
ment is advanced by the orator to demonstrate it. He makes a simple 
and unsupported declaration to that effect. It then becomes a mere 
question of veracity and authority between A.H.Stephens on the one 
side, and those whose wisdom and sagacity he calls in question on the 
other. Either he is right, and Jefferson, Hamilton, Madison, and their 
associates were wrong ; or their judgments were correct and his erroneous. 
!\[r. Stephens having placed the argument and the issue on this basis, 
thereby imposed upon his opponents the necessity of inquiring who pos- 
sesses the greater weight of authority, he, or the Federal founders ? 
The real question to be decided is: Will A. H.Stephens outweigh in the 
scales of authority the vast and powerful gravitation of those renowned 
sages, philosophers and statesmen ? We imagine that he will not. In 
any instance in which he and they would be balanced against each other, 
bis authority would be as the weight of a feather against the ponderosity 
of an Alp. Hence it was an act of weakness on his part to put the argu- 
ment on that ground ; and tliat weakness demonstrated the folly of those 
who applauded his speech in such extravagant terms. He makes an 
issue before the public, which issue an impartial public must, at a single 
glance, discover to be so overwlielmingly against him that an adverse deci- 
sion of their judgments is instantly and inevitably extorted from them. 

Mr. Stephens' second position was the most important, and also the most 
fallacious, contained in his speech. He asserted that the Southern Ee- 



FOUNDATION STONE OP THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY. 87 \ 

i 
public was based upon tbe great principle that the "negro is not equal ' 

to the white man ; that slavery, subordination to tbe superior race, is his 
natural and normal condition; and he adds with exultation, tliat the new I 

government "was the first in the history of the world based on ihnt great I 

physical, philosophical and moral truth." We will not deny that the 
latter part of this declaration may be true. The boundless and immeas- 
urable absurdity of a professedly free government being based, and abso- 
lutely founded, on a despotic and tyrannical dogma such as the worst 
tyrants who ever trampled human rights in the dust, and defied all laws 
human and divine would have approved and applauded ; that monstrous 
contradiction we verily believe has never before been perpetrated by any 
race of rational beings. It is a glory belonging not to Turkish, or Eussian, 
or Austrian autocrats, but to the enlightened statesmen of the Southern 
Confederacy alone ! 

But in itself considered this declaration of Mr. Stephens set forth first, 
a great falsehood, and second, if it were true, it was a most iniquitous 
and execrable principle on which to establish any government, and 
especially a government which called itself a Republic. We affirm that 
it is a false assertion that the negro is essentially and inherently an inferior 
race, as regards his natural, intellectual and moral capabilities of culture. 
That he has been made thus inferior, that he now is so, that he may for 
ages remain inferior, is unquestionable. But that he would have been 
inferior if surrounded by the same elevating influences which the white 
races have enjoyed is not proved. If the negro be inferior in the United 
States to the white man, is that fact not to be attributed to the despotism 
and prejudice under which he has always lived ? How could it be 
otherwise, when, from the day on which the race was transported hither to 
the present time, it has been fewer in number than the whites, destitute 
of means of improvement, ground into the dust by tyranny, enervated by 
degrading and exhausting labor, and their minds shut out by a stronger 
power from the genial influences of education, science, art, liberty and 
social improvement. It is evident that if the relative positions of the races 
had been exchanged, if the first inhabitants of the North American colo- 
nies had been free negroes, if a few whites of the lowest grade from Ireland, 
Germany or England, had been transported hither as slaves, and if they 
and their descendants had existed for several centuries precisely as negroes 
have lived during that interval, they would now occupy the same relative 
position in intelligence with regard to the rival race which the negroes 
do at the present hour. ' 

The truth of this conjecture is demonstrated by the fact that, in cases 
where negroes have enjoyed favorable influences and opportunities, they 
have attained a degree of culture and intelligence very far in advance of 
the statics of those negroes who are condemned to endure a life'of bondage. 
This fact proves the capability of the race for improvement. It is useless 
to adduce many instances which go to illustrate that capability ; because 



88 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATKS. 

one solitary example would establish the truth of the position as well as 
hundreds; and with some such examples all men are familiar. But no 
absurdity is greater than the assertion that in. the abstract, and by nature, 
when living under equally favorable influences, the negro is necessarily 
and normally inferior to the white race It cannot be proved, because 
no case has ever existed in which an equal opportunity was afforded to a 
whole community of negroes; therefore no decision against their equality 
as a race can be derived with conclusive certainty from historical facts. 

To meet the surprise and disgust with which Mr. Stephens justly sus- 
pected that this sentiment would be re?5eived, he proceeded to argue that 
this great truth which the Southern Eepublic had discovered and had 
made the corner-stone of its structure, might be very tardy in gaining the 
assent of mankind; but that fact would be no argument against its truth- 
fulness, because other great and true principles had been equally slow in 
their diffusion, and yet had at last attained universal supremacy over the 
convictions of men. Thus it was, said he, with the discoveries of Galileo 
in Astronomy, and with the principles of Adam Smith in Political Econ- 
omy. It was no argument against the truthfulness of their doctrines, 
that it required a long lapse of time before the world appreciated and be- 
lieved them. It v/'ould be so, he added, with this new discovery of the 
statesmen of the Southern Confederacy. But, unfortunately, the opposition 
of mankind to new doctrines is no evidence of their absolute truthfulness. 
If men have long opposed novelties founded in truth, they have also op- 
posed novelties founded in error with equal obstinacy. Hence the opposition 
of men to new doctrines is no argument either way. If it were an argu- 
ment to establish the excellence of a principle, then the opposition which 
has, during many years, resisted the claims of the Mormons to credibility, 
would be an evidence in favor of their veracity. To deduce the truth of 
any new dogma from the fact that men condemn and oppose it, is there- 
fore a non sequitnr. 

This memorable argument of Mr. Stephens concluded, so far as the 
question of slavery, was concerned, with the declaration that slavery, a 
condition of inferiority, was not only the natural and legitimate position 
of the negro, but that experience had also taught, •Uhatit was best for 
him." What a marvelous sjjecimen of logical absurdity and fallacy 
is here ? The negro is inferior, degraded and debased ; therefore it 
is right to enslave him. But it is found by experience that slavery, 
which retains him in this inferior, degraded and debased condition, 
"is best for him." Therefore it is best for>a certain race of men to 
remain inferior, degraded and debased. It is a legitimate inference which 
follows from this premise, that whatever is best for one race must be ad- 
vantageous for all races ; hence, if it is best for the negro thus to be infe- 
rior, degraded and debased, it is also most desirable for all mankind so 
to be. Any government based on so monstrous and absurd a foundation, 
carries within its own bosom the elements of its inevitable destruction. 



THE MISSION OP ME. YANCEY TO EUROPE. 89 



CHAPTER V. 

THE MISSION OF ME. YANCEY AND HIS ASSOCIATES TO EUROPE — THEIR REPRESENTATIONS TO 
THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH PEOPLE — EVENTS AT CHARLESTON — THE REBEL COMMISSION- 
ERS AT WASHINGTON — THEIR ABSURD DEPORTMENT GEN. BEAUREGARD DEMANDS THE 

SURRENDER OP FORT SUMTER — MAJOR ANDERSON RESPECTFULLY DECLINES — PREPARA- 
TIONS FOR THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE FORT — SIZE AND STRENGTH OF THE WORKS — 
SKETCH OF MAJOR ANDERSON — SKETCH. OF GEN. BEAUREGARD — COMMENCEMENT OF THE 
BOMBARDMENT — HEROISM OF THE GARRISON — INCIDENTS OF THE FIRST DAy'S ATTACK — 
EVENTS OF THE ENSUING NIGHT — THE CONTINUANCE OF THE BOMBARDMENT DURING THE 
NEST DAY — SUFFERINGS OF THE GARRISON — EX-SENATOR WIGFALL — A DEPUTATION FROM 
GEN. BEAUREGARD — PROPOSITIONS OF SURRENDER — THEY ARE ACCEPTED BY MAJOR 
ANDERSON — EXULTATION OP THE REBELS— WHY THE GARRISON WAS NOT REINFORCED — 
PROCLAMATION OP GOVERNOR LETCHER — PROCLAMATION OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 

Soon after the organization of the Southern Confederacy, as has been 
already narrated, an importatit step was taken to obtain its recognition 
as an independent and established government by the leading sovereign- 
ties of Europe. A commission was appointed to proceed to England and 
France, of whom William L. Yancey was the chief, whose duty it was to 
effect that desirable result. It is curious to note the grounds upon 
which success in this enterprise, the importance of which is admitted, 
and need not be discussed, was based by the Rebel cabinet and their emis- 
saries. 

It was urged in the South — and when the commissioners arrived in 
Europe they repeated the same representations there — that the Union was 
irretrievably destroyed; that the seven seceding States would never will- 
ingly return to the Federal Government; and that the idea of compelling 
them so to do was absurd and visionary in the extreme. It remained 
therefore to consider what the interests of England and France would be 
in reference to this new government, whose separate and permanent ex- 
istence should now be accepted as an unquestionable and inevitable fact. 
The commissioners asserted that "-England must have cotton ;" and in that 
great overwhelming want lay the absolute necessity that she should 
recognize the new government, and enter into a treaty of commerce with 
it. Nowhere else on the globe could this indispensable staple be pro- 
duced in sufficient quantities, except in the Southern States. As soon as 
England perceived — as in a few months they asserted she would perceive 
— that thousands of her own manufacturing population were starving for 
the want of this commodity, her ships would force the blockade of the 
southern ports, and recommence the trade which had been suspended. 
The commissioners declared that the cotton crop for the summer of 1861 
would be as abundant as usual, after making allowance for the greater 
proportion of corn and wheat which had been planted and sown. A 



90 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED 8TATKS. 

potent motive would thus be off'ered to England to induce licr to resume 
her commercial intercourse with the Southern States. And if this result 
occurred, it was highly proper and necessary that the formal recognition 
of the new Eepublic should have previously taken place. 

The commissioners furthermore urged, in their informal interviews 
with the English and French ministers, that the seceding States, rather 
than return to the Federal Government, after all that had occurred to 
irritate and alienate them, would greatly prefer to become a colony of 
England or France. If they were unable to maintain their separate atti- 
tude, rather than again become members of the Federal Union, they 
would be willing to descend to the humbler relation of dependants upon 
a royal or imperial sovereign. In that view it would be prudent, in the 
very beginning of tbe contest, for France and England to recognize the 
new republic ; because by so doing they would render the subsequent 
act of submission to either of their own monarchs more legitimate and 
and binding. Strange and utterly false ideas were also set forth by the 
commissioners in regard to slavery, as it existed in the Rebel States. 
They asserted that the opposition of the inhabitants of the North to that 
institution was based solely on the fact that, before secession took place, 
the whole nation was held responsible for it in the eyes of the world ; 
that as soon as the Southern Eepublic was recognized by European 
powers, whereby the stigma of slavery would be removed from the North, 
the latter would in no respect interfere with it, and it would never con- 
stitute any ground of future trouble or conflict between the two govern- 
ments. As a proof of this position, it was alleged that the black servants 
of the inhabitants of the West Indies, while sojourning in the Northern 
States, were never disturbed, nor were any eflbrts made to entice tliem 
from their masters. To overcome that repugnance which all intelligent 
Englishmen and many Frenchmen feel to slavery, it was urged that the 
existing slavery in the South was in reality a patriarchal institution ; that 
the negro race flourished under it; that in 1808, when the foreign slave 
trade was abolished, there were but one million negroes in the slave 
States ; that now, after half a century of experiment, the negroes have 
increased fourfold ; and that when English and French statesmen closely 
examined the institution as it now exists, it would be found to be not 
only profitable for the master, but also most advantageous for the slave. 

While Mr. Yancey and his associates were zealously proclaiming and 
defending these questionable doctrines in England and France, and were 
oscillating between London and Paris with alternate hope and despair, 
important events were transpiring at Charleston. Until the 7th of April, 
1861, friendly relations had existed to some extent between Major Ander- 
son, in command of Fort Sumter, and the authorities of Charleston. Till 
then he had been permitted to obtain fresh provisions from the markets 
of the city ; but on that day General Beauregard issued an order to the 



BEAUREGARD DEMANDS THE SURRENDER OF SUMTER. 91 

effect that no further intercourse would be allowed between the fort and 
the shore. He then sent a messenger to Major Anderson apprising him 
of that determination. 

The immediate cause of this decision seemed to be, that the commission- 
ers who had been recently dispatched from the Rebel Government to 
Washington for the purpose of settling all questions in regard to rival 
interests, geographical boundaries, and other issues which necessarily- 
resulted from the full and absolute withdrawal of the seceding States from 
the Union, sent word to the Rebel President that all their efforts had 
proved abortive. Mr. Seward, on the part of the Administration of Mr. 
Lincoln, first refused their request for a private and unofficial interview. 
He then further informed them that it would be impossible for him, as 
Secretary of State for the United States, to hold any official intercourse 
with them whatever, to recognize them even as diplomatic agents of any- 
body ; and he declined to appoint a day on which they might present 
the evidences of their authority and the purpose of their visit to the Fed- 
eral Government. The commissioners, Messrs. Forsyth, of Alabama, and 
Crawford, of Georgia, received this intimation as an insult; flew into a 
passiou of the most approved southern intensity, informed the Rebel 
Government at Montgomery of the treatment which they had received, 
and left Washington in high dudgeon. When the inhabitants of the 
seceding States received the intelligence of these events, they caught the 
general and infectious rage ; a universal outburst of execration resounded 
over the South, and curses both loud and deep were unmercifully heaped 
upon the head of Mr. Lincoln, who had thus dared to snub the southern 
chivalry. 

Immediately after the occurrence of these events General Beauregard 
dispatched Messrs. Chesnut and Lee, his aids-de-camp, to Major Ander- 
son, to demand of him formally the immediate surrender of Fort Sumter. 
To this polite requisition Major Anderson returned an equally courteous 
refusal. He declared that his sense of honor, and his obligations to his 
Government, would absolutely prevent his compliance with the demand. 
On the 12th of April, about 3 o'clock, A. M., a second deputation was 
sent by the Rebel general to the commandant of the fort, who were com- 
missioned to say, that, if the latter would designate the time, at some 
future, and perhaps even distant period, when it would suit his conveni- 
ence, from want of provisions, or from any other sufficient reason, to 
abandon the works, they would give him the assurance that, in the mean- 
time, he should not be fired upon. The reply of Major Anderson to this 
proposition was equally unsatisfactory to the deputation; who conse- 
quently left the fort, giving him the agreeable assurance that the batter- 
ies of Charleston would open on him within an hour. 

And now the most startling and momentous event which had taken 
place since the commencement of the Rebellion was about to occur. For 



92 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the first time since the foundation of the Federal Government, the 
alienated children of the once glorious Union commenced actual 
hostilities against each other; and brothers strove to stain their 
hands with fratricidal blood. Yet, melancholy as was the spectacle 
which was now presented to the view of mankind, it exhibited at 
the same time some ludicrous features. At this very period, accord- 
ing to the statement of the Charleston Mercury — a journal which will not 
be suspected of injustice to their own side — there were seven thousand 
men under arms, and a hundred and forty pieces of heavy ordnance, which 
were more guns than Napoleon had at Waterloo, actually in position, and 
ready for use, in and around the harbor of Charleston ; and this formidable 
armament was marshaled by the chivalrous and invincible State of South 
Carolina, in order to capture a fort garrisoned by seventy half-starved men. 

The fortification which was about to become the scene of conflict, and 
around which the events and the interest of the whole Bebellion were now 
to cluster, was named after Thomas Sumter of Kevolutionary fame, and 
was one of the strongest and largest which had been erected by the Fed- 
eral Government. In form Fort Sumter was a truncated pentagon, one 
of the five sides being parallel with the shore. On that side was the 
landing and entrance to the fort from a wharf which extended along 
the entire length of the fortress and projected toward the land. The 
height of the walls above the water line was sixtj' feet, and they were 
from eight to twelve feet in thickness. The whole number of guns mount- 
ed at the period of the attack was seventy-five, although the full arma- 
ment was a hundred and forty. These were placed in three tiers. The 
heaviest, consisting of thirty-two and sixty-four pounders, were arranged 
on the lowest tier. The guns next in size, being twentj^-four pounders, 
frowned from the port-holes of the second tier. From the lofty parapet 
thirteen-inch columbiads and heavy sea-coast mortars menaced the foe. 
In the area within the fort there were two furnaces for heating shot. 
On the eastern and western sides were the barracks and mess halls of 
the privates. On the southern side were the quarters of the officers. 
The magazines of powder were well supplied ; the only deficiency 
under which the garrison labored was that of fuses, men and provisions. 

The fortress was at this period under the command of Major Eobert 
Anderson. This meritorious officer was born in 1810, and graduated 
with honor at West Point. His first important service was in the Black 
Hawk war, in which he behaved with gallantry. His superior merits 
are indicated by the fact that, in 1838, he was appointed assistant instruc- 
tor and inspector at West Point. In the following year he published a 
work entitled " Instruction for Field Artillery, Horse and Foot ; arranged 
for the service of the United States." He was b revetted captain in April, 
1838. He afterward was made assistant adjutant-general. In March, 



COMMENCEMENT OP THE BOMBARDMENT. 93 

1848, lie proceeded to Mexico with the Third Eegiment of Artillery, and 
assisted in the siege of Vera Cruz. On that occasion he had command 
of one of the batteries. He accompanied General Scott in his triumphal 
march to the city of Mexico. For his gallant services in the war he was 
promoted to the brevet rank of major ; and in October, 1857, received the 
position of major in the First Artillery. Throughout his whole military 
career Major Anderson had been remarkable for his bravery, coolness, 
general ability as a soldier, and his incorruptible integrity as a patriot. 

The officer who commanded the rebel forces in Charleston, and who 
was about to conduct the assault upon the fort, was not unworthy, in some 
respects, to be the rival of so admirable a soldier. General Peter G. T. 
Beauregard was a native of Louisiana, and was born in 1817. He was 
descended, on his mother's side, from Italian ancestors, who are said to 
trace their lineage to the illustrious ducal family oi Beggio. He gratuated 
at West Point with honor in 1838, and was immediately appointed to the 
corps of Engineers. In January, 1840, he obtained a first lieutenancy ; 
and afterward served with distinction through the Mexican war. After 
the battle of Churubusco he was brevetted on the field as captain, for his 
gallant and meritorious conduct. After the conflict of Chapultepec he 
received a similar compliment, with the higher grade of major. His 
conduct during the entire war was distinguished for superior skill and for- 
titude ; and he had already attained the reputation of possessing engineering 
talents of a high order. It would doubtless have been impossible for the 
President of the Southern Confederacy to have confided the important 
service of reducing Fort Sumter to more able and experienced hands. 

Major Anderson had informed the deputation from Charleston, which 
waited upon him before daybreak on the 12th of April, that his provision 
would be exhausted on the following Monday, the 15th of April. This 
information was given in an unoificial manner ; and the communication 
was perfectly proper under the circumstances. Accordingly, when the 
chivalrous warriors of South Carolina commenced the bombardment of 
the fort, it was done with the perfect knowledge of the fact that the siege 
must end in its capture, if it were only continued for three days. la 
truth, the commandant would have been compelled to evacuate at that 
period, whether attacked or not ; or else starve to death. Therefore it is 
evident that the bombardment of the fort was in reality a complete farce, 
a mere dumb show of unnecessary, superfluous, ostentatious bravado. 
This important fact should be borne in mind when we contemplate the 
events which ensued, and the boundless boastings of the victors. 

At length, on Friday morning, April 12th, at half-past four o'clock, 
the commencement of the attack was announced by the discharge of a 
single bombshell, which, after describing a graceful curve through the 
murky heavens, descended, and burst directly over the fort. The dark- 
ness of the early dawn was suddenly illumined, far and near, by the flash- 



94 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UXITKI> STATES. 

ing meteor. The sound reverberated over the silent fort, over the watery 
waste, over the adjacent shores, and over the slumbering city, starting 
thousands from their repose, and announcing that the last act of the drama 
had commenced. Major Anderson instantly ordered the sentinels to 
descend from the parapets, the posterns to be closed, the stars and stripes 
to be unfurled from the summit of the flag-staff, and the men to remain 
within the bomb-proofs. After a short pause of preparation, the Rebels 
commenced to fire upon Sumter from all directions, not only from the 
forts which had previously existed in the harbor, but also from those 
works which they had recently erected ; from the iron masked batteries at 
Cumming's Point, at a distance of sixteen hundred yards; from the iron 
floating battery at the end of Sullivan's Island, distant two thousand 
yards; and from the enfilading batteries on Sullivan's Island and" on Mount 
Pleasant. In consequence of the smallness of the garrison, Major Ander- 
son did not return a single shot until his men had breakfasted, that they 
might husband their strength as much as possible. At seven o'clock 
the}' were divided into three equal relief parties, with orders to work the 
batteries by turns for four hours each. Then old Sumter opened her iron 
mouths, and poured forth an indignant and contemptuous hail-storm of 
shot and shell upon her multitudinous assailants, which told that the an- 
cient vigor of her garrison had not degenerated. The}- displayed the utmost 
enthusiasm in working the guns; and the several reserve parties could 
scarcely be restrained from service till their proper turns arrived. The 
first relief was commanded by Captain Doubleday, of the Artillery, and 
Lieutenant Snyder, of the Engineer corps. Their compliments were 
chiefly paid to Fort Moultrie, whose shattered embrasures soon testified 
to the superior skill and vigor of their gunnery. 

The immense superiority of the rebel batteries in numbers soon began 
to tell effectively upon the fortress. Their fire was uninterrupted and 
vigorous. A deluge of shot poured into Sumter from every quarter at 
once; and the assailants must have been pigmies in warfiare had they not 
been able to overpower the feeble gcrrrison and demolish the solitary fort. 
Loose brick and stone now flew in every direction ; portions of the 
parapet were torn away; six of the guns were disabled; and it became 
certain death to undertake to work the barbette guns on the upper un- 
covered casement. About one o'clock, on Friday, the cartridges in the 
fort were exhausted; and a party was detailed to use the blankets and 
shirts in the magazines to supply the deficiency. At length a greater 
evil tiian the shot of the enemy began to assail the heroic garrison. 
During the first day of the siege the barracks caught fire three several 
times; and soon the fort was filled with smoke, which blinded the men 
and almost stifled them. By prodigious exertions the fire was extinguished. 
In the meanwhile the guns were served with the same alacrity. The men 
— tlieir faces begrimed with powder, the flames roaring within the works 




|8g 



© 

C.--3 

e 






SUFFERINGS OF THE GARRISON. 95 

and apparently approachiug nearer and nearer to the magazine, the bat- 
teries of the enemy reverberating from every quarter, and their red-hot shot 
exploding above, around and near them, without intermission — still 
worked with dauntless resolution, and the officers gave -their orders with 
the utmost coolness. Amid such a pandemonium the darkness of night 
descended upon the scene; and Friday, the first day of tlie assault, closed. 

But the fort was not yet reduced. During the night Major Anderson 
ordered his men to suspend their fire. Not so the assailants. Perfectly 
aware that after the third day the commandant must evacuate for want 
of provisions, they determined to make all the bluster and display possible; 
and hence they continued their useless and superfluous assault during the 
entire night. It was a grand spectacle for the populace of Charleston. 
Never before had they witnessed such an exhibition. Never before had 
there been such a display of sky-rockets, at the public expense, as was 
made during that night in Charleston harbor. Accordingly, the whole 
population were out. The wharves, and what is called the Battery, were 
filled with a delighted and astonished multitude, who gazed with mingled 
wonder and exultation at the countless shells as they described their sym- 
metrical parabolas through the midnight heavens, and then descended 
upon the silent fortress. That, however, for the most part was a display 
merely intended to demonstrate the prowess and skill of the besiegers. 
Little damage was done during the night ; Major Anderson spent the 
interval in recruiting his men and preparing for the next day's work. 

At length Saturday dawned, and Sumter began to respond to the fire of 
the enemy. The seven thousand Rebel troops who were assembled at 
the scene of conflict had not yet become exhausted ; they still discharged 
their guns with uninterrupted regularity and frequency. Early in the 
day the barracks within the fort were set on fire for the fourth time ; and 
it soon became evident that it would be impossible to extinguish the 
flames. No sooner would the exertions of the men succeed in suppress- 
ing the conflagration in one quarter, than the red-hot balls of the enemy 
would kindle them with fresh fury in another. Then it became neces- 
sary to remove the powder from the magazine. Ninety barrels were 
rolled through the very flames, wrapped in wet woolen blankets, to the 
port-holes, and thrown overboard. At last it was impossible to accom- 
plish even this ; and the doors of the magazine were closed and locked 
upon the remainder. And now the smoke became more stifling and 
insupportable than ever. The meu were blinded and smothered beyond 
endurance. They could only breathe through wet cloths, and by lying 
on the ground. It is said that, at one moment, had not a propitious 
eddy of wind lifted the dense smoke from the area within the fortress, 
nearly all the garrison must have been suffocated. In such a situation 
there was yet no thought of surrender ; but the guns of the fort could 
not be worked with the usual rapidity. They were fired slowly, only as 



96 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

fast as cartridges could be made in the darkness produced by tbe smoke, 
and merely to announce tbe fact to the assailants and to the admirin» 
citizens that tbe fort had not yet been silenced. 

Amid such scenes tbe hours of Saturday wore away. The final catas- 
trophe was rapidly approaching. Seven thou.sand valiant soldiers would 
not easily desist from the conquest of seventy men. Hence the attack 
was kept up more furiously during this day than on the precedinf>-. A 
deluge of red-hot shot was still poured upon the shattered works; the fire 
within continued its unrestrained ravages; the smoke became more 
intense, and swelled high up into the heavens, a black rolling mass, which 
could be seen from afar above the fort ; the main gate was battered down ; 
the walls were full of breaches ; and the towers had all been demolished. 
These were the results of the second day's assault, yet the stars and 
stripes still waved from the flag-staff"; their graceful lines of beauty being 
occasionally visible, as the thick curtain of smoke would be wafted aside 
by ihe breeze. The sun was beginning to descend the western heavens, 
when ex-senator Wigfall suddenly and unaccountably presented himself 
at one of the embrasures, with a white flag tied to his sword. Such a 
spectacle, at such a time and place, at once attracted attention. Lieu- 
tenant Snyder immediately approached him, and demanded his business. 
He received for answer, that the stranger was no loss a personage tliiin 
General Wigfall, who came from General Beauregard with an important 
message; and he desired to know why, the flag being down, the fort did 
not stop firing? The truth however was, that Wigfall had 7ioi come with 
any message from Beauregard, and that the flag was not down. Never- 
theless a parley ensued, which amounted to nothing. The visitor then 
disappeared through the embrasure, and soon afterward a deputation 
arrived, consisting of Messrs. Chesnut, Pryor, Lee, and Miles, who bad 
been sent by General Beauregard. They brought propositions of sur- 
render, which Major Anderson approved aiid at once accepted. It was 
stipulated between them, that the garrison should remove all their indi- 
vidual and company property; that they should march out with all their 
arms, at their own time, and in their own way ; that they should salute 
their flag with the honors of war, and then take it away with them. 

Thus was this memorable assault terminated. On Sunday morning, at 
half-past nine o'clock, the garrison withdrew, firing a salute of a hun- 
dred guns. They then embarked upon a transport furnished by the 
Rebels ; the patriotic strain of Yankee Doodle floating meanwhile 
upon the breeze. They were subsequently transferred- to the "Baltic," 
and sailed for New York. It is superfluous to say that Major Anderson 
and his men behaved during the bombardment with the utmost gallantry 
and heroism. It would have been impossible to have defended the fort 
more ably, or to have surmounted the difficulties of their position more 
resolutely, than they bad done. The fact that none were killed during 



WHY THE GAERISON WAS NOT REINFORCED. 9^ 

the assault must be attributed to the precautions used by the com- 
mandant, who stationed a man at every port-hole who gave notice of the 
approach of shot or shell. President Lincoln subsequently expressed to 
Major Anderson, ofRcially, his entire approval of the manner in which he 
had discharged his arduous duties on this occasion. 

After the victory came the exultation, and it was such exultation as 
had never before convulsed the chivalrous South. Seven thousand men 
had conquered seventy men; and shouts of joy reverberated throughout 
the whole length and breadth of the Rebel States. General Beauregard 
immediately issued a proclamation, in which he congratulated the troops 
under his command for their success ; spoke of the great privations and 
hardships which they had endured in the conflict ; and declared that they 
"had exhibited the highest characteristics of tried soldiers." He took 
occasion also to thank his staff, the regulars, the volunteers, the militia 
and the naval forces for the prodigious heroism and gallantry which they 
had exhibited. 

Much surprise was expressed at the time that President Lincoln did 
not reinforce the garrison, and that surprise seemed founded in justice. 
But the Executive himself explained at a later period the reason of this 
apparent anomaly. That reason, which was amply sufficient, was briefly 
this : It was the opinion of the chief officers, both of the army and navy, 
at Washington, whom Mr. Lincoln consulted on the subject — and it was 
also the opinion of Major Anderson himself — that it would require twenty 
thousand men to defend the fort successfully, and that the possession of it 
was not really worth so great an expense and outlay of men and money. 
Accordingly the orders given to the commandant simply were, that he 
should vindicate the honor of his flag by making such a resistance as his 
resources enabled him to make, and then, if necessary, abandon the fort. 
This he would have done at any rate on the Monday after the attack, and 
thus would have saved South Carolina the half million dollars which 
her two days of empty glory cost her. 

On the 17th of April, Governor Letcher of Virginia issued a proclama- 
tion, in which he recognized the independence of the Eebel States, and 
ordered that all armed volunteers, regiments and companies in Virginia 
should hold themselves in readiness for efficient service. On the same 
day the convention, which had been summoned to discuss the policy of 
secession, passed an ordinance repealing the ratification of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States by the State of Virginia, and resuming all the 
rights and powers granted under said Constitution. 

Immediately after these events President Lincoln issued a proclama- 
tion, calling for seventy-five thousand troops to suppress the Eebellion, 
and sumrnpning the Federal Congress to meet at Washington on the en- 
suing 4th of July, 1861, in extraordinary session. , 
7 



98 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ENTHUSIASM OF THE REBEL STATES — PROJECTED CONQDEST OF WASHINGTON — PROOFS THAT 
IT WAS CONTEMPLATED — WHY IT WAS NOT ACCOMPLISHED — SEVENTY-FIVE THOUSAND FEDE- 
RAL TROOPS ORDERED OUT — DAVIS ISSUES LETTERS OF MARQUE AND REPRISAI, — PROCLAMA- 
TION OF GOVERNOR LETCHER — SECESSION OF VIRGINIA — BLOCKADE OF THE SOUTHERN PORTS 
■ — ASPECT OF THE LOYAL STATES — FIRST IN THE FIELD — THE ATTACK ON FEDERAL TROOPS IN 
BALTIMORE — FURY OF THE REBEL MOB — RESULTS OP THE ATTACK — ITS INFAMY — THE FEDE- 
RAL FORTS ARE GARRISONED — SECESSION OF MISSOURI — RAPID MARCH OP FEDERAI, TROOPS 

TO WASHINOTON^THE CHICAGO ZOUAVES THE GALLANT ELLSWORTH — ORIGIN OF THE 

TERM ZOUAVE — HISTORY OF THE FRENCH ZOUAVES IN ALGERIA, IN THE CRIMEA, IN ITALY — 
THEIR PECULIAR CHARACTERISTICS — AMERICAN ZOUAVES. 

The fall of Sumter, together with the proclamation of President 
Lincoln summoning a large body of troops to convene at the Federal 
capital, which followed that event, appear to have inflamed the military 
ardor of the Rebel States to a prodigious degree; and gorgeous vision.s of 
extensive conquests rose to their excited views. Prominent among these 
was the immediate attack and capture of Washington. 

It has been seriously doubted whether the leaders of the secession 
movement ever really entertained that ambitious purpose, and especially 
at so early a stage of the Rebellion. It has been asserted that their views 
were always confined to the defence of the invaded territory of these 
States, which had become identified with the secession movement ; and 
that the project of the threatened march on Washington was the sole 
product of the groundless terrors of the inhabitants of the North. This 
supposition is erroneous. At the period of the bombardment of Fort 
Sumter, it was boldly asserted by the Rebel leaders that their next move- 
ment, after the reduction of that fortress, would be the capture of the 
Federal capital. Mr. Walker, the Secretary of War to the Rebel Gov- 
ernment, declared on the 12th of April, at Montgomery, that no man 
could prophesy where the war would end ; but that he would predict that 
the flag of the Southern Confederacy would float in splendor over the 
dome of the capitol at Washington before the first day of May. He 
moreover warned the "hostile Yankees" that, if they were not careful 
how they insulted the chivalry of the South, they would ere long see 
that flag waving in defiant majesty over Fanuoil Hall itself 

A similar sentiment was expressed at the same time by many of the 
leading journals of the South. The Richmond Inquirer declared that 
nothing was more probable than that President Davis would soon march a 
triumphant army through North Carolina and Virginia into Wa.shington. 
The Richmond Examimr asserted that Washington was perfectly within 
the power of Maryland and Virginia, and added that the whole popula- 



PROJECTED CONQUEST OF WASHINGTON. 99 

tion of the South desired, with the utmost unanimity, the achievement of 
that enterprise. It was a singular fact that, when the troops of North 
Carolina proceeded to join the Eebel camp in Virginia, it was with the 
express expectation that their destination was an immediate attack on 
the Federal capital. Other southern journals were still more sanguine 
The Milledgevilh Recorder endeavored to incite the Rebel Government to 
immediate action ; declared that the Confederate States must possess 
Washington ; and insisted that it was folly to imagine that it could be 
permitted to remain any longer the headquarters of the " Lincoln Gov- 
ernment." Southern pride demanded that that city should not continue 
under the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. The Charleston Courier 
asserted, on the 14th of April, that the desire to capture Washington in- 
creased every hour among the valiant and patriotic citizens of the South. 

Similar authorities might be accumulated to a very large extent, to 
show how widely diffused and how intensely ardent this wish to possess 
the Federal city was throughout the Southern States. That the Eebel 
armies, therefore, did not make the attempt, was evidently the result not 
of a want of inclination, but of a want of ability; and it is equally plain 
that this achievement formed a prominent element in the colossal plan 
of resistance, disorganization and ruin, which their leaders conceived, and 
which they were able to some extent to realize. 

Immediately after the proclamation of President Lincoln calling out 
seventy-five thousand men, the Rebel Congress, then in session at Mont- 
gomery, authorized the raising of an additional force of thirty-two 
thousand men. Of this number. General Pillow declared that Tennessee 
alone would willingly furnish ten thousand. Alexander H. Stephens 
uttered the formidable boast that it would require seventy-five times 
seventy-five thousand soldiers to intimidate the South, and that even then 
" they would not stay intimidated." Jefferson Davis inflamed the war- 
like spirit of the Rebels to a still intenser pitch by issuing, on the 17th 
of April, a proclamation, in which he invites all those who might desire, 
by service in private armed vessels on the high seas, to aid the Rebel 
Government in resisting what he termed a wanton and wicked aggres- 
sion, to make application for letters of marque and reprisal, which 
would be issued under the seal of the Confederate States, and would be 
freely granted to those who furnished the necessary securities for the 
observance of the laws of those States. The result of this proclamation 
was, that an eager host of thieves and pirates immediately sprang for- 
ward to obtain the benefit of the proclamation, and enrich themselves by 
plundering under the cover of law and public justice. 

The Legislature of Virginia was at this period in session. That ancient 
commonwealth had long hesitated as to the policy which she would 
pursue in reference to secession. Many potent considerations bound her 
to the old Union, with which all her most glorious and honorable asao- 



100 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ciations were connected. But her present interests, and especially the 
identity of her sympathies with the South in reference to slavery, led 
her to cling to the faction of the Rebels. In addition to this, her people 
were greatly influenced by the intrigues of a number of detestable 
traitors, of whom Ex-Secretary Floyd was the chief, who were active in 
their eSbrts to alienate the minds of the people from the Union. On the 
18th of April, John Letcher, Governor of the State, issued a proclamation, 
in which he declared that the action of Mr. Lincoln in calling for an 
armed force of seventy-five thousand men was in effect a declaration of 
war ; that the President possessed no power to issue such a proclamation ; 
that Congress alone was competent to declare war ; that therefore this 
act was illegal and unconstitutional ; and that the General Assembly of 
that State having so pronounced it, he, the Governor, then and there 
ordered all the armed volunteers within the State to hold themselves in 
readiness to enter upon military duty against the threatened encroach- 
ments of the Federal Government. At the same period the convention 
which had been summoned for the purpose of determining whether the 
State would join the Southern Confederacy or not, voted in favor of 
secession. There were but seven members who opposed the measure 
and four of those seven came from Western Virginia. 

It had now become evident to the most obtuse and the most unwilling 
observer that the day of reconciliation had passed by; and that the 
Federal Government had no other alternative left, in order to vindicate 
its own honor and suppress the rebellion, than the adoption of the most 
stringent and hostile measures. The blockade of all the southern ports 
was immediately ordered and immediately executed. The great steam- 
ship Niagara, the pride of the American navy, was stationed off Charles- 
ton harbor, where her heavy guns and her gallant crew would effectually 
suspend the commerce of that city, the virulent hot-bed of secession. 
The blockade of the Chesapeake was maintained by the steam-frigate 
Minnesota, off Old Point Comfort ; by the Dawn and the Yankee, off 
Fortress Monroe ; by the Quaker City, off the mouth of the Chesapeake 
bay ; by the Montecello, off York river ; by the Harriet Lane, off the 
mouth of James river. Other vessels were dispatched to Savannah, to 
Mobile, and to New Orleans, whose trade was effectually sealed and sus- 
pended by the terror of their guns. 

At this period the loyal States presented to the eye of an observer a 
strange and unaccustomed spectacle. Their vast and rich domains, 
usually the scenes of peaceful pursuits, of manufacturing industry, of 
agricultural thrift, were now teeming with those incidents which are 
connected with warlike operations. The proclamation of Mr. Lincoln, 
summoning seventy-five thousand men to the field, infused ijito the 
nation a new spirit. That number of men, which, in comparison with 
the more colossal requisitions of later times, seems insignificant, then 



ATTACK ON FEDERAL TROOPS IN BALTIMORE. 101 

appeared to be an enormous armament ; and the business of recruiting, 
of arming, of drilling, so unfamiliar to our pacific eyes and ears, became 
visible and audible on every hand. In a very short time the necessary 
number were enlisted, and were ready to march to the Federal capital. 

The honor of having responded with commendable celerity to the 
proclamation of Mr. Lincoln, and of having been among the first in the 
field, belongs to a regiment of Massachusetts' volunteers, and to a body 
of troops collected and enlisted in Philadelphia by Colonel Small. On 
Friday, the 19th of April, these troops commenced their journey from 
that city. They filled thirty-six cars, and arrived without any accident 
or detention at Baltimore, on their way to Washington. The loyalty of 
the chief city of Maryland had been justly suspected ; but no suspicions 
were entertained that the hostility of a portion of its inhabitants to the 
Union would be developed in so violent and so tragical a manner as in 
the end occurred. 

When the cars containing these troops arrived in Baltimore, an im- 
mense assemblage had collected at the intersection of Gay and Pratt 
streets, for the purpo.se of making a hostile demonstration against them. 
The feelings which animated the crowd were readily ascertained and 
clearly apparent; nevertheless the Massachusetts troops, who occupied 
the cars in the advance, being well armed and well disciplined, boldly 
confronted the danger, defied their assailants, and pressed on through the 
city. The majority of them succeeded in effecting their passage before 
the rioters were able to barricade the railway track. This they effected 
by loading it with heavy anchors obtained in the vicinity. This move- 
ment intercepted the further progress of the Pennsylvania troops, who, 
till this period, had remained in the cars. As they were without arms 
or equipments of any kind, they would have been unable to resist a 
hostile force much superior to themselves in numbers. After a period 
of uncertainty and suspense, however, they descended from the cars and 
formed in line in the street adjoining the depot. Then the order to 
advance was given. This forward movement was the signal for the 
attack of the mob — a vast assemblage who filled the neighboring streets 
and spaces, at whose front was borne a Confederate flag. They discharged 
a volley of stones at the troops, which compelled the head of the column 
to fall back. Gradually the attack became more general ; and those 
among the soldiers who were provided with arms, discharged them in 
self-defence. But the number of these was comparatively small ; and 
soon a deluge of stones and the discharge of pistols and guns from the 
crowd assailed the defenceless troops. The latter, after a short interval 
of hand-to-hand combats, were collected together in a train of cars, an 
engine was attached, and their return toward Philadelphia was com- 
menced. A number had been wounded, several killed, and a still greater 
proportion were scattered during the mtlee. The latter afterward effected 



102 THK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

their escape with considerable delay and difficulty. The fact that the 
soldiers wore without uniforms, which the regiment expected to procure, 
together with arms, at Washington, enabled many to elude the fury of 
the populace, who would otherwise have become their victims. This 
attack on unarmed men, engaged in so noble a service, by the inhabi- 
tants of a prominent city of the Union, was one of the most despicable 
acts recorded in the annals of a war so profusely disgraced as this 
became, by innumerable deeds of infamy, treachery and cruelty. 

The nation was surprised and alarmed by this unexpected display of 
treasonable sentiments at Baltimore; and the immediate effect was to 
spread the flame of patriotic ardor more widely, and induce the Adminis- 
tration at Washington to adopt more active measures. Forts MoHenry, 
Monroe, and Pickens were quickly furnished with stronger garrisons ; 
and camps of instruction were formed in various places for the purpose 
of drilling those troops who, in answer to the President's proclamation, 
had devoted themselves to the service of their country. It soon became 
evident that a much greater number of these men were ready to respond 
to the appeal than had been called for ; and the large number of regiments 
which arrived successively at Washington, removed all apprehensions in 
regard to the immediate safety of that city from the minds of the President 
and his cabinet. 

On the 3d of May 1861, the Legislature of Missouri convened, and a 
message was received by them from the Cliief Magistrate of the State. 
In that document Governor Claiborne Jackson declared that Mr. Lincoln, 
by calling out troops for the purpose of subduing the secession move- 
ment, had committed an unconstitutional and illegal act. He proceeded 
to defend the right of secession ; and maintained that the proceedings of 
the States which had withdrawn from the Union had been performed in 
the exercise of an undoubted right; that the interests of Missouri were 
identical with the other slaveholding States ; and that the similarity 
of their social and political institutions clearly demonstrated that it 
was the duty of Missouri, at the proper time, to follow their example. He 
concluded by recommending that the Legislature should make such 
appropriations as would enable the State authorities to resi.st any attempt 
which might be made by the Federal Government to enforce the Federal 
laws. This message was the commencement and cause of that long 
series of desperate and bloody events which afterward occurred in Mis- 
souri in connection with the Southern Eebellion, and which increased in 
importance as time progressed. 

Among the large number of troops which the proclamation of President 
Lincoln drew forth for the defence of the Union, there was one peculiar 
class of soldiers, whose name, whose discipline, and whose history consti- 
tute one of the military novelties of the present age. A year before the 
outbreak of the Rebellion, the American public were surprised and grati- 



ORIGIN OP THE TERM ZOUAVE. 103 

fied by the appearance and martial drill of a corps of men, organized in 
Chicago, calling themselves Zouaves. The term was new and harsh to 
the majority of Americans ; but to those who were familiar with the 
military events of recent times in Europe and Africa, it conveyed a start- 
ling and impressive meaning. The Chicago Zouaves were commanded 
by a youth of no ordinary spirit and ability ; and the inhabitants of the 
principal cities of the Union admired, and with justice praised, the pecu- 
liar qualities and the soldier-like virtues of the gallant Ellsworth. When 
the Rebellion elicited the proclamation of the President, the Chicago 
Zouaves did not tender their services to the country in a body, but their 
commander obtained in New York suitable materials for another corps, 
which he drilled in the old method, and upon whom he conferred much 
of the old exactitude and perfection. This corps now marched to Wash- 
ington under the orders of Ellsworth. As this peculiar arm of the ser- 
vice was a novelty in its way — as the origin, the history, and the achieve- 
ments of the European Zouaves, after whom they were named and mod- 
elled, are a topic of no ordinary interest — we will here briefly digress 
from the direct current of events, and introduce an episode in reference 
to that subject. 

What the Tenth Legion was to Caesar, what the Janizaries were to the 
Sultans, what the Imperial Guard was to Napoleon I., that the Zouaves 
proved to be, both to Louis Philippe and to Napoleon III. The word 
Zouave was derived or corrupted from the Arabic Zcnvawah, which is the 
name of a tribe of Kabyles in the province of Algiers. These people 
have resided for generations in the most remote and mountainous portions 
of the Jurjura; and were remarkable for their superior industry, their 
bravery, and their love of freedom. They were of Arab descent, and 
they alone, of all the inhabitants of Algeria, had never been completely 
subjugated by the Turkish power. After the invasion of Algeria by the 
French, it became necessary for the security and permanency of their 
authority that a large and formidable force should be constantly maintained 
under arms in that province. Already had the Zawawah contingent in 
the Algerian army become distinguished for their superior qualities as 
soldiers, for their excellent discipline, their desperate courage, their wil- 
lingness to endure privation and suffering in the execution of the most 
difficult and dangerous commissions. 

In July, 1830, Louis Phillippe appointed Marshal Clausel Governor of 
Algeria ; and that officer determined to organize a native corps of cavalry 
and infantry as one of the first acts of his administration. By a decree 
bearing date October 1, 1830, he created two battalions, to be composed 
of such materials ; and as the martial fame of the Zawawahs already stood 
high, he took care that the greater proportion of these new troops should 
be composed of them. But natives of all sorts were admitted into their 
ranks, without any distinction of origin, religion, or race ; inhabitants of 



104 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the mountains, and dwellers on the plains, Kables, Arabs, Negroes, Turks ; 
and thus it was that this heterogeneous corps, to whom the name of 
Zouaves was then applied, obtained that anomalous, rude, and ferocious 
character, which has ever distinguished them. Together with the savage 
qualities which they possessed as natives, they soon combined that military 
efficiency which was derived from their being drilled by the best French 
officers. Some of the most eminent generals in the French service were 
connected, at an early period of their career, with this remarkable corps. 
One of the first commanders was Lamoriciere, who afterward became 
illustrious. Subsequently they were led to battle by Cavaignac ; then by 
St. Aruaud, and later still, by Baraquay d'Hilliers and Bosquet. 

The Zouaves of Algeria distinguished themselves in many of those 
bloody conflicts which attended the subjugation of the Arab tribes, who, 
under the heroic Abdel Kader, endeavored to rescue their country from 
the tyranny of its French invaders. Scarcely six weeks had elapsed after 
their organization as a separate corps, when they took part in the famous 
expedition against Medeah, under Marshal Clausel. The French on this 
occasion were compelled to retreat ; and nothing saved them from being 
cut to pieces in a narrow defile except the dauntless courage of the Zouaves, 
who, passing to the rear, set up their hideous war shouts, fell upon the 
victorious Kabyles with the ferocity of tigers, and hewed them to the 
earth. This achievement at once gave them an honorable fame and 
position in the French army. In every subsequent service of danger, in 
every expedition of difficulty, they were ordered to take part ; and on all 
occasions they behaved with a degree of valor which won for them the 
confidence and admiration of their foreign masters. Their drill was re- 
markable for its precision and energy ; and their costume, which was a 
singular mixture of Oriental dress with French colors, contributed to 
render them still more unique and extraordinary. A portion of that 
activity in which they excelled all the French soldiers in Algeria, was to 
be attributed to the convenience and freedom of their dress. It gave 
ample room for the use of the limbs, and was utterly unlike the usual 
attire of European and American soldiers, by which the body is so 
squeezed, hampered and choked, as to render ease and vigor of movement 
almost impossible. 

The Zouaves took part in the expedition against Oran in 1835, and 
against Mouznia in 1836. They especially distinguished themselves at 
the siege of Constantine, where they led the first column of assault and 
greatly contributed to the victory. In all the conflicts in 1843 and 1814, 
which took [)lace between the French and Abdel Kader, the Zouaves held 
a conspicuous place. Their peculiar habits fitted them admirably to resist 
and to vanquish the Arab soldiery. At the capture of Smalah, and 
especially at the famous battle of Isly, they fought with a heroism which 



THE FRENCH ZOUAVES IN THE CRIMEA. 105 

received, as it richly deserved, the enthusiastic plaudits of their more 
civilized masters. 

After the submission of Abdel Kader in 1847, there remained little op- 
portunity in Algeria for the display of the peculiar qualities of the Zouaves. 
Their chief service then consisted in maintaining garrisons for the French 
in remote and dangerous positions, exposed to the sudden attacks of the 
conquered Arabs. In 1852 their corps were reorganized ; they were armed 
with rifles ; and another regiment was added to their numbers, thus making 
three regiments, each consisting of three battalions. Then at length they 
were transferred from their native soil to that of France. The fame of 
their heroism so strangely united with ferocity, preceded them; and they 
were everywhere the objects of curiosity not unmingled with fear. In 
1854, when the war in the Crimea commenced, they proceeded with the 
French forces to the East. The bloody struggles of Alma, Balaklava, In- 
kerman, and Sevastopol, witnessed their extraordinary qualities; and in 
the more recent war in Italy they maintained their ancient fame by pro- 
digious displays of their ancient valor. 



106 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER VII. 

THE SECESSION OF TENNESSEE — PARSON BROWNLOW — DECLARATION OP WAR BY THE CONFED. 
ERATE CONGRESS — SKIRMISH NEAR ST. LOUIS — SECESSION ELEMENT IN BALTIMORE — FORT 
MC'hENRY — SECESSION OP NORTH CAROLINA — ADJOURNMENT OF THE REBEL CONGRESS TO 
CONVENE AT RICHMOND — ASSEMBLY OF FEDERAL TROOPS AT WASHINGTON — THE OCCUPA- 
TION OF ALEXANDRLA — ASSASSINATION OF COLONEL ELLSWORTH — SKETCH OP HIS CAREER — 
HIS LIFE IN CHICAGO — FAMOUS TOUR OF THE CHICAGO ZOUAVES — ELLSWORTH'S MILITARY 
TASTES AND TALENT.S — HIS PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS — HIS PECULIAR- 
ITIES AS A SPEAKER — HE ORGANIZES THE NEW YORK FIRE ZOUAVES — HIS DEATH A LOSS 
TO THE CAUSE OF THE UNION — GENERAL ROBERT PATTERSON'S CAMPAIGN IN VIRGINIA — 
CROSSING THE POTOMAC AT WILLIAMSPORT — BATTLE OF FALLING WATERS — PURSUIT OF THE 
ENEMY TO HAINSVILLE — TO MARTINSEURG — THE MARCH TO BUNKER HILL — TO CUARLESTOWN 
OCCUPATION OF HARPER's FERRY — RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN. 

On the 6th of May, 1861, another defection took place among the States 
of the Union, and another member was added to the chister of apostate 
communities. On that day the Legislature of Tennessee passed the ordi- 
nance of secession, and adopted the terms of an alliance with the Confed- 
erate States. The instrument by which this act was accomplished was 
absurdly called a " Declaration of Independence ;" and it set forth, as all 
its predecessors had in substance set forth, that the citizens of that State 
maintained the right of every free and independent peoj)le, to alter or 
abolish their form of government as they pleased ; and that, in the exercise 
of this right, they, of Tennessee, ordained and declared that all laws which 
had heretofore constituted the State a member of the Federal Union, were 
thereby abrogated and annulled; and that henceforth the State should 
become, what they had indeed immediately before declared it had always 
previously been, " a free, sovereign and independent communitv." The 
announcement of this event elicited various and opposite expressions of 
sentiment throughout Tennessee, for a large Union element existed among 
her population. Parson Brownlow, the well-known editor of the Knox- 
vilk Whig, gave utterance to his indignation in terms extremely forcible 
and appropriate, in a torrent of invective which immediately afterward 
graced his journal. He stigmatized the act of secession as " a black deed," 
perpetrated by traitors who had taken a solemn oath to support the Con- 
stitution of the United States; and lie affirmed that the ordinance itself 
was unconstitutional, unjustifiable, " a vile act of usurpation." He char- 
acterized the agents of tlie movement as "unprincipled politicians;" and 
for this resolute and patriotic conduct he afterward became the victim of 
the vengeance of the Rebel authorities. 

On the 7th of May the Congress of the Confederate States, convened at 
Montgomery, passed an act by which that important body recognized and 
declared the existance of war with the United States; and affirmed that 



SKIRMISH NEAR ST. LOUIS. lOT 

hostilities had been begun against them by Abraham Lincoln, which it was 
their duty to resist and to suppress. The falsehood of this assertion 
stands out so plainly on the face and front of it, that, none except rebels 
and traitors could be so blind as not readily to detect it. 

It was in the State of Missouri that the warlike elements of the two 
parties first came into active collision. On the 10th of May a brigade of 
the militia of that State, commanded by General Frost, encamped on the 
western outskirts of St. Louis, and defied the forces of the Federal Gov- 
ernment. The latter were then under the orders of Captain Lyon; who, 
before running the hazards of a battle against superior numbers, wisely 
resolved to try the effect upon the rebels of a formal demand to surrender. 
That demand was made, accompanied by the assurance that those who 
laid down their arms should be treated with humanity. The gallant Frost 
immediately complied with this requisition. Eight hundred men became 
prisoners of war, and were escorted into the city of St. Louis by the Federal 
troops. During this march an unfortunate conflict took place between 
the latter and a portion of the populace, in which about twenty persons in 
the crowd were killed. The captive State troops were afterward released 
on parole, having taken the oath not to serve again against the United 
States. Their officers, their camp equipage, their artillery, and their am- 
munition, were retained. These events formed the prelude to other and 
more important events, which subsequently occurred in that distant portion 
of the Union. 

Meanwhile the proclamation of President Lincoln calling out seventy- 
five thousand troops for three months, had been responded to throughout 
all the loyal States. Thousands of men volunteered, whose superfluous 
services could not be accepted. The largest proportion of troops was re- 
quired from New York and Pennsylvania; from the former eleven regi- 
ments, from the latter ten, were demanded. By the 15th of May Balti- 
more was occupied by a numerous Federal force commanded by General 
Butler. The secession element was still vigorous in that city, and it was 
strengthened from day to day by the treasonable conduct and influence 
of Marshal Kane, the head of the police force. Fortunately, Fort McHenry, 
which commands the city of Baltimore, was well provided with artillery, 
men and stores, and was in the possession of Federal officers. Its formid- 
able guns, which in an hour might render the city a smouldering ruin, pro- 
duced a beneficial effect in suppressing the treasonable spirit of rebellion. 

On the 21st of May the State of North Carolina consummated her mis- 
fortune and disgrace by seceding from the Federal Government and uniting 
with the Southern Confederacy. She was the last in the order of time to 
perpetrate this ignominious deed. Ten States had preceded her — South 
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, Louisiana, Arkansas, 
Texas, Virginia and Tennessee. Immediately after receiving official 
notice of the defection of No't'i Carolina, the Congress at Montgomery 



lOS THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

adjourned — greatly elated by the success of their operations — to convene at 
Kichmond on the 20th of July ensuing. 

By the 20th of May the Federal Government possessed the number of 
troops called for by the proclamation of the President ; and was prepared 
to commence active operations against the rebels, and invade their terri- 
tory. The several loyal States had responded with alacrity to the requisi- 
tion of the Chief Magistrate ; and the soldiers who assembled at Washing- 
ton, as well as those who occupied several positions in Maryland and 
Virginia, were eager to meet the enemy. On the 23d, the order was 
given to advance from the Federal capital to those regiments which had 
been selected to perform this service. The purpose of the movement was 
to take possession of Alexandria, on the opposite side of the Potomac, and 
attack and dislodge any rebel force which might have been posted on 
Arlington Heights. Eight thousand infantry, two companies of cavalry, 
and two sections of Sherman's artillery battalion, crossed the Long Bridge 
under the command of General Mansfield. Four New York regiments, 
which had been quartered at Georgetown, proceeded at the same time 
over the Chain Bridge, under the orders of General McDowell. The 
New York Zouaves embarked on board the "Baltimore" and "Mount 
Vernon," and proceeding down the Potomac, reached Alexandria at five 
o'clock in the morning. At six they landed, and formed in line upon tlie 
dock. 

The main body of the Federal troops entered Alexandria at the same 
time. The first Michigan regiment immediately advanced to the railroad 
depot and took possession of it. They also surprised and captured a troop 
of rebel cavalry numbering one hundred. The Zouaves, commanded by 
Ellsworth, proceeded at once to active service, and commenced by destroy- 
ing the railroad track to Richmond. Their next aim was to take pos.ses- 
sion of the telegraph office, and intercept its connection with the rebel 
camp. Ellsworth now led the way, but his gallant career was destined to lie 
of short duration. As the Zouaves were advancing in double quick time 
up the street, Ellsworth observed that a secession flag was waving from the 
Marshal House, a prominent hotel of the place. To such a man such a 
spectacle could not be other than most offensive, and as his fearless eye gazod 
upon the floating emblem, he impulsively exclaimed, "That flag must 
come down 1" Accompanied by a few privates he rushed into tlie house, 
ascended to the roof, eagerly cut down the flag, and taking possession of 
it, commenced his descent. He was met in the hall by Jackson, the enraged 
proprietor of the hou.se, who, armed with a double-barreled gun, leveled 
it at Ellsworth, and discharged it. The instrument of death was but too 
well aimed. Its contents entered the body of Ellsworth, between the 
third and fifth ribs, and inflicted a mortal wound. He fell, attempted to 
open his dress and to staunch the flowing blood; but rapidly the pallor 
of death spread over his features, his hands became powerless, he sank 



ASSASSINATION OP COLONEL ELLSWORTH. 109 

upon the floor, gasped for breath, and quickly expired. Before this 
event occurred his assassin had himself been slain ; for a private named 
Brownell, who had accompanied Ellsworth to the roof, the moment his 
commaader was shot, leveled his musket at Jackson and discharged it. 
The rebel and the fallen hero died at the same moment, under the same 
roof, within a few feet of each other. The body of the former was soon 
riddled with balls by the frantic Zouaves, and his brains scattered over the 
scene of his crime and his punishment. The remains of Ellsworth were 
subsequently conveyed to Washington to be embalmed. 

Immediately afterward the Federal troops occupied Alexandria without 
further opposition. A portion of the population, apprehensive of a hostile 
invasion, had previously deserted the town. The seventh New York regi- 
ment, with others, took possession of Arlington Heights. They met no 
resistance or interruption in the execution of their task, and they com- 
menced to throw up intrenchments. Three thousand men were constantly 
employed in the works. General McDowell retained the command of all 
the troops which were placed beyond the Potomac, and superintended the 
necessary operations. 

It is usual when a popular favorite passes away, for his admirers to mag- 
nify and exaggerate his merits to such an absurd and extravagant degree 
that could he return to life again, it would be impossible for him to recog- 
nize his own portrait in their delineations ; and were he honest he would 
exclaim with astonishment, that he was not himself aware that he had 
ever been so wise, or so good, or so great a man. This declaration, which 
applies with truth to nine tenths of those whom mankind blindly but often 
unanimously agree to applaud, was not applicable to the case of Ellsworth. 
The report of his death was the signal for the outburst of such a deluge of 
regret and praise, as has rarely been accumulated upon the memory and 
the grave of any departed hero ; but he really deserved it. He was in 
many respects, though young, a remarkable man, possessed of rare quali- 
ties, and adorned by great virtues. 

Elmer E. Ellsworth was a native of Massachusetts, and at the period of 
his death was about twenty-six years of age. In his youth his father 
suffered serious reverses in business ; and thus he was thrown upon his 
own resources, and initiated into a career of privation and toil, which 
commenced with his boyhood. The hope of finding a more congenial and 
facile field for pushing his fortunes induced him, as it has induced thou- 
sands of other aspiring and generous spirits, to journey westward ; and in 
1852 he reached Chicago, at that time the rising commercial metropolis 
of the "West. But he was destitute of money and friends, without any 
profession or trade, and his first experiences of stern life in his new 
abode were sufficiently dark and cheerless. But he possessed the ines- 
timable boons of health, youth and hope, and with the aid of these he soon 
acquired friends, and hewed out for himself an honorable name and a 



110 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

means of living. His pursuits from time to time were somewhat diversi- 
fied. At one period he commenced the study of law in the office of Mr. 
Lincoln, at Springfield. He had always felt a great fondness for military 
life, but no scope had yet been afibrded to his martial aspirations. 

When the exploits of the French Zouaves at Sevastopol excited the 
surprise and admiration of the world, they kindled the kindred sympathy 
and ardor of Ellsworth. He studied the principles and peculiarities of 
their drill with intense interest, and conceived the design of raising from 
the large circle of friends whom he had acquired among the young men 
of Chicago, a company who should imitate, and perhaps even emulate, the 
perfection of the genuine Zouave drill. He succeeded in his purpo.se; 
many of the most estimable and admirable youths of that city joined his 
company, and some months were spent by them and their young captain 
in laborious and assiduous drilling. At length Ellsworth found the grand 
conception which he had formed realized. The Chicago Zouaves, under 
his guidance, attained a degree of exactitude and skill in the manual of 
arms, such as had never before been seen in America, and which perhaps 
could be found alone in Europe among the genuine Zouaves from Algiers. 
It was very natural that Ellsworth should be proud of his handiwork, and 
that he should desire to exhibit to the world how much could be accom- 
plished by industry and perseverance in that department of mental and 
physical effort. He published a respectful challenge to the military corps 
in the United States, inviting them to a trial of skill. Soon afterward 
that memorable tour was made by him and his associates through the chief 
cities and towns of the United States, which formed one of the most ex- 
traordinary military events of this age. But it should not be imagined 
that this famous expedition was undertaken simply for the purpose of 
display. In all that Ellsworth did — such was the inherent nobility and 
elevation of his nature— there was a lofty and noble aim. The chief 
design, therefore, of that journey, was to show, by a plain and practical 
example, how superior scientific drilling was in giving efficiency and 
power to the soldier, to the ordinary method; to illustrate what the great 
principle of military training should be, a principle of which not one com- 
mander or soldier in a thousand had the slightest conception, namely, 
that a perfect identity of spirit and feeling should exist, for the time being, 
between the commanding officer and those to whom his orders are given ; 
as also to illustrate how the true soldier should inure himself to bodily 
fatigue and self-denial ; how the accomplished soldier will also become an 
accomplished gymnast ; and how, as much as any thing else, temperance 
in eating and drinking is not only promotive of bodil}' health and vigor, 
but is absolutely indispensable to it. 

It was during the progre.-^s of this expedition that another remarkable 
ouality of Ellsworth was revealed to the admiring public. This was his 
extraordinary power over the minds of his associates. He possessed that 



ELLSWORTH'S APPEARANCE AND CHARACTERISTICS. HI 

faculty ia a high degree, which is always an element of intellectual great- 
ness — the faculty of controlling the wills of others around him. There 
was also an originality, we may even say grandeur and dignity, in his 
manner, his voice, his whole person, while engaged in the process of 
drilling, which was a triumph of martial genius and beauty. At his first 
word of command, uttered by a voice singularly manly but melodious, 
with an accent remarkably firm and crisp, every eye brightened, every head 
became erect, each man instantly became himself, in all his physical and 
mental fulness ; and then followed such a display of skill and precision 
in the most elaborate and difficult species of drill known to the profession 
of arms, as was rarely witnessed. Though not large in person, Ellsworth 
exhibited as much graceful sublimity and physical grandeur in a field 
exercise, as any orator could display in the midst of his most imposing 
and impassioned flight of eloquence. Nor will this result appear anoma- 
lous when we remember the masterly thoughts which lay at the founda- 
tion of his military system. When he commenced his training of the 
Chicago Zouaves, he trained himself with a degree of vigor which was 
astonishing. He practiced the manual of arms with so miich industry, 
that he became one of the best marksmen and ablest swordsmen in 
America. He investigated the theory of every motion with particular 
reference to the principles of anatomical science ; and so arranged each 
movement that it became the logical and legitimate groundwork of the 
one which succeeded it. Thus it was that he introduced a sort of scien- 
tific unity and harmony into the manual of arms which had not before 
existed in it. This was the stroke of a master ; this, the indication and 
the presence of superior, creative genius — a genius similar in nature to 
that which the young Napoleon exhibited when, to the horror of all the 
military drones and fossils of Europe, he not only constantly vanquished 
the Austrians in Italy, but vanquished them in utter defiance of the es- 
tablished and immemorial usages of the military art. So far had Ellsworth 
trained himself, in order that he might successfully train others, that a 
photograph of his naked arm, taken at the period of his visit to Philadel- 
phia, was a model of anatomical and physical beauty ; it was an arm 
whose formidable accumulation of muscles and sinews, and whose fault- 
less proportion of outline presented such a picture as Michael Angelo or 
Eubens would have painted, when representing on canvas the ancient 
Greek conception of the forms of Hector or Hercules . 

After the return of the Chicago Zouaves to that city, Ellsworth engaged 
with ;?;eal in the Presidential campaign which ensued ; and strange as it 
may appear, this youth, so richly gifted as a soldier, proved himself as 
highly endowed for another sphere. He distinguished himself as one of 
the most effective and popular of the orators, who, in the State of Illinois, ad- 
vocated the claims of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency. As a speaker he was 
peculiar for his strong, clear sense, mixed with a degree of wit and repartee 



112 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

such as few orators possess. After the termination of the campaign, 
and when the war-clouds began to darken the political horizon, and roll 
up with portentous gloom from the rebellious South, he tendered his ser- 
vices to the new President. He then proceeded to the city of New York 
in order to select, from the numerous body of firemen in that city, the 
materials for an entire regiment of Zouaves. Having obtained these, he 
removed to Fort Hamilton for the purpose of drilling. After his new 
recruits had become partially fit for service, through his untiring labors, 
he proceeded with them to Washington. Their subsequent career is 
involved in the history of the events which ensued in the vicinity of the 
Federal capital. Had this gallant young commander survived to take 
part in the battle of Bull Run, it is not improbable that the presence and 
influence of his dauntless courage on the field, might have diminished, 
though it could not have averted, the horrors and the ignominy of that 
struggle. 

It is proper that at this stage of our history, we should narrate the 
chief incidents connected with the three months' campaign of the Federal 
forces in Virginia, under the command of General Robert Patterson. On 
the 30th of June, 1861, the different brigades comprising the division 
were consolidated into one body, preparatory to their crossing the Potomac. 
Two enterprises of importance to the Federal cause, were assigned by 
popular opinion and popular wishes, to this portion of the Union 
forces. The first was the expulsion of the Rebels under Johnston from 
Harper's Ferry ; the second was intercepting the march of that general 
to Manassas, and preventing the junction of his troops with those com- 
manded by General Beauregard. Neither of these purposes was ulti- 
mately accomplished. When the Union forces, nearly twenty thousand 
strong, began to move toward Virginia, instead of advancing directly to 
Harper's Ferry, for the achievement of the first of these enterprises, the 
route taken was toward Williamsport. The enemy were left in undis- 
turbed pos.session of Harper's Ferry, until, at a later period, when the 
Rebel generals perceived the greater importance of concentrating their 
forces at Manassas, General Johnston evacuated the place, having pre- 
viously destroyed a vast amount of Federal property, and the public 
works erected there. After its evacuation. General Patterson, instead of 
intercepting, if his force were sufficiently large for that purpose, the march 
of Johnston toward Manassas, proceeded to occupy the deserted and 
desolate town ; and entered it on the very day on which the battle of 
Manassas was fought, and by the very road on which the Rebel general 
had marched from it. It was thus that neither of the enterprises 
anticipated by the popular will was achieved by the division of General 
Patterson. 

It was on the 2d of July, that his troops crossed the Potomac, by the 
ford at Williamsport. The process began at dawn of day, and continued 



BATTLE OF FALLING WATBES. 113 

until near nightfall. Before the fording commenced, a skirmish took 
place between the Federal pickets, which had been thrown over the 
river on the preceding day, and the Berkley Border Guard. General 
Abercrombie's brigade were in the advance of the Federal forces ; and 
having crossed the Potomac, they continued their march on the turnpike 
leading from Williamsport to Martinsburg, across the neck of land which 
is formed by the bend of the river, which takes place at that point. The 
pickets of the enemy were first seen at Falling Waters, five miles distant 
from Williamsport. They retired, and about a mile beyond, the encoun- 
ter took place which has been designated as the battle of Falling Waters. 
This imposing title was applied to a small but pretty stream, whose limpid 
waters flow over a mill-dam. and perform the useful function of filling 
the race, which turns the wheels of a solitary grist mill. It was situated 
a short distance from the Potomac. The skirmish which ensued was sus- 
tained on the Federal side by a portion of Abercrombie's brigade, consist- 
ing of the eleventh Pennsylvania and first Wisconsin regiments, 
McMuUen's Independent Rangers, the Philadelphia City Troop, and 
Perkin's battery of six guns. After a short but spirited engagement the 
Rebels were routed, and were pursued for the distance of two miles as far 
as the village of Hainesville. The rear guard of the enemy were about 
being captured, when orders arrived from General Patterson to stop the 
pursuit. Both the battle and the chase occupied nearly two hours. The 
Rebels were commanded by Colonel, afterward General, Jackson ; and his 
forces in the action comprised an entire brigade. The Federal troops 
then proceeded to encamp ; and occupied the position which Jackson had 
deserted. On the next day they advanced to Martinsburg, which the 
enemy evacuated at their approach, and it was thus occupied without 
opposition. The Federal loss at Falling Waters was insignificant, being 
?/o killed and five wounded. 

After a delay of nearly two weeks at Martinsburg, by which means the 
period of the enlistment of the Federal troops was very sensibly dimin 
ished, General Patterson again commenced to move. On the 15th of 
July, the march began toward Winchester. Nearly the whole division 
proceeded as far as Bunker Hill, ten miles from Martinsburg, before 
nightfall. At Bunker Hill a small body of Rebels had been encamped, 
who retreated as the Federal troops approached. At this place, which is 
twelve miles distant from Winchester, the Federals remained for two 
days. Here the pickets of the armies of Johnston and Patterson were 
often within hailing distance of each other. On the 17th of July the 
march was resumed by General Patterson before daylight, and the ad- 
vance toward Winchester was continued ; but before his rear guard had 
entirely descended the sides of Bunker Hill, or had reached the road 
which led to Winchester, a countermarch was ordered, the route to that 
town was abandoned, and the whole division proceeded twelve miles east- 
8 



114 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ward. By this delour Winchester was left on the flank, and a wide area 
was opened by which General Johnston might transport his troops at any 
moment, and with perfect safety, toward Manassas. The Federal forces 
were placed in camp at Charlestown ; and as soon as Johnston became 
assured that this flank movement was not intended to operate against 
him, and that there was no danger that ha would be attacked in his 
intrenchments at Winchester, he left a small detachment to occupy them, 
and hastened to Manassas. After remaining four days at Charlestown, 
General Patterson enlarged the space between himself and the enemy, by 
proceeding to Harper's Ferry, which had been evacuated and burned by 
the Rebels some time previous. Soon after this date the term of the en- 
listment of the Federal troops, as well as the period of the appointment 
of General Patterson as their commander, expired ; and thus the first 
army of the Potomac dissolved and vanished from view. If the men and 
officers who composed this army had not achieved any result of importance 
to the cause of the Union, if they had not gained any victory of conse- 
quence over the forces of the enemy, it was not from the want of valor or 
patriotism on their part • for on every occasion on which they were per- 
mitted to encounter the Rebels, or to exhibit the spirit which actuated 
them, they displayed the coolness and bravery of veterans, the zeal and 
ardor of patriots. 




a 



> 



THE BATTLE OP GREAT BETHEL. 1]5 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THE ENCOUNTERS WITH THE REBEL TROOPS AT FAIRFAX COURT HOUSE, AT AQUIA CREEK, 
AT ROMNEY, AT PHILIPPI — GALLANTRY OF COLONEL KELLEY — BATTLE OF ORKAT BETHF.L 

— CAUSES OF THE DISASTER GENERAL PIERCE — DEATH OF LIEUTENANT GREBLE — SKETCH 

OP HIS CAREER — UNION SENTIMENT IN WESTERN VIRGINIA — THE NEW STATE OF WEST VIR- 
GINIA — harper's ferry DEVASTATED BY THE REBELS — THE OHIO TROOPS FIRED ON NEAR 
VIENNA — RESULTS OF THE ATTACK — OPERATIONS OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN IN WESTERN 
VIRGINIA — HIS ADMIRABLE PLANS — THE BATTLE OF RICH MOUNTAIN — GENERAL OARNETT 
— COLONEL ROSECRANS — RESULTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — SKETCH OF GENERAL MCCLELLAN 
— HIS CONDUCT DURING THE MEXICAN WAR — HIS RECONNOISSANCE OF THE CASCADE 
MOUNTAINS — HIS SECRET MISSION TO THE WEST INDIES — HIS JOURNEY TO THE CRIMEA — 
HIS OFFICIAL REPORT AS COMMISSIONER — HIS SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS — UK BBC0ME3 
COMMANDER OP THE DEPARTMENT OF OHIO. 

Many incidents occur during the progress of a conflict like that against 
the Rebels of the South, which excite intense interest, and which are in 
themselves not entirely destitute of importance at the period of their 
occurrence, but which, after the lapse of time, and when they are considered 
in connection with the grand current of events, necessarily become of trivial 
and inferior consequence. Among such incidents it is proper here to 
enumerate the different skirmishes which took place between the detach- 
ments of Federal and Rebel troops at Fairfax Court House, at Aquia 
Creek, at the village of Romney, and at Philippi in Western Virginia. 
At Romney a Rebel camp had been formed. Colonel Wallace, who com- 
manded one of the Indiana regiments, marched from Cumberland to 
Hampshire county and attacked the troops collected there. The Rebels 
were surprised by the movement and completely routed ; their camp 
equipage, their provisions and their arms were captured ; and a decisive 
reverse inflicted on them by the bravery of Colonel Wallace and his men. 
A similar contest attended by a similar result took place at Philippi. 
The assault upon the enemy who held possession of that town, was led 
in person with great gallantry by Colonel Kelley. The Rebels were 
defeated and expelled from their position. The most important incident 
connected with this engagement was the wounding of the commanding 
officer, who was shot in the breast. The wound was at first regarded a.s 
mortal ; but Colonel Kelley eventually recovered, to resume active service 
in defence of the Union, and to receive the rank of brigadier general, to 
which his merits fully entitled him. 

The first serious disaster to the Federal arms which occurred during 
the progress of the war, took place at Great Bethel, on the 10th of June, 
1861. General Butler, who then commanded a large body of troops at 
Fortress Monroe, having ascertained that there was established a camp at 
a place ten miles distant from Hampton, which they had strongly fortified, 



116 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

determined to attack and dislodge them. He therefore ordered Colonel 
Duryea, with his regiment of Zouaves, and Colonel Townsend with his 
Albany troops, to cross the river at Hampton at midnight, and thence 
pursue their march toward Great Bethel. At the same time the regiment 
of Colonel Bendix, with a number of men from Vermont and Massachu- 
setts, who were stationed at Newport News, were directed to advance so 
as to effect a junction with the forces sent from Fortress Monroe, at Little 
Bethel, three miles distant from the position of the enemy. 

The entire expedition seems to have been badly planned. So great 
was the neglect of the commanding ofiicer, that proper signals had not 
been arranged between the troops proceeding from Newport News and 
those from Fortress Monroe, by means of which they could recognize 
each other in the darkness. Accordingly, the first disaster which took 
place resulted from the want of such recognition. Duryea's Zouaves 
passed Little Bethel between three and four o'clock in the morning. The 
regiment of Bendix soon followed, and took up its position at the inter- 
section of the roads. As Colonel Townsend's regiment approached for 
the purpose of making a junction with them, they were mistaken for the 
enemy and were fired into. After a number had been slain and wounded the 
error was discovered, the firing ceased, and the united boly advanced 
toward Great Bethel. 

As soon as the Federal troops came within range of the guns of 
the Rebels, the latter opened upon them with a formidable array of 
artillery. The Federals attempted to ndvance, and by a rapid charge and 
bold assault, to obtain po.ssession of the works. But they were saluted 
with such a hail-storm of shot, and the expert riflemen of the foe seconded 
the efforts of their artillery so effectively, that the utmost bravery and 
desperation proved of little avail. Terrible havoc was produced in the 
ranks of the Federal troops, partly through the confusion and incompetency 
of General Pierce, who commanded the expedition, and partly in conse- 
quence of the immense advantage in artillery and position possessed by 
the Rebels. At length it became evident that further effort would bo 
vain, and after an unequal and disastrous contest of two hours, the order 
to retreat was given. As the beaten troops retired they were pursued by 
the cavalry of the enemy, and some were slain on both sides. 

One of the chief disasters of this disgraceful day was the death of Lieu- 
tenant John T. Greble, who accompanied the expedition in command of 
the few caimon which were taken with it. During the engagement he 
had acted with great gallantry, and the chief impression produced upon 
the enemy was effected by the skill and vigor with which he worked his 
two guns. Eleven artillerists of the regular army had been placed under 
his orders. When at last the command to retreat was given, he directed 
his cannon to be limbered up, and wa.s about to retire, when a cannon 
ball struck him on the right temple. He fell and expired instantly. 



DEATH OF LIEUTENANT GREBLK. 117 

This young officer, whose early and heroic death at this period reudei-ed 
him the first martyr to the cause of tlie Union from among the officers 
of the regular army, had commenced, and until that hour had pursued, a 
career of more than ordinary brilliancy and promise. He was a native 
of Philadelphia, and at the time of his decease was twenty-seven years of 
age. His early education was received in the High School of the city 
of his birth. Having obtained admission to the Academy at West Point, 
he graduated in that institution with honor in 1851. He received the 
rank of brevet second lieutenant, and was subsequently ordered to Florida, 
where he served two years in the war against the Seminole Indians. In 
March, 1857, he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and was afterward 
appointed to a position on the Academical Staff at West Point. In Octo- 
ber, 1860, he was ordered to Fortress Monroe; and there he remained 
until May, 1861, when be was transferred to his last command — that of 
the artillery at the advanced post of Newport News. 

Lieutenant Greble was descended from ancestors who had held honor- 
able positions in the army of the American Revolution. He had always 
distinguished himself in the performance of his official duties by superior 
intelligence, fortitude, and energy. In the battle of Great Bethel he had 
displayed the utmost coolness and heroism. It was he who, when the 
firing took place between the several Federal regiments, first discovered 
the mistake, rode up to the combatants, and succeeded in putting an end 
to the work of mutual destruction. He then exclaimed in agony that he 
had rather himself been shot, than that such a disaster should have taken 
place. He seems in fact to have entertained a foreboding of the fatal 
result of the expedition ; and remarked to a brother officer, when he 
received the order to accompany it: "this is an ill-advised and badly- 
arranged movement, no good will come from it ; and as for myself, I 
shall not return from the battle-field alive." After the action began he 
was left alone with his men on the field, by the confused and irregular 
operations of the troops ; but he remained undaunted, working his guns 
with the utmost resolution, and with much success. Several officers, at a 
later period of the combat, seeing his exposed position, urged him to take 
better care of himself, and suggested that he should dodge the balls. He 
replied contemptuously, "I never dodge, nor will I retreat till I hear the 
notes of the bugle commanding it." At length these notes reached his 
ears, and not till then did he think of retiring. During the progress of 
battle he sighted every discharge of his guns in person. It was noticed 
that his aim was extremely accurate. When he fell, the troops retreated, 
leaving his body on the field. A short time afterward Lieutenant-Colonel 
Warren and Captain Wilson rallied a few of the men, returned, rescued 
his remains and the two cannon, and then sadly joined in the general 
flight. The Federal loss was seventeen killed, forty-five wounded. 

While the destructive tide of Secession was surging to and fro like a 



118 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

mighty deluge, devastating the once fair domains of the South, it is grat- 
ifying to notice an opposite current arising in the western portion of 
Virginia, in favor of the time-honored Union. A convention had been 
called together at Wheeling con.sistiug of delegates from many of the 
western counties of the State, for the purpose of deliberating on the pro- 
priety of disavowing the acts of the Richmond Convention, in adopting 
the secession ordinance; and to form a new State which should remain a 
constituent portion of the Union. On the 17th of June the final decision 
was made in reference to the subject. A unanimous vote was given by 
the Convention in favor of the establishment of a separate Commonwealth, 
which was then named Kanawha, but was afterward called West Virginia, 
and in favor of its admission to the Federal Union. There was not a 
dissenting voice, but a small number of the delegates were absent. There 
were fifty -six ballots cast in favor of the measure ; and the declaration 
which embodied the action of the Convention was signed by each of tho.se 
fifty-six. 

In the meantime the martial events of the Rebellion progressed, and 
the future plans and purposes of the armed traitors became more apparent. 
The force of fifteen thousand men which, under the Rebel General John- 
ston, had taken possession of Harper's Ferry, evacuated that place, aa 
already stated, on the 14th of June, after destroying a large portion of 
the public property which there existed. The motive of this withdrawal 
was judicious on the part of the Rebels; it being simply for the purpo.se 
of rendering their forces more available in connection with the anticipated 
struggle at Manassas. On the 18th of June they inflicted a slight reverse 
upon that portion of the Federal troops, consisting of the First Ohio regi- 
ment, which was commanded by General Schenck. They had placed a 
concealed battery on an eminence adjacent to the railroad to Vienna ; and 
when the cars which contained these troops approached that town, they 
were suddenly fired upon. The Federal loss was eight killed and twelve 
wounded ; a temporary panic ensued ; but the troops ultimately resumed 
their journey, and reached their destination without further oppositioQ. 

More important and decisive events were now about to transpire in 
Western Virginia. On the 6th of May, 1861, General George B. McClellan 
was appointed to the command of the regiments raised in Ohio, Indiana, 
and Illinois, and he formed the plan, in conjunction with General Morris, 
of an invasion of Virginia from the West. This project he submitted 
to the War Department. The evident ability and skill which it exhibited 
gained it an immediate approval, and McClellan at once proceeded to 
active operations. On the 23rd of June that officer commenced to 
execute his purposes. The plan to which we have referred was in sub- 
stance as follows: — The main army of the Rebels in Western Virginia, 
commanded by General Garnett, was then posted at Beverly, about fifty 
miles south of Grafton. It was proposed to attract and to occupy their 



THE BATTLE OP RICH MOUNTAIN. 119 

attention by marching a force toward them from Grafton through Philippi ; 
while another division should proceed in a parallel line through Clarks- 
burg and Buckhaunon, and penetrating further to the south, reach a point 
in their rear, prevent their retreat, and by a combined attack, vanquish 
and capture them. 

This admirable arrangement was executed in spite of unexpected diffi- 
culties, in an equally admirable manner. The Rebels anticipating no 
attack except in their front, took a new position twelve miles north of 
Beverly, and strongly fortified it. Genei-al Morris then led a brigade of 
Ohio and Indiana troops toward the enemy from the north. At Bealing- 
ton, when within range of their guns, he halted, fortified his position, com- 
pletely obstructed their further advance, and then waited the operations 
of McClellan. That officer also executed his part of the plan with signal 
energy and ability. With the main body of the Eederal troops which 
had been posted at Grafton he advanced through Clarksburg to Buckhan- 
non. At Rich Mountain he unexpectedly found a rebel force of two 
thousand men, under General Pegram, posted in a strong position. He 
divided his troops into two divisions; placed one under command of 
Colonel Rosecrans, and himself led the other. Pegram's position was 
turned by a flank march through the woods. Many of his men were 
killed and taken ; a total rout ensued ; and on the following day the main 
body, under Pegram, was compelled to surrender. A small detachment 
afterward eSected their escape. 

When these fugitives reached the camp of General Garnett, they quickly 
apprised him of his real danger. Then it was that he attempted to retreat 
to Beverly ; for had he reached that position he might have effected his 
escape from superior numbers, by crossing the mountains at Cheat Moun- 
tain Gap. He might thus have joined the rebel forces in Central Virginia 
or else have united with the troops of General Wise stationed on the 
Kanawha. But he was defeated in the accomplishment of this purpose 
by the energy and promptitude with which McClellan executed his part 
of the plan. His timely advance toward Beverly interrupted the move- 
ment. Only one alternative, therefore, yet remained to General Garnett, 
which was to retreat by a road running to the northeast, up Cheat river, 
until he could obtain a passage through the mountains into the central 
valley of Virginia. He immediately abandoned his baggage and artillery, 
and commenced a rapid march toward St. George. 

The Federal commander immediately detected this movement and pur- 
sued the retiring foe. Then followed a grand and desperate chase, which 
was in itself an extraordinary achievement. During forty hours, with 
one single intermission, the Federal forces continued the pursuit. Through 
a mountainous, rugged, often almost impassable country, sometimes by 
fording rivers, sometimes by facing storms of wind and rain, they advanced ; 
and at length reached the rear of the exhausted and retreating Rebels. 



120 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The Jatter were at once attacked with the utmost energy and resolution. A 
decisive victory was gained. The Eebels abandoned their camp, their few 
remaining guns, some prisoners, and fled in the utmost precipitation. 
Their commanding oflBcer, General Garnett, who seems not to have been 
deficient in courage or skill, was slain during the engagement. The 
scattered wreck of his army sought safety, and disappeared from view, in 
the deeper and remoter recesses of the mountains. 

It must be admitted that few military plans were ever conceived with 
greater sagacity, or executed with more signal ability, than this. To 
whom the credit both of the plan and of its execution may be due is 
another question. It is clear that it was first known as an enterprise pro- 
posed by General Morris, who was in command of the Federal forces 
stationed at Grafton previous to the arrival of General McClellan. But 
as General Morris was not a professional soldier, it is probable that the 
complete conception of the arrangement is to be chiefly attributed to 
McGlellau. To him also was assigned the execution of much the more 
difficult portion of the combination. In the practical part of the achieve- 
ment the honors must to some extent be divided among several brave men. 
Colonel Eosecrans fulfilled his commission with equal valor and skill. 
Captain Benham, the principal staff ofiicer of General Morris, also distin- 
guished himself. Nevertheless, with that partiality with which mankind 
generally over-praise those whom they elevate to the position of favorites, 
the sole glory of the brilliant movement was attributed, by the popular 
voice, to the most prominent actor in it. 

One of the inevitable consequences produced by a revolution, either 
civil or military, is, that it develops latent greatness of character, and 
gives an opportunity to men of superior ability to attain eminence, who 
would otherwise have remained comparatively obscure. This remark 
applies with truth to the Southern Eebellion. Among its other results its 
stirring events introduced George Brinton McClellan to the special notice 
and scrutiny of mankind. 

This officer was born in Philadelphia in December, 1826. In his 
sixteenth year, having chosen the military profession as his future pursuit, 
he entered the academy at West Point. He ranked second in his class 
for merit and ability among a number of young men, all of whom were 
his seniors. He graduated in 1846, and received a commission as brevet 
second lieutenant of engineers. The war with Mexico breaking out, he 
assisted in training an engineer company which had been raised at West 
Point, and then proceeded with them to active service. 

He landed with General Scott at Vera Cruz, and took part in all the 
battles which signalized the career of that commander in Mexico. The 
progress of his promotion was rapid, but not more rapid than was the 
development of his merit. In August, 1847, he was breveted first lieu- 
tenant for his gallantry at the battles of Contreras and Chufubu.spo. Id 



SKETCH OF GENERAL G. B. McGLBLLAN. 121 

the next month he was breveted captain for his heroism in the conflicts 
of Molina del Eey and Chapultepec. He was subsequently, in May, 18-i8, 
promoted to the rank of commandant of sappers, miners and pontoniers. 
There was scarcely another instance among the many talented young 
men who distinguished themselves in that war, of a person whose rise in 
the profession was so rapid and so constant as his. 

The war being ended, McClellan returned to West Point, where he 
remained till 1851. The ensuing interval he employed in preparing a 
manual for the bayonet exercise, which was introduced into the army. 
That work became a standard authority on the subject. During the 
summer and fall of 1851 he superintended the building of Fort Delaware. 
In the following spring he joined the expedition under Major Alarcy for 
the purpose of exploring the Eed river. Thence he proceeded to Texas 
as senior engineer, to survey the rivers and harbors of that State. While 
in Mexico he had attracted the attention and won the confidence of 
Jefferson Davis, whose sagacious eye easily detected his superior qualities. 
When Davis became Secretary of War under President Pierce, he employed 
McClellan to make a reconnoissance of the Cascade mountains on the 
Pacific, with special reference to the future construction of the Pacific 
railroad. This difficult duty he discharged to the entire satisfaction of 
the Secretary ; who, having set his heart upon the accomplishment of 
that important enterprise, was very exacting in regard to every thing 
which might promote its attainment. 

In 1854 McClellan was dispatched on a secret mission to the West 
Indies. In the next year he received a captaincy in a regiment of cavalry ; 
and then followed the most important commission with which he had yet 
been honored. He was selected by Mr. Davis, in connection with Kichard 
Delafield and Alfred Mordecai, to proceed to the Crimea for the purpose 
of making observations upon the military operations which were then in 
progress; and to examine the most noted military establishments of 
Europe. The commissioners were absent two years, and after their 
return, each of them submitted to the government a separate report con- 
taining the results of their observations. It may safely be aflBrmed that 
though the reports of Delafield and Mordecai were creditable performances, 
the production of McClellan was superior to them both ; and it was so 
regarded by the government for whom it was prepared. 

This elaborate work was published in 1857. It was illustrated by 
admirable plates, diagrams and maps. Its contents were of the utmost 
value, including not merely reports upon the events of the great struggle in 
the Crimea, but also dissertations on many topics of importance connected 
with military science. It described ,with accuracy the characteristics 
of the French, Austrian, Prussian and Sardinian infantry, the various de- 
partments of the Russian army, and the regulations for military service 
in the chief countries of Europe. The author discussed the peculiar tactics 



122 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

discipline and equipments of all the great European armies. Nothing of 
interest which appertained to the organization of troops and camps, the 
construction of field works, the most approved method of reducing fortified 
positions, the peculiar merits and defects of British and French, Ru.ssian 
and Sardinian soldiers, was omitted. The principles of modern warfare, 
hospitals, commissariats, the Zouaves, military instruction in general — 
these and many other subjects of.great interest and value were investigated 
in the various reports which constituted this volume; and they were 
treated with the ability of a man as well practiced in handling the pen as 
in wielding the sword. The style of the work is clear and forcible, the 
research exhibited is thorough and deep, the reflections made are sagacious 
and original, the learning displayed is accurate and profound. 

After his return from Europe in 1857, McClellan resigned his position 
in the army, and assumed that of Vice President and Chief Engineer of 
the Illinois Central Railroad. This office he retained until he was elected 
President of the Ohio and Mississippi Railroad. It was from this position 
that he was transferred, immediately after the commencement of the Re- 
bellion, to the military command of the Department of Ohio, comprising 
that State, together with Illinois, Indiana and "Western Virginia. His 
achievements in the latter field we have already narrated. After the 
battle of Bull Run the Administration at Washington, discovering the 
incompetence of some of those in high command, felt the necessity of 
summoning to the capital the best military talent within their reach. 
Then it was that they conferred upon General McClellan the most respon- 
sible, the most difficult, but also the most honorable post ever bestowed 
upon any young American officer, since that memorable day when George 
Washington was chosen by t-he Continental Congress, in another great 
crisis of the nation's destiny, to conduct the armies of the rising Republic 
to scenes of victory and glory. 



MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 123 



CHAPTER IX. 

THB EXTRAORDINARY SESSION OF COKORESS IN JDLT, 1861 — MESSAGE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN 
^ITS CnARACTERISTIOS — ITS DEMANDS — SKETCH OF THADDEUS STEVENS — HIS POLITICAL 
CAREER — HIS PERSONAL QUALITIES — HIS ACTION AS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF 

WAYS AND MEANS — IMPORTANT BILLS PASSED BY CONGRESS OPPOSITION OF MESSRS. 

VALLANDIOHAM AND BURNETT TO THE POLICY OF THE ADMINISTRATION — THE CIVIL WAR 
IN MISSOURI — THE GRAND ARMY EQUIPPED AT WASHINGTON — COMPLAINTS OF ITS PRO- 
LONGED INACTIVITY — ORDER GIVEN TO GENERAL MCDOWELL TO ADVANCE TOWARD MANAS- 
SAS — ARRANGEMENT OF THB ARMY— THE ADVANCE REACH BULL RUN — THE PRELIMINARY 
CONFLICT AT THAT PLACE — REPULSE OF GENERAL TYLER's DIVISION — POSITION OP THE 
REBEL ARMY AT MANASSAS^GENERAL BEAUREGARD — THE IMPENDING CONTF.ST — TEMPER 
OF THE REBEL TROOPS — THE ARTS EMPLOYED TO INFLAME THEM. 

The extraordinary session of Congress which convened at Washington 
on the 4th of July, 1861, will always remain an event of supreme import- 
ance in American history. It assembled under circumstances such as 
never before existed since the foundation of the Federal Government; 
and it may be added, that the peculiarities which marked its deliberations 
were such as have rarely been exhibited in the proceedings of the national 
Legislature. A regard was paid, to some extent, to the real purposes for 
which the members had been summoned to meet ; and wordy speeches for 
popularity and profit, as well as brutal assaults for supremacy or revenge, 
were for the time being abandoned. On the 5th of July President Lincoln 
sent in his message, which was read to both Houses, and became at once 
the subject of scrutiny and attention. 

This message was also novel in its character. Unlike Presidential 
messages in general, it was characterized by brevity, clearness, and prac- 
tical good sense. It went directly to the heart of the great theme which 
then absorbed and influenced every mind. It was indeed destitute of 
the polish of style and the elegance of language which have generally 
embellished, but have as often obscured or enfeebled, the official addresses 
of the Chief Magistrate. But every man in the nation could understand 
it. It possessed the qualities of sagacity and intelligence, which recom- 
mended it to the most cultivated and fastidious. It displayed a vigor of 
purpose and an earnestness in defence of the Union, which elicited the 
applause of the most illiterate and obscure. It was precisely the right 
thing in the right place. It was a faithful response to the convictions 
and sentiments of every patriot in the community. 

In this message the President made a requisition upon Congress for 
four hundred thousand men, and four hundred millions of dollars; in 
order that, by adopting the most vigorous measures, the most decisive 
results might at once be attained. One of the first acts of the Speaker of 



124 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the House was to appoint the chairman of the Committee of Ways and 
Means. That committee, under the existing circumstances, was invested 
with even more importance than it ordinarily possessed. Upon the ability 
and industry of its members, and especially of its chairman, the efficiency 
of the whole body in a great measure depended ; and the Speaker in thi3 
instance made a selection which was marked by eminent appropriateness 
and prudence. No man then occupied a seat in the Federal Congress 
who was more highly gifted by nature, or possessed greater experience 
and skill in the management of deliberate bodies, than Thaddeus Stevens ; 
and upon him this responsible post was wisely conferred, to the exclu- 
sion and the mortification of not a few aspiring politicians, who imagined 
that their vast abilities and their extraordinary services entitled them to it. 
Mr. Stevens was one of the most remarkable of a generation of Ameri- 
can statesmen, who have now nearly all passed away. His name and 
his influence were distinguished in the political history of Pennsylvania 
for thirty-five ^^ears ; and for twenty years he was prominent among our 
politicians of national reputation. He was a native of Vermont, and was 
born iu 1796. In his early manhood he removed to York, and afterward 
to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where he engaged in the practice of the law. 
He quickly become the head of a bar adorned by such men as Judge 
Reed of Carlisle, Charles B. Penrose, Senator James Cooper, and others 
of high repute. Being elected to represent his district in the State Legis- 
lature, he tliere took the first rank among many talented men ; and 
domineered over both Houses, over the Whig governors, over their Cab- 
inets, and over the affairs of the State generally, dufing several adminis- 
trations, with an influence which was well nigh absolute. The chief 
secret of his power and of his success was his superior ability in debate, 
and his matchless tact in controlling a deliberative assembly. In all the 
highest arts of a popular and forensic orator, in earnestness and pathos 
of declamation, in shrewdness and sophistry of reasoning, in scathing 
severity of sarcasm, in dauntless resolution of temper, in readiness of 
reply, and in quickness to detect and expose the weak points of an 
adversary, — in all those qualifications Mr. Stevens, when in his prime, had 
few superiors among the most renowned and accomplished of American 
orators. 

In tlie Federal House of Representatives he always maintained a high 
rank ; although he did not take his seat in it till after he had passed the 
most vigorous period of his life. His achievements as chairman of the 
Committee of Ways and Means, in the memorable extra session of 1861, 
formed a noble and appropriate climax to his long career ; and his name 
will descend to future generations as one of the ablest and most efficient 
of those coadjutors of the President, who, in that perilous crisis of the 
nation's history, infused energy, liberality and patriotism into the legisla- 
tive branch of tho government. Though he made no long speeches in 



IMPORTANT BILLS PASSED BY CONGRESS. 125 

the performance of his duties, he accomplished greater things than long 
speeches could then achieve, by the use of tact, and even by the mainten- 
ance, in some cases, of prudent and significant silence. More than once, 
when Vallandighara and Burnett — the chief representatives of a treason- 
able policy in the House — had delivered themselves of impetuous and 
frothy harangues against the measures proposed by the committee, and 
briefly advocated by its chairman ; when they had fumed and fretted for 
an hour, and imagined that they had so effectually badgered the chairman 
of the committee that he must needs respond, and endeavor to vindicate 
himself by a speech equally convulsive and equally frantic as their own; 
— more than once, under such circumstances, and after such a tremendous 
assault, did Mr. Stevens annihilate all that the adverse orators had uttered, 
by maintaining an unexpected and contemptuous silence, or, at most by 
uttering a few words of poisoned and deadly sarcasm. Many able men 
have served as chairmen of the Congressional Committees of Ways and 
Means, in many difficult crises of our national history.; but no one ever 
acquitted himself with more ability and success than did Mr. Stevens in 
that position. 

On the 10th of July a bill was passed, authorizing the Secretary of the 
Treasury to borrow, on the credit of the United States, a sum not exceed- 
ing two hundred and fifty millions of dollars ; for which he was author- 
ized to issue certificates of coupon or registered stools:, and treasury notes. 
The stock was to bear interest not exceeding seven per centum -per annum, 
payable semi-annually, and to be irredeemable for twenty years. The 
treasury notes were to be payable tliree years after date, with interest at 
the rate of seven and three-tenths per centum per annum. The faith of 
the United States was pledged for the payment of the interest, and the 
redemption of the principal of the loan. This act conferred on the Presi- 
dent the necessary means to carry on the war, and was preliminary to 
many other important bills which were subsequently passed, and which 
provided for the continuance of efficient military operations. 

Two members of the House and one of the Senate particularly disgraced 
themselves during the entire progress of this session, by their systematic 
opposition to the patriotic policy of the Government. These were Messrs. 
Vallandigham of Ohio, and Burnett and Breckinridge of Kentucky. It 
is difficult to conceive what could have been the real motive of their action, 
unless it were that perversity which characterizes some minds, and impels 
them to resist what all other men unanimously approve. It is the unenvi- 
able distinction of these persons that, in this perilous crisis, they exerted 
themselves to aid the Eebels by obstructing the wheels of legislation, and by 
the use of every possible expedient — by direct opposition, by offering sub- 
stitutes, by proposing amendments, by calling for the previous question, by 
moving to lay on the table, and by moving to adjourn — by these and other 
tricks they endeavored to hamper the onward march of the most honorable 



1S8 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

measures which were ever adopted by any American Congress. They 
will probably receive their reward ; and by the decision of a just posterity, 
when the storms and perils of this disastrous time shall have passed 
away, they will be classed with the Floyds and Davises of the present era, 
with the Burrs and Arnolds of a former age. 

It is not necessary here to enumerate all even of the most important 
of the bills which were pa.ssed by Congress during this extraordinary 
session. It will be sufficient to observe, that every appropriation which 
the safety and honor of the nation required, was liberally made. Such 
harmony and unanimity had never before existed in any American Con- 
gress. So far indeed did these qualities prevail, that they led to the 
occurrence of a phenomenon unknown before in the annals of modern 
legislation. We read in the history of the Christian Church, of certain 
harmless and perhaps excusable expedients termed "pious frauds," which 
were resorted to in different ages and countries, for the purpose of accom- 
plishing results in themselves beneficent and good.* In the present case 
a measure was adopted which may with equal propriety be termed a 
patriotic fraud, by which two separate and independent bills were passed, 
apparently by accident, doubtless by design, which in effect conferred on 
the President the power to summon a million of men into the field, if he 
should deem that number necessary for the defence and preservation of 
the Union. To whom the credit or the blame of this patriotic fraud 
ought to be attributed, there can be but little doubt; for in legislative 
adroitness of this kind, the chairman of the Committee of Ways and 
Means had few superiors. 

The civil war in Missouri now assumed more tragical features from 
day to day. The inhabitants of that State were thoroughly divided on 
the subject of Secession, and the greater ferocity and cruelty whieli char- 
acterize many of the inhabitants of those outposts of civilization, produced 
the effect that there the war assumed a more desperate character than it 
had yet exhibited in any other scene of conflict. Two rival governors 
claimed the executive authority of the State. Two camps and two armies 
were gradually collected. The Rebels were commanded by General Clai- 
borne Jackson, the Federal troops were led by General Nathaniel Lyon ; 
and it was evident, from the hostile and vigorous spirit which characterized 
both armies, that a collision between them was imminent. 

In a republican government such as our own, every man regards himself 
as a political sovereign, and each one claims the right to interfere in the 
administration of public affairs. Nor do these individual sovereigns 
choose to recognize any difference between things military and things 
civil ; all alike must be subject to their scrutiny and jurisdiction. This 
disposition was very clearly exhibited in reference to the operations of 

* Vide Mosheiiu's Ecclesiastical History, vol. 1, pp. 65, 112 



J 



REPULSE OF GENERAL TYLER'S DIVISION. 127 

what was absurdly termed the " Grand Army," by those whose patriotism 
was more ardent than their sagacity was penetrating. By this term were 
meant the Federal troops who were collected at Washington ; and during 
the early portion of July great impatience was expressed by some leading 
journals, chiefly in New York, that so powerful an army should be allowed 
to remain so long in ignoble repose. A general complaint or appeal was 
made by those journals, that it was high time something decisive should 
be done, that a battle should be fought, that a victory should be achieved, 
merely, if for nothing else, to show the Rebels how utterly insignificant they 
were, and to demonstrate to the world that the Federal Government was 
omnipotent, and could crush with its finger the whole body of the pre- 
sumptuous foe. 

It was doubtless in consequence of the impatience of these military 
tyros, and the pertinacious clamors for a battle with which they persecuted 
the Commander-in-Chief and the Secretary of War, that orders were at 
length issued, that on the 17th of July the Grand Army, numbering thirty 
thousand men, should move'forward toward Richmond, under the com- 
mand of General Irwin McDowell. This army, though composed of the 
best possible raw materials, though brave, though patriotic, though 
ardently devoted to the cause of the Union, was nevertheless, in the 
opinion of every man of scientific military attainment, little more than 
an armed mob; for it is not possible for any human power to convert the 
mere citizen into a real soldier by six weeks drilling. The military 
editors, however, prevailed, and the following dispositions were made: 
The first division, under General Tyler, forming the right centre, marched 
toward Vienna. The column of the extreme right, commanded by Colonel 
Hunter, moved toward Centreville. The left centre column, under the 
orders of Colonel Miles, proceeded by the Little River turnpike toward 
Fairfax Court House. The column of the extreme left, led by Colonel 
Heintzelman, advanced by the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. 

Previous to this date Fairfax had been occupied by a number of Rebel 
troops. On the morning of the 17th they abandoned their position with- 
out making any resistance. The Federal forces first entered the town at 
noon on that day. The Secession flag still waved insultingly from the 
Court House ; but it quickly gave place to the national colors. The 
Rebel troops who had retreated from Fairfax were about five thousand in 
number, and were commanded by General Bonham, who had recently 
been a member of Congress from South Carolina. 

On the 18th of July the march of the Federal army was resumed 
toward Manassas Junction. The fourth brigade of General Tyler's 
division, commanded by Colonel Richardson, led the advance. General 
Tyler pushed forward with his stafi", and a small escort, to reconnoitre the 
position of the enemy. When he reached a height opposite to Bull Run, 
he discovered, in a long slope or valley which stretched out before him, 



^ 



128 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

a number of the Rebel cavalry and infantry moving in the distance. He 
immediately sent back orders for two twenty pounders to be brought 
forward. With these he attacked the enemy, then distant about a mile 
and a half. This cannonading commenced at half past twelve o'clock. 
Soon the Rebels brought forward a battery of four guns, with which they 
responded to the Federal artillery. Their shots exhibited such excellent 
markmanship that it was evident they had taken the range of their 
guns before. The first body of Federal troops which arrived at the scene 
was the brigade of Colonel Richardson. He was directed by General 
Tyler to advance on the right along the outskirts of the forest, for the 
purpose, if possible, of capturing the enemy's guns. The brigade pro- 
ceeded to execute the order ; but when they approached the spot at which 
the Rebel guns had been posted, an attack was suddenly made upon them 
by a strong force of the enemy. These had in reality formed an ambus- 
cade, and they now poured a deadly deluge of rifle shot into the Federal 
ranks, while concealed in trenches, lying behind embankments, and 
sheltered by the woods. Soon the field was covered with a dense cloud 
of smoke, and the Federal troops fought under the immense disadvantage 
of not knowing the ground, and of being unable to see the foe. Not ex- 
pecting to encounter so fierce and general an attack, our artillery was 
not provided with sufficient ammunition to maintain a lengthened contest. 
After the lapse of an hour from the commencement of the engagement, 
the Federal troops retired. The enemy did not advance from their position, 
but continued to fire upon the retreating column. The latter brought 
away with them all their guns. The killed on the Federal side were 
about sixty, with an equal proportion of wounded. The loss of the 
enemy is unknown to us. It was probably much less than our own, in 
consequence of the superior advantages possessed by them, both in position 
and in numbers. Seven regiments only were engaged on the Federal 
side. Four times as many troops joined in the action on the part of the 
Rebels. The effect of this rebuff to our arms was extremely injurious. 
It gave hope to the Rebels, and depressed the Federals. It was doubt- 
less an imprudent movement to permit a detachment of troops to advance 
into what might be, and into what actually proved to be, a treacherous 
and deadly ambuscade ; for they encountered the risk of being over- 
powered by vastly superior numbers. In such a dilemma the bravest will 
falter, the most valiant fail. 

And now the critical moment was approaching when a great and 
memorable conflict was destined to occur. During several months all 
the martial zeal of the seceding States had been expended in concentrating 
their military resources at one favorable point, in order that, at that 
point, they might resist, and if poss'ible hurl back the advancing forces of 
tlic Federal Government. The position which they had selected as the 
scene of this achievement was a spot till then unknown to fame — a spot 



THE TEMPER OP THE REBEL TROOPS. 129 

scarcely marked down on any general map ; but a spot fated thenceforth 
to be immortal as Manassas Plains. It was admirably adapted by nature 
to the purpose of defence ; and its natural advantages had been increased 
and improved by the insidious use of every device known to the military 
art, of which it was capable. The place consists of a succession of hills, 
nearly equidistant, protected in front by a deep and thickly wooded 
ravine. It lies half way between the eastern spur of the Blue Ridge on 
the one hand, and the Potomac river on the other. Its more elevated 
points command the whole intervening country. The right wing of the 
intrenchments extended toward the head of the Occoquan, where the 
thick forest rendered an approach difficult and dangerous. The left oc- 
cupied a rolling table land, interspersed with successive elevations which 
fully commanded its entire expanse. The centre of the Eebel army was 
posted precisely upon the key of the whole admirably-chosen position. 

That position had been as effectively fortified as it had been admi- 
rably chosen. A line of batteries had been erected two miles in extent, 
whose outline was zigzag in shape, and was strengthened, at the necessary 
points, with bastions and other structures, with all the skill of a Vauban 
or a Cohorn. The Rebel camp was abundantly watered by mountain 
rivulets which murmured through it, on their way to the tranquil bosom 
of the Potomac. In the rear there lay a fertile country, where wheat, 
oats, corn, pasture and meadow fields, furnished ample subsistence to the 
troops. The number of men whom Beauregard had assembled at this 
point it is impossible for us precisely to state; but the lowest conjecture, 
based upon the most reliable evidence within our reach, would make it 
about forty thousand men. These were composed of an enraged and 
frantic conglomeration of human beings, chiefly from South Carolina, 
Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Virginia; though smaller 
contingents had been furnished by several other seceding States. They 
were well provided with artillery and ammunition. The larger portion 
of their guns had been directly stolen from the United States ; and these 
the Rebels now purposed to employ against the government which they 
had defrauded. 

The energy and ability which General Beauregard had exhibited in 
collecting, training, and fortifying this army, had inspired them with the 
utmost confidence in his abilities and in his fortunes. He and his officers 
had inflamed the passions of their troops to the highest pitch, by all 
the arts of the demagogue and the soldier. No means had been neglected 
which might render this formidable host confident of success, contempt- 
uous of their opponents, efficient in combat, and comparatively safe within 
the shelter of powerful and well constructed batteries. Traitors at "Wash 
ington and elsewhere, had given the enemy timely warning of the approach 
of the Federal army. They were not, therefore, to be taken by surprise 
As the decisive moment approached the last stirring appeal was made 

9 



130 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The Eebels were reminded that the hour of victory, the hour of glory, 
and the hour of revenge, had at length arrived. Now was the time to 
slake, in a deluge of Yankee blood, that growing thirst for vengeance 
which had been accumulating during half a century. Now was the time 
to demonstrate to the world the immeasurable superiority of the native 
of the South over the native of the North. And to a deadly combat with 
such a foe, superior in numbers, in position, and in artillery, the Federal 
forces marched, little conscious of the real nature of the service before 
them. 



GENERAL M'^DOWELL'S PLAN OP ATTACK. 131 



CHAPTER X. 

THE FEDERAL ARMY AT CENTREVILLE — GENERAL MCDOWELL'S PLAN OF ATTACK — THE DIVIS- 
IONS OF GENERALS TYLER, HUNTER AND HEINTZELMAN — THEIR SEVERAL DUTIES — THE 
MARCH FROM CENTREVILLE — INTERESTING SPECTACLE — GENERAL TYLER FIRST REACHES THE 
BATTLE-FIELD — HE COMMENCES THE ENGAGEMENT — MOVEMENTS OF GENERALS HUNTER AND 
HEINTZELMAN — THE GALLANT SIXTY-NINTH NEV? YORK — THE ENGAGEMENT BECOMES GEN- 
ERAL — VIGOROUS CANNONADING — THE REBELS GRADUALLY OVERPOWERED — THE FEDERALS 
VICTORIOUS AT MID-DAY — REBEL ADMISSIONS TO THAT EFFECT — GENERAL JOHNSTON'S* 
TROOPS FROM WINCHESTER ARRIVE ON THE BATTLE-FIELD — THEY REVERSE THE TIDE OF 
VICTORY — SUDDEN PANIC IN THE FEDERAL ARMY — A GENERAL RETREAT ENSUES — IKCI- 
DENTS OF THE FLIGHT — INDIVIDUAL INSTANCES OF HEROISM — RESULTS OF THE BATTLE 
— FAILURE OF THE REBEL COMMANDERS TO IMPROVE THEIR VICTORY — ULTIMATE C0N33- 
QUENCES. 

It was on Sunday, July 21st, 1861, that tlie memorable battle of Ma- 
nassas, the most decisive and desperate which had yet occurred on the 
American continent, took place. The Federal Army during the preced- 
ing day and night reposed at Centreville, about seven miles distant from 
the scene of conflict. It was placed under the command of General Irwin 
McDowell — an officer who had received a military education at West 
Point, had distinguished himself during the Mexican war, had been rapidly 
promoted from rank to rank, had invariably conducted himself with gal- 
lantry and heroism, and who was worthy of the important trust which 
was on this occasion conferred upon him. 

The plan of attack which this officer devised, and purposed to execute, 
was, in the opinion of those most competent to judge, an admirable one. 
The army wis separated into three divisions, which were ordered to ad- 
vance to the position of the enemy by three routes. Two of these move- 
ments were to be genuine assaults ; the third was to be-a feint for the 
purpose of distracting the attention of the foe. The division of General 
Tyler was directed to march forward by the Warrington road, and to cross 
Bull Eun a mile and a half to the right. This division comprised the 
first and second Ohio, and the second New York regiments under General 
Schenck ; the sixty-ninth, seventy-ninth, and thirteenth of New York, 
with the second Wisconsin regiments. Three efficient batteries — those 
of Carlisle, Ayres, and Rickett — accompanied them. The second road 
was taken by General Hunter, on the extreme right, who commanded 
the eighth and fourteenth New York regiments, a battalion of the second,- 
third and eighth regular infantry, a number of artillery, the first and 
second Ohio, the seventy-first New York, two New Hampshire regiments, 
and the powerful Rhode Island battery. The third route was to be taken 
by the division of General Heintzelman, comprising the fourth and fifth 



132 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Massachusetts and the first Minnesota regiments, the second, fourth and 
fifth Maine, and the second Vermont regiments, supported by cavalry 
and artiller}'. General Hunter's orders were to pass a small stream called 
Cub Kun ; to turn to the right, then to the north, to pass the upper ford 
of Bull Run ; then, marching southward, to attack the enemy in the rear. 
General Heintzelman was directed to cross Bull Run at the lower ford, 
and there attack the Rebels when they were being driven before the 
advancing lines of Hunter. The reserve, under Colonel ililes, was posted 
at Centreville, numbering six thousand men. The actual number of troops 
who marched to the attack of the Rebels at Manassas was about twenty- 
three thousand. The duty assigned to Hunter and to Heintzelman was 
to drive the enemy from tlie right and from the rear upon the force of 
General Tyler on the left; so that, hemmed in between the three bodies, 
their defeat might be more certainly and efficiently accomplished. 

General McDowell had at first intended to commence the march from 
Centreville on Saturday afternoon, July 20th, and orders had actually 
been given to that effect. But it was discovered at the moment of start- 
ing, that a deficiency of heavy ammunition existed, and that a large supply 
must first be obtained from Fairfax. This process rendered a short delay 
necessary, and then it was determined to postpone the advance until the 
following day. Accordingly, at half-past two o'clock on Sunday morning, 
the command was given to strike the tents and to commence the march. 

Soon the vast multitude began to move forward. The scene which was 
then presented to the view of an observer was one of imposing magnifi- 
cence, and of solemn, martial splendor. The moon shone brightly and 
serenely in the distant heavens, which were spangled with myriads of 
sparkling gems ; while the immense assemblage of human beings, swarm- 
ing over many a hill and vale, hurried forward with eager tread toward 
the field of blood. The mellow light of the dim luminaries served only 
to add the charm of a mystic and mysterious grandeur to the spectacle. 
The solemn silence of the Sabbath morn was broken by the rumbling 
sound of the artillery, by the confused tread of horses and of men, inter- 
mingled with the occasional echo of the stern word of command, or the 
gladsome voices of laughter and song. General McDowell and his staff 
accompanied the central column of General Tyler's command. 

At length the clearer light of the early dawn spread over the face of 
the earth. Then, after a short interval, the sun appeared in full effulgence 
in the rosy east ; and as he commenced to mount the azure heavens, the 
head of General Tyler's column reached the eminence, from which the 
first distant view of the position of the enemy could be obtained. Seldom 
had a fairer, calmer, or lovelier scene been presented to the charmed eye of 
the enthusiastic admirer of nature, than that which the wide sweep of 
country before them exhibited, soon to be torn and riven by the impetu- 
ous rush of infantry and cavalry, by the terrific discharges of the artillery 



GENERAL TYLER COMMENCES THE ENGAGEMENT. I33 

— soon to be covered with human gore, and with the bleeding bodies of 
the dying and the dead. 

There is nothing more difficult in the whole range of historical inquiry 
than the attempt to describe a great battle with perfect accuracy and 
truthfulness. It is easy to imagine or exaggerate a series of thrilling 
events, and to embellish a narrative with highly-colored pictures, which 
may interest, excite, and sometimes even appall the reader. But that 
process will merely produce a work of imagination ; it will not elaborate 
a scene of historic verity. And if it be perplexing to an observer who 
has been an actual witness of a great engagement to furnish any thing 
like a reliable descriptive coup d'oeil of the whole conflict, extending over 
an area of five, and in some cases of ten miles — as it undoubtedly is — ■ 
how much more difficult must his task be, who attempts to extract from 
the conflicting and diversified statements of others, the material of a pen- 
picture of his own? The more he studies, scrutinizes, and compares the 
various narratives and versions which others give, all equally confident 
and equally sincere, the more he will detect the contradictions and incon- 
gruities which exist between them ; and he will be at a loss to know how 
to act as arbiter, what to credit and what to reject. In such a dilemma 
his highest aim must be to approximate as near the truth as he possibly 
can. 

It was half-past five o'clock in the morning when the head of General 
Tyler's division reached a position favorable for commencing the attack. 
The enemy could be seen from that position busily forming their lines 
about a mile in front. Skirmishers were immediately thrown forward, who 
soon encountered the Kebel pickets and exchanged shots with them. A 
ponderous thirty pound Parrott rifled cannon was then advanced upon, 
the road, and a number of shells were thrown into their ranks. To this salute 
they made no reply, and General Tyler ordered his division to move for- 
ward, so as to be in nearer contact with the enemy, who seemed to have 
concealed the principal portion of their numbers behind the woods and 
the rolling hills. They had, in fact, taken their position, in great part, 
in the forest on the right and left, and had posted their artillery and 
masked their guns behind the groves which were scattered over the inter- 
vening country. 

The second Ohio and second New York regiments were then ordered 
by General Tyler to advance and attack the enemy in their concealed 
position. They obeyed, and soon the response of the guns of the Eebels 
demonstrated the fact that they had posted themselves in such a manner 
as to entice our men forward, that they might be more completely within 
the range of their batteries. So heavy an attack of artillery was now 
opened upon them from cannon which were almost invisible, and which 
seemed to pour forth a deadly deluge from fiery mouths opening upon 
the very surface of the earth, that General Schenck at length gave the 



134 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

order to retire from the unequal contest. But at the same moment Car- 
lisle's battery was ordered forward to respond to the masked artillery. 
His great guns replied with terrible effect. In half an hour the concealed 
cannon of the foe at this point were completely silenced. 

While these events were progressing in the front of the enemy's main 
position, the divisions of Hunter and of Heintzelman were operating on the 
extreme right, so as to reach the flank and the rear of the Eebels. The 
circuit which they made was an extensive one of some miles ; the march 
was difficult, and it was half-past ten before they reached the presence of 
the enemy. The latter were posted in a strong position beyond Sudley 
Springs. General Hunter at once attacked them with the fourteenth 
New York, the Rhode Island regiment commanded by Burnside, the 
second New Hampshire and the New York seventy-first. As these 
troops advanced the enemy poured upon them a destructive deluge of shot 
and shell ; but they continued to advance with firmness and unflinching 
heroism. This was the northern extremity of the battle ground, and 
some of the fiercest fighting of tliat bloody day took place in this part of 
the engagement. The gallant sixty-ninth rushed forward to the encounter 
with yells of mingled fury and exultation. They formed the van of a 
column which General Tyler had sent forward to co-operate with Hunter's 
division in surrounding the foe ; and they fell upon the Rebels with that 
combination of gallantry and ferocity which have characterized the Irish 
soldier in every country on the globe. 

These various operations were but preliminary to the grand and chief 
contest of the day. The cannonading between the two armies now became 
general. All the guns of the enemy were by this time brought into play, 
and nearly all the Federal forces, except the reserves, had come into 
action. The battle-field, the range of the artillery, and the various opera- 
lions of the assailants and defendants, extended over an area of about five 
miles. The discharges of artillery were very numerous ; the reverbera- 
tion was deafening ; the energy, the intensity, and the effect of the combat 
were terrible. The sullen sound of the guns was heard at Ceutreville, at 
Fairfax, at Alexandria; it was even perceptible at Washington. Tlie 
widely-spread and still-extending conflict over the hills, the valleys and 
the ravines of Manassas, was now enveloped in countless up-rolling 
volumes of smoke; and only at intervals, by the friendly aid of fitful 
eddies of the wind, could a glimpse be obtained of the exact position and 
operations of the combatants. Thus far, however, it was evident that all 
had gone well with the Federal arms. Hunter had succeeded in turning 
the flank of the enemy, and masses of fugitive Mississippians, retreating 
befcre his advancing columns, gave evidence that the tide of victory was 
his. But as the Federal troops pressed forward in pursuit, new batteries, 
till then concealed in the rear, opened their deadly mouths upon them, 
hurling death into their serried ranks. The foe here fought with the 



THE FEDERALS VICTORIOUS AT MID-DAY. 135 

utmost desperation. Occasionally a furious charge from their retiring 
columns would recover for a moment the lost advantage'; but it would be 
only to suffer in return a new reverse, and to commence a new retreat. 
Then again fresh batteries, skilfully masked, would open upon the 
advancing victors, inflicting upon them' additional penalties for their 
success. But the general sweep of the contest here was favorable to the 
Federal army. Hunter and Heintzelman were successively progressing 
toward a junction with Tyler, and the arc of a grand and overwhelming 
circle of destruction and defeat was being inexorably drawn around the 
Rebel host. And now cheer after cheer rose upon the air, which were 
wafted by the breeze over the field, from one portion of the exultant and 
victorious troops to another. 

At half-past twelve, it may with truth be asserted that, in all essential 
respects, a decisive triumph had been gained by the Federal arms. 
Hunter and Heintzelman had penetrated far into the position of the 
enemy. On the heights toward the enemy's left, regiment after regiment 
of the foe had been driven in by the heroic charges of our troops. Fresh 
regiments could be discovered by the distant observer, hastening up to 
the support of those which were wavering ; and then, after a desperate 
combat, the whole defeated mass could be seen to recoil, and to plunge 
into a promiscuous retreat. The Federals made such impetuous assaults 
that the personal presence and frantic efforts of Beauregard himself could 
not resist them. Whole regiments of the Eebels were here cut to pieces, 
and the torn and scattered fragments were hurled back in fearful panic 
and disorder. But still, such was the marvelous ability with which that 
commander had fortified his position, that fresh triumphs and fresh pur- 
suits ou the part of the Federal troops only conducted them into the jaws 
of additional batteries, which had been posted and concealed in endless 
succession, up to the very centre of his position at Manassas ; so that it 
seemed as if satanic skill and malignity had contrived an inevitable ruin 
for the victors. Notwithstanding all this, the deadly toils were gradually 
drawing closer around the foe. His desperate efforts were becoming more 
and more impotent. He had abandoned all his breastworks, in this portion 
of the field, except one ; and even this was stormed later in the day by 
several regiments, which were the last to abandon the contest and join in 
the retreat. 

At one o'clock on this memorable day the Rebel host at Manassas, in 
spite of all their advantages of position and of numbers were virtually 
defeated. This may he proved even hy their own concessions. Thus, the 
special correspondent of the Louisville Cojirier declared, in a communication 
to that paper, after stating that General Tyler's attack on the centre of 
the Rebel position was not discovered to be a mere feint until almost too 
late, that reinforcements were then sent to the troops who were resisting 
the attack of Hunter and Heintzelman. From that part of the field he 



136 1HE CIVIL WAR' IN THE UNITED STATES. 

confess«;d that they had " been driven back some two miles." He added : 
"Now came the tug of war. The fortunes of the day were evidentlv 
against us. Some of our best officers were slain, and the flower of our 
army lay strewn on the field, ghastly in death or gaping with wounds. 
At noon the cannonading is described as terrific. It was an incessant 
roar for more than two hours, the havoc and devastation at this time 
being fearful. McDowell was just in the act of possessing himself of the 
railway to Eichmond. Then all would have been lost. But most oppor- 
tunely, I may say providentially, at this juncture General Johnston witli 
the remnant of his division reappeared and rnade one other desperate 
struggle to obtain the vantage ground." 

A similar concession was subsequently made by the correspondent of 
the Charleston Mercury, who, when describing the death of General Bee, 
the commander of the South Carolinians on this day, said : 

"The brunt of the morning's battle was sustained by his (Bee's) command 
until past twelve o'clock. Overwhelmed by superior numbers, and com- 
pelled to yield to a fire that swept every thing before it. General Bee 
rode up and down his lines, encouraging his troops by every thing that 
was dear to them, to stand up and repel the tide which threatened them 
with destruction. At last — his own brigade dwindled to a mere handful, 
with every field ofiBcer killed or disabled — he rode up to General Jackson 
and said : ' General, they are beating us back !' " 

To this testimony we may add the admi.ssions of the Eichmond Dis- 
jMtch. The correspondent of that paper wrote as follows : " Between two 
and three o'clock large numbers of men were leaving the field, some of 
them wounded, others exhausted by the long struggle, who gave us 
gloomy reports ; but as the fire on both sides continued steadily, we felt 
sure that our brave Southerners had not been conquered by the over- 
whelming hordes of the North. It is, however, due to truth to say, that 
the result of this hour hung trembling in the balance. We had lost 
numbers of our most distinguished officers. Generals BTirtow and Bee 
had been stricken down ; Colonel Johnston, of the Hampton Legion, iiad 
been killed, and Colonel Hampton had been wounded. Your correspon- 
dent heard General Johnston say to General Cocke, just at this critical 
moment, ' Oh, for four regiments !' His wish was answered, for in the 
distance our reinforcements appeared. The tide of battle turned in our 
favor by the arrival of General Kirby Smith, from Winchester, with four 
thousand of General Johnston's division." 

It is perfectly evident from such statements, of the highegt authority, 
as well as from the position of aftairs on the scene of conflict, that previ- 
ous to the arrival of Johnston's army on the field the strength of the 
Eebels was broken, and that victory had been legitimately earned by the 
Federal arms. At this crisis the fire of the enemy had become languid. 
All over the ensanguined hills and plains their rehiaiuing guns responded 



THE EEBEL GENERAL JOHNSTON'S TROOPS. 137 

slowly and feebly. At two o'clock the foe seemed extremely disheartened 
and confused. Three times had they t^een dislodged from a locality known 
as " a hill with a house on it," which was one of the strongest positions 
on the field. At that point the enemy was commamied by General 
Beauregard in person ; and his troops had been driven a mile and a half 
from the fiercely contested point, notwithstanding the utmost efforts of 
that able commander. This discomfiture, which had been accompli.shed 
by the regiments under Heintzelman, added still more to the desperate 
nature of the situation of the Kebels. And yet, after all this heroism and 
this success, when victory seemed inevitable to the Federal arms, when the 
ex4iausted host of the Eebel chiefs appeared to be in extremis, the final issue 
was completely reversed, and one of the most disgraceful retreats which is 
inscribed on the historic page, ensued. How was this unexpected and 
wonderful catastrophe produced ? 

It was about three o'clock when large bodies of troops were observed 
by the Federal commanders, darkening the hill-tops in the farthest dis- 
tance opposite the centre of the battle-field. Soon they were seen hasten- 
ing to join in the conflict ; and their secession banners waving in the 
breeze, and the freshness and vigor of their movements, clearly proved 
that they were reinforcements, which had endured nothing of the heat, 
the exhaustion, or the agony of the long struggle. They were in fact a 
portion of the army of General Johnston ; who, having made good their 
escape from Winchester, had arrived by railroad at the Junction, and 
were now hastening to the field to rescue the cause of the Eebels from de- 
struction. This terrible apparition at such a time and in such a juncture, 
might well have appalled the stoutest heart ; yet, at the moment of its 
occurrence no thought of flight existed, and additional troops were ordered 
forward to confront the advancing masses. Among these were three 
Connecticut regiments, the fourth of Maine and the first Tyler Brigade. 

Notwithstanding the prodigious exertions which these Federal troops 
had already made during the protracted contest, they approached their 
new foes with the utmost heroism. A terrible onslaught ensued between 
them. One battery was eight times taken and eight times lost. Mean- 
while fresh accessions to the Eebel forces were arriving in successive 
trains. They deployed upon the field, and were gradually and stealthily 
winding themselves around the left of the Federal army, with the evident 
purpose of surrounding them and cutting off their retreat. Nevertheless, 
an hour of the most desperate fighting ensued, during which prodigies of 
valor were performed by our exhausted troops. Still, however, the deluge 
of fresh reinforcements to the enemy continued to pour down upon the 
field. The left of the Federal army was slowly becoming surrounded and 
their rear attained. The fresh troops of the Eebels rushed upon their 
opponents in successive tides with sanguinary fury. One regiment of 
Mississippians, armed with immense bowie knives, fell upon them with 



138 THE CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

the yells of maniacs and the ferocity of fiends. Then it was that, for the 
first time during the long and desperate conflict, our .troops began to 
exhibit confusion and dismay, and the first indication of a panic com- 
menced to appear. A vast body of Rebel cavalry now came pouring out 
of the woods upon our left, attacked the troops which happened to be 
near them, and assailed a multitude of unarmed teamsters, who, without 
any orders to that effect, had moved their wagons forward with the gen- 
eral advance. The fatal panic which had arisen now spread rapidly from 
regiment to regiment. Masses of men, in the utmost disorder, rushed 
down from the distant hills in full retreat. The flight became general, 
and then ensued that marvelous and ignominious stampede from Manassas 
to Washington, which will forever remain one of the chief wonders and 
scandals of American history. 

No reasonable person will condemn the Federal troops at Manassas for 
not maintaining the advantage they had gained, or even for retreating. 
A complete defeat, under such circumstances, was excusable. The crime 
which cannot be palliated or forgiven is, that the flight should have been 
continued so long and so far ; that such extreme disorder and frantic fear, 
such groundless despair and such excesses of weakness, so total an oblivion 
of all shame, and such a disregard of the dignity of manhood, should have 
characterized the conduct of men who had exhibited such admirable hero- 
ism and endurance so shortly before. 

Regiment after regiment now came rushing along the road and over 
the fields toward Centreville. But soon all distinctions of regiments and 
companies, of infantry, cavalry and artillery, were lost. The confusion 
of Babel was synthetic order and perfect symmetry when compared with 
the chaotic confusion which now prevailed. Many of the men threw 
away their arms and knapsacks, lest they might be impeded in their 
escape. The heavy guns were abandoned, the traces cut, and the horses, 
covered with fugitives clinging to them on all sides, were spurred forward 
in the flight. Soon the passage became choked with private conveyances, 
with terrified civilians, with broken gun carriages, all tumbling and 
crashing against each other. Wounded horses plunged to and fro in tiie 
midst of the demented mass of human beings. Many were crushed to 
death. Many threw themselves upon the earth, being either wounded or 
exhausted, and unable to continue their flight. A few officers, indeed, 
endeavored to stem the tide and stop the panic, but their eflbrts were 
utterly fruitless. Thus the tumultuous sweep of fugitive wretches contin- 
ued to roll onward without the least pause or abatement, until they reached 
Centreville. There the presence of the reserve under Colonel Mile.s, and 
especially Blenker's brigade, tended to diminish the disorder to some extent. 
But this cftect was only partial. The great mass continued to hurry for- 
ward to Fairfax, to Alexandria, and even to Washington, where they 
arrived during the ensuing night and day. Our dead and wounded were 



THE EESULTS OP THE BATTLR. I39 

left on the battle-field. Much heavier losses of artillery and ammunition 
occurred during the flight than during the engagement. No officer 
eminent for ability on the Federal side had fallen. The loss of the Kebel 
army in this particular was much greater than that of their opponents. 
The only pursuit attempted by the victorious and astonished enemy was 
made with their cavalry, and the assaults of these were effectually ter- 
minated at Centreville by the vigorous charges and deadly aim of 
Blenker's rifle brigade. That officer even recovered some of the guns 
which had been abandoned during the flight. 

Thus ended the battle, the defeat, and the rout of Manassas. Atfirst 
the loss on the Federal side was supposed to be much greater than actu- 
ally proved to be the case ; as was subsequently demonstrated by the 
official return made by General McDowell to the government. Accord- 
ing to that return, the Federal army lost four hundred and eighty-one 
killed, one thousand and eleven wounded, twelve hundred and sixteen 
missing. The missing included the prisoners taken by the enemy, and 
those who, having escaped from the slaughter, never returned to. the ser- 
vice. The number of artillery lost was seventeen rifled cannon, eight 
small-bore guns, twenty-five hundred muskets, and thirty boxes of old 
firearms. But, though the Rebels had obtained a victory, there never 
was an instance in which conquerors more signally failed to improve their 
advantages. One of the highest arts of a military commander, is that 
of following up effectually the opportunities which the favor of fortune 
may have bestowed upon him ; and more ability has been displayed by 
some generals in the skill with which they turned a triumph to good 
account, than they exhibited in gaining it. Many other generals have 
shown higher genius in the success with which they have averted the 
consequences of a defeat, than their successful opponents exhibited in 
gaining the victory. In the present case it proved almost a barren triumph 
on the one side, and nearly a harmless repulse on the other. The Rebels 
might, in the midst of that overwhelming and preposterous panic, have 
marched upon Washington, entered it, dispersed or captured the officers 
of the Federal Government, and thus have struck a blow as deadly and 
decisive as that which Hannibal might have inflicted, if, immediately after 
the terrible slaughter of Cannas, he had thundered with his legions at the 
gates of Rome, and had taken possession of the Eternal City. But, like 
Hannibal, Beauregard failed to improve the propitious moment; and, 
that moment, being once lost in the vicissitudes of nations, it never returns 
again. * 



110 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTEK XL 

THE IMPRESSION PRODUCED ON THE PUBLIC BY THE BATTLE OF MANASSAS — VARIOUS CAUSES 
OF THE FEDERAL DEFEAT — THE PRECEDING MARCH— INFERIORITY OF NUMBERS — EFFECT 
OF MASKED BATTERIES — INCOMPETENT OR INEXPERIENCED OFFICERS — REMOTE POSITION 
OF THE RESERVES — PERNICIOUS PRESENCE OF SPECTATORS — THE COUP-DE-GRACE — ARRI- 
VAL OF GENERAL JOHNSTON'S TROOPS ON THE FIELD — IMMENSE LOSSES OF THE REBEL 
ARMY— WAS THE DEFEAT IN REALITY A MISFORTUNE TO THE UNION — ITS IMMEDIATE 
EFFECTS — ITS INFLUENCE ON THE ARMY — ITS INFLUENCE ON THE ADMINISTRATION — IT 
BECAME THE MEANS OF AVERTING GREATER CALAMITIES — IT WAS THE CAUSE OF SUBSE- 
QUENT SUCCESSES TO THE FEDERAL FORCES. 

The defeat of the Federal arms at Manassas overwhelmed the nation 
with astonishment, indignation and shame. They were astonished, because 
such a catastrophe was previously considered as beyond the range of 
possibility. They were indignant, because they regarded it as the result 
of inexcusable neglect, incapacity and cowardice. Tliey were mortified, 
because victory had graced the arms of an enemy whom they despised 
and execrated. 

Various theories were subsequently offered to account for the occurrence 
of this disastW. At the present time, when the excitement and confusion 
of the crisis have passed away, and men may scrutinize events calmly and 
dispassionately, it is evident that the causes of it can be easily indicated ; 
so, clearly indeed, as to show that a contrary result must have been almost 
impossible. A number of adverse events conspired to produce the defeat 
of the Federal army, though some of these were more important and more 
potent than others. In the first place, it was evidently imprudent to 
exhaust the physical energies of the Federal troops, by marching them 
from two o'clock in the morning, immediately before engaging the enemy. 
The physical powers of men have their limits of endurance ; and when 
we remember that the battle continued to rage during the whole day, 
from sunrise almost until sunset, it is not singular that, toward the termina- 
tion of the struggle, the strength of the troops should have become ex- 
hausted. Nor did the Federal commanders gain any thing on the score 
of secresy, by thus postponing the march until the day of the battle ; for 
the enemy were amply forewarned of their approach when they lay at 
Centreville. 

It is evident aho that the number of Federal troops was too small, and 
was inadequate to the difficult service of assailing and taking Manassas. 
Not much more than twenty thousand men took part in the engagement ; 
and against these twenty thousand there were arrayed, in the end, nearly 
forty thousand ; who, in addition to their superiority in numbers, possessed 
also an important advantage in being familiar with the ground, in being 



INCOMPETENT OR INEXPERIENCED OFFICERS. 141 

fresh to the encounter, and in being intrenched behind powerful batteries. 
The peculiar manner in which these batteries had been arranged contrib- 
uted greatly to the Federal defeat. The guns of the enemy, in this 
instance, were placed at irregular and zigzag points, in endless retrocession; 
so that as soon as the troops which served one of their batteries had been 
overpowered, and were compelled to give way, they merely fell back 
upon other guns served by fresh men, who received the advancing victors 
with a fresh volley of shot and shell. The Federal troops took many of 
these batteries seriatim; they drove the Rebels for more than a mile from 
battery to battery ; and yet they still encountered other guns, which were 
worked with an energy and effect equal to the first. The peculiar manner 
in which these batteries were hidden added to their formidableness. 
They were so masked and concealed, either by brushwood or by being 
planted in holes dug in the ground, with their muzzles only protruding 
above the surface of the earth, that they were invisible to the assailants, 
and were thereby rendered more deadly. 

It must also be admitted that, though the men fought bravely, many 
of the subaltern ofiicers were utterly incompetant to perform their duties. 
There were many majors, colonels, lieutenants, and other officers who 
had never received any military training, who possessed no military 
knowledge or experience, and who were useless on the battle-field. ,Nor 
will this appear singular when we remember that many of the officers 
were mere civilians, whose patriotism or ambition had urged them to 
enter the career of arms, and who had been able to obtain military rank, 
without possessing a particle of military skill. It is not possible for such 
men, however intelligent they may be, to acquire a competent knowledge 
of military affairs by six weeks' drilling. What little they may have 
been able to learn during that interval would be of small service in the 
midst of the fearful excitement and confusion of an actual battle. The 
drill-room is a very different arena from the tumultuous field of strife 
and blood. A scientific military training is just as indispensable to the 
ofiicer on land, as it is to the oiEcer at sea. Naval tactics are not more 
intricate and difficult than those of the land service. Let us suppose that 
a British fleet of a hundred sail suddenly menaced the Atlantic coast; 
that an American fleet of equal strength was sent to attack them ; and 
that this fleet was for the most part commanded and officered by men 
who had never before sailed upon the deep, much less had charge of a 
vessel, and had only six weeks' experience in studying the details of 
naval architecture, service and warfare. It is clear that the sailors might 
be brave, the ship might be staunch, the artillery might be powerful, the 
officers might be personally heroic; but that such a fleet, in the face of 
a veteran British armament, would be battered to pieces, and the wrecks 
of our vessels would soon be scattered far and wide over the ocean and 
the strand. It must be thus with any land force officered by lawyers, 



142 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

merchants and other civilians, who, in a moment of danger, take com . 
mands in it. So incompetent were some of these officers, that it is certain 
that many of the orders of General McDowell were never delivered to 
those to whom they were sent ; and thus fatal errors were committed, 
against the express precautions of the chief officer. 

It is probable that the position of the reserve under Colonel Miles was 
much too far in the rear, to be of actual service in the crisis of the battle. 
Seven miles is manifestly too great a distance to intervene between the 
main body of an army, and the reinforcements which must be used in the 
last extremity. If, when the troops of Johnston deployed upon the field, 
the regiments stationed at Centreville could have marched against them 
and checked their advance, the issue of the day might have been difi'erent. 
The field was also encumbered by a host of spectators and visitors, whose 
presence was most pernicious. If all went well, their shouts would 
indeed rend the heavens and cheer the victors. But if any disaster 
occurred, they would be tne first to set the example of cowardice, and 
their flight would inevitably become contagious with troops who had 
already been disheartened by the duration and difficulty of the struggle. 
Such actually proved to be the result at Manassas. Prominent in that 
vast and tumultuous torrent of retreating men were to be seen terrified 
and frantic civilians ; and among the many who, on that day, fled in hot 
haste, they led the van, and kept it. 

It is clear also that many minor blunders were committed which served to 
consummate the disaster. The unarmed teamsters were permitted to 
advance with their wagons too near the enemy, and within the range of 
their attack. The Federal army was not sufficiently provided with 
cavalry to pursue the retreating foe. Proper care was not taken, when 
batteries had been captured, to secure possession of them, and turn them 
upon the Rebels. The left flank and the rear of the Federal army were 
not suitably guarded against attack. An order to fall back a short 
distance was mistaken for a general order to retreat. To this must be 
added the desperate courage of the Rebel troops, the skill and bravery of 
the Rebel commanders, and the immense advantages of their position. 

Nevertheless, all these causes combined together would have not in- 
flicted the repulse at Manassas, had it not been for another and still more 
potent cause. It would have been a victory to the Federal arms, or at 
least a drawn battle, had not the troops of General Johnston arrived by 
railway from Winchester, and deployed upon the field precisely at the 
critical moment. That calamity turned the scale with decisive and re- 
sistless effijct. The prodigious influence produced by the sudden accession 
of fresh troops on the battle-field, to one side or to the other, after a long 
and obstinate struggle, has been illustrated by the issue of many of the 
most memorable conflicts of modern times. Thus the great battle of 
Wagram was lost by the Austrians, after they had in eflect wrested the 



IMMENSE LOSSES OF THE REBEL ARMY. 143 

victory from Napoleon by prodigies of valor, because the Archduke Jobn 
did not reach the field with his reinforcement of eighteen thousand 
troops, as he had been expressly ordered to do ; which accession would 
have completely broken the exhausted lines of ths French. It is well 
known that at Waterloo, the issue of the day depended entirely upon the 
fact whether Blucher would arrive with his Prussians to reinforce the 
English, or Grouchy would arrive with his division to reinforce Napoleon. 
Blucher rushed upon the field when Wellington was almost frantic with 
despair, and thereby changed the fortunes of the world. Thus also at 
the battle of Inkermann, forty thousand Russians attacked fifteen thousand 
British troops. After a protracted and desperate conflict the latter were 
about to break, when the arrival of a large French force under General 
Bosquet decided the issue of the engagement. It was precisely thus 
with the battle of Manassas. The accession of Johnston's regiments 
turned the scale, and wrested the triumph from the wearied hands of tlie 
exhausted victors. 

By whose fault it was that Johnston was permitted to make good his 
hurried march to Manassas, we are not prepared to say. It was expected 
that the junction would be prevented by the division under General 
Robert Patterson ; but whether the force under his command was sufli- 
ciently large to enable him to achieve that result, it is not for us to deter- 
mine. General McDowell, however, asserted in his official report of the 
battle, that it was expressly understood when he assumed the command of 
the army marching against Manassas, that he was not to encounter the 
troops of Johnston; and that declaration, thus boldly and publicly made, 
was never contradicted. If, therefore, the force under Patterson was not 
sufficiently numerous to intercept Johnston, it was a measure of indispen- 
sable importance that it should have been rendered such, before the 
advance of McDowell toward Manassas was commenced. 

It was natural that the Rebels should exult with frantic joy, and with 
boundless exaggeration, over their unexpected victory. The reports 
which were diffused throughout the Southern States in reference to it 
exceeded any thing ever exhibited before in the art of misrepresentation. 
It was confidently asserted that the Federal army had been composed of 
a hundred thousand men; that twenty thousand had been slain and 
wounded; that thirty thousand handcuffs had been taken, with which the 
Federals intended to manacle the defeated Confederates ; that sixty pieces 
of artillery had been captured, with an innumerable number of knapsacks, 
and with provisions enough to support the Confederate army for months. 
The result of these fabrications was, that the whole South became still more 
enthusiastic for the war ; and many who, till then, had been reluctant to 
enter the struggle, now rushed forward, enlisted, and commenced with 
martial ardor to swarm northward toward Richhiond. 

Soon, however, this general exultation began to give place to sadder 



144 THE CIVIL AVAK IN THE UNITED STATES 

and more sober thoughts, when the details of the losses of the Rebels at 
Manassas began to be kno*vu throughout the South. Then it was that they 
discovered at what an enormous price their victory had been bought ; and 
like Pyrrhus of old^ after vanquishing the Romans, they might exclaim, 
that another such triumph would complete their ruin. The Rebels had 
lost many of their best officers. They made great exertions to conceal the 
precise number of their dead and wounded ; so much so that even southern 
journals complained that the relatives of the soliders who fought at Ma- 
nassas, could obtain no information as to whether they were living or 
dead. Every thing was concealed on that subject for a long time. The 
reason was, that a knowledge of the real facts would have appalled and 
disheartened the people by the horrid details involved in them. Bat such 
secresy could not always be preserved ; and at length certain revelations 
began to leak out, which opened the eyes of men as to the actual state 
of the case. Thus, among other instances, the Richmond Disjmtch, when 
applauding the heroism of the eighth Georgia regiment, declared that "at 
length they withdrew from the fight. Their final rally was made with 
some sixty men out of the six hundred they took in." This regiment, 
thus almost annihilated, was succeeded by the seventh Georgia regiment, 
who actually met the .same fate, their commanding officer, Colonel Barton, 
being killed. One Louisiana regiment lost three hundred men out of eight 
hundred. The Hampton Legion and an Alabama regiiftent were almost 
totally destroyed by the terrible charges of the New York sixty-ninth and 
seventy-ninth. Single facts like these demonstrate how terrific and over- 
whelming the grand total loss must have been on the Rebel side. It was 
manifestly much greater than the Federal loss ; and it is not improable 
that five or six thousand in killed and wounded 'were the number of the 
enemy placed hors du combat. 

In view of indisputable facts like these, it could scarcely be affirmed that 
the result of this engagement was very advantageous to the cause of the 
Rebel Government; while on the other hand, it may with truth be asserted, 
that under the outward and forbidding guise of a reverse, the general 
result of the catastrophe at Manassas was propitious to the interests of the 
Federal Union. This declaration, which seems very like a paradox or an 
absurdity, we believe to be strictly true ; and we will briefly state the 
grounds of this opinion. As adversity is often the wisest and best school 
for the individual learner, so also is it often the wisest and best school for 
the national learner. Especially in military affairs, a few disasters at the 
commencement of a war produce a beneficial effect. Many celebrated 
commanders began their careers with serious defeats, and by those very 
defeats were taught how afterward to triumph more gloriously. Frederic 
the Great, to whom reference has already been made, confessed that the 
first clear insight which he obtained into the military art, was when he 
was compelled by Charles of Lorraine to retreat with heavy losses from 



ITS INFLUENCE ON THE ADMINISTRATION. 



145 



Silesia, at an early stage of the Seven Years War ; yet Frederic subse- 
quently became the greatest general of his age. William of Orange, 
afterward king of England, acquired more niillitary skill from his defeats 
by the Prince de Cond^ than by all his other studies and experiences 
combined. The Emperor Charles V. of Germany, who agitated Europe 
during many years by his contests with the chivalrous Francis I., gener- 
ally commenced his campaigns against that monarch with disasters, but 
invariably closed them with supremacy and triamph. 

Now it is well known that the American people began the war against 
Secession with an undue contempt of the resources and the prowess of 
the Rebels. No proper conception was entertained of the difficulty and 
intensity of the struggle which was about to commence. It was generally 
believed that the southern soldiers would not fight ; that they possessed 
no powers of physical eiidurance ; that they were enervated by drunken- 
ness and debauchery ; that their conquest would be an easy and rapid 
achievement. All these were gross and fatal delusions ; but the result of 
their prevalence was, that a spirit of extreme carelessness and frivolity 
pervaded the Federal army. A reckless temper characterized the public 
journals. The march to Richmond was to be a grand and exciting hunt 
for Rebels ; and the most rare and excellent sport would be the entertain- 
ment of those who took part in the chase, and of those who accompanied 
it as spectators. With this hilarious spirit the army marched gaily forth 
toward Manassas. Inexcusable neglect characterized every thing con- 
nected with their advance. Their numbers were deficient; their ammuni- 
tion was not properly supplied ; the men had received but little drilling ; 
and some of the ofiBcers, it was charged, were on this occasion intoxicated. 

Let us suppose that this army had been successful at Manassas ; and 
that, after a short and perhaps a feigned resistance, the Rebel forces had 
retreated toward Richmond. Elated with the easily-earned victory, en- 
tertaining still more contemptuous and absurd sentiments respecting 
the prowess of the enemy, our troops would have become more reckless 
and imprudent than before. As they advanced further into the bowels of 
the hostile country, the dangers which surrounded them would become 
much greater. Then, at length, when a facile and safe retreat to the 
entrenchments at Washington would be rendered impossible, even by a 
Bull Run race; when the army of the Rebels had been increased to three 
times the number it contained at Manassas ; when our oiEcers and soldiers 
were regardless of prudence and vigilance, another attack would be made 
upon them. Is it not perfectly evident that the probability, the certainty 
even, is, that in that dreadful and unequal onslaught scarcely a single 
man would have escaped, and that a calamity far greater than that at 
Manassas would have ensued to the Federal army, to the nation's honor, 
and to the cause of the Union ? 

But the effect produced upon the Federal troops by the check at Ma- 
10 



146 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

nassas was instantaneous and redeeming. Their eyes were at once opened to 
the terrific depth of that abyss toward which they had been madly rushing. 
They acquired more valuable information by one day of defeat than they 
would have attained by ten days of victory. The blow brought them to 
their senses, and sobered them at once. How soon was a new spirit 
infused into the service! IIow quickly did the most rigid dicipline, the 
most careful precautions, the most extensive and systematic preparations, 
take the place of the previous neglect, laxity and bravado! Every de- 
partment of the army underwent a thorough reformation ; and soon there 
was assembled, under the national colors, a well drilled, well appointed, 
formidable force of several hundred thousand men. But nothing of this 
would have existed, had not the defeat at Manassas taught the nation and 
the government wisdom. Therefore, we repeat, that that defeat was in 
reality not a misfortune, but a benefit to the Federal arms, and to the 
interests of the Uaioa. 



EVENTS IN MISSOURI. U7 



CHAPTEE XII. 

INCRBASBD BNEROT OP THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT — ^EVENTS IN MISSOnRI — IMPORTANT 
BATTLE AT CARTHAGE— RETROGRADE MOVEMENT OF GENERAL LTON TO SPRINGFIELD 
— PURSUIT OF THE REBELS UNDER GENERALS MCCULLOCH AND PRICE — CONDITION OF 
THEIR ARMT — REASONS WHY GENERAL LYON ENGAGED THE ENEMY — THE GREAT BATTLK 

OF Wilson's creek — disposition of the federal forces — temporary success of 

THE REBELS — INCIDENTS OF THE CONTEST— HEROISM OF GENERAL LYON — HIS LAST 
EFFORT AGAINST THE ENEMY — ITS SUCCESS — GENERAL LYON's DEATH — DISCOMFITURE OF 
COLONEL SIGEL — RESULTS OF THE BATTLE — SKETCH OF GENERAL LYON — HIS RARE MERITS 
GENERAL FREMONT MADE COMMANDANT OF THE DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI — HIS POLICY 
AND MEASURES — HIS ANTI-SLAVERY PROCLAMATION — IT IS MODIFIED BY PRESIDENT 
LINCOLN— THE WAR AGAINST SECESSION NOT A WAR AGAINST SLAVERY. 

Immediately after the battle of Manassas, the Federal Government was 
busily employed in making every possible preparation to defend Wash- 
ington against an apprehended attack from the Rebel forces. The loyal 
States were called upon to send large masses of troops without delay to 
the Federal capital. This requisition was speedily and heartily complied 
with ; and in the course of a few weeks, as we have stated, several hundred 
thousand armed men rallied around the seat of government. At the same 
time, various other measures, required by the peculiar exigencies of the 
occasion, were adopted. General McClellan was summoned from Western 
Virginia to Washington; other officers of merit, including Fremont, 
Wool, Banks and Lyon, were promoted to positions of importance; and 
soon the administration of Mr. Lincoln, which seemed by one deadly blow 
to have been brought to the very verge of ruin, presented to the enemy a front 
much more formidable and defiant than that which it had exhibited before 
the battle of Manassas. No military operations of any importance were 
destined to occur in that vicinity for several months but ; hostilities were 
carried on with great vigor in the southwestern department of the 
Eepublic. 

We have already described the procefe by which the State of Missouri 
became the scene of conflict between two hostile parties which had arisen 
within its borders ; and how its inhabitants had become much divided on 
the subject of their allegiance to the Union. The first important conflict, 
which occurred between them, took place at Carthage, on the 5th of July, 
1861, where eight thousand Missouri Rebels, commanded by the pseudo- 
Governor Jackson, attacked two thousand Federal troops, under Colonel 
Sigel. The battle was a desperate one. Notwithstanding the immense 
advantage of numbers on the Rebel side, their loss was very heavy, and 
the general issue of the day was adverse to them. This result was chiefly 
due to the superior skill with which Colonel Sigel served and directed his 



148 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

artillery. General Lyon, who commanded another Federal force in the 
State, was ninety miles distant from Carthage at the period of the battle, 
and was therefore unable to ell'ect a junction with Sigel. Nowhere, in 
any portion of the Union, had the ruinous effects of civil war been as 
terrible as within the limits of Missouri ; for at this time, throughout a 
large portion of the State, especially to the south of the Missouri river, 
solitude and desolation reigned throughout the country. Nearly all the 
houses and plantations had been deserted by their inhabitants. Wheat, 
corn, and the various pi'oducts of the earth, rotted unharvested. In other 
portions of the State the dominion of terror prevailed and there was no 
protection for life or property to the citizen or the stranger. 

As soon as General Lyon received the details of the battle of Carthage, 
he fell back with the troops under his command to Springfield. He liad 
been informed that a powerful Eebel force under McCulloch and Price 
were advancing upon him by several different routes. He expected an 
immediate attack, inasmuch as he was assured that their commissariat 
was in a miserable condition, and they would be compelled at once literally 
either to fight or to starve. General Lyon was well aware of the critical 
nature of his position. The Rebel force had swelled to an immense 
multitude of desperate, disorderly, and sanguinary adventurers, twenty 
thousand in number, whose attack, though irregular, would still be ener- 
getic and destructive. His own troops did not then exceed five thousand 
men ; but they were well fod and clothed, and provided with a powerful 
battery of artillery. His army had been increased to that number by 
the junction of the force under Colonel Sigel; and he made every 
preparation which nn able and skillful commander could possibly employ, 
to confront and overpower the danger which impended over him. The 
battle of Wilson's Creek, which soon ensued, was one of the most bloody 
and desperate which had occurred during the progress of the war ; and 
the conduct of General Lyon, on this occasion, covered his name and his 
memory with enduring renown. 

It was on the seventh of August that the Eebel force under McCulloch 
and Price reached a position twelve miles distant from Springfield. The 
inhabitants of that town at ouctf became panic-stricken at the proximity 
of the foe : and earnest appeals were made to General Lyon to induce him 
to withdraw his troops from the place, and not to subject it, by his pres- 
ence, to the horrors of an attack. Many of his officers, discouraged by 
the immense superiority in numbers which the enemy possessed, regarded 
the risking of 'a battle as the height of imprudence ; and asserted that it 
would lead to inevitable defeat. A council of war was called, and a ma- 
jority were in favor of retreating at once toward Eolla. But General 
Sweeney earnestly opposed the measure, and General Lyon coincided with 
his bolder counsel. The considerations which induced the commander 
to risk a battle were the following : 



■ THE GREAT BATTLE OF WILSON'S CREEK. 149 

It was very true, indeed, tbat his numbers were greatly inferior to 
those of the enemy. He had repeatedly besought the Federal Govern- 
ment to reinforce him ; and had set forth, with clearness and power, the 
reasons which rendered such a course imperative. But the Government 
was either unable or unwilling to comply, and he was left to his fate. 
But it was also evident that a retreat from Springfield would, at that 
critical moment, be highly pernicious to the cause of the Union in Mis- 
souri, and might produce the most disastrous effects. Thousands would 
thenceforth regard the Rebels as irresistible, and identify themselvea 
with their side. A defeat even would be preferable after a battle, than a 
flight without a conflict. But, like a brave and gallant officer, Lyon an- 
ticipated a victory even against overwhelming odds; and he resolved to 
try the issue of a desperate and deadly conflict. His first plan was to 
make a night attack on the foe; but his arrangements could not be com- 
pleted until several hours after the appointed time. He then determined 
to postpone the engagement until the next day. This was Saturday, 
August 9th, 1861. 

At eight o'clock on the preceding evening Colonel Sigel was ordered 
to march with his command, with that of Colonel Solomon, in a southward 
direction from Springfield ; to pass around the camp of the enemy unob- 
served ; to take a position in their rear, and when he heard the guns of Lyon's 
division in the front, to commence an attack on the Rebels. Sigel accom- 
plished his journey by two o'clock on Saturday morning. He had taken six 
cannon with him. General Lyon advanced from Springfield with all the 
troops under his command during Friday night, and reached the position 
of the enemy, nine miles south of that town, at four o'clock in the 
morning. He then halted until the hour of attack arrived. At six 
o'clock the action commenced. The Rebels were p.osted in an advan- 
tageous position. Their camp had been placed at the northern end of 
a verdant vale ; but their troops were drawn out to meet the Federals 
upon the hills which intervened between them and their camp. The 
pickets of the latter were first driven in. Then Captain Wright, with four 
companies of mounted Home Guards, skirmished with a small body of 
horsemen who had taken a position in advance on the left. These were 
tlie mere lures of an ambuscade; and, by retiring, they endeavored to 
draw the Federal detachments into a position of danger. The artifice 
partly succeeded ; for three thousand Rebels rushed upon the Federals, 
and by superioity of numbers, compelled them to give way. 

By this time the Federal troops on the other extremity of the line had 
engaged the enemy. The first Missouri regiment, the battalion of Oster- 
baus, and the battery of Totten, were advantageously posted on an 
eminence; and they commenced a vigorous attack upon the Rebel host 
arrayed against them. Soon the latter broke and fled in confusion, until 
they reached the summit of another hill in the rear. The Federals pur- 



150 THK CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. " 

sueJ, but in their advance they encountered a fresh regiment of Louisiana 
troops. A desperate hand-to-hand fight ensued between them. This 
lasted about forty-five minutes. The Rebels were again routed ; and aa 
they retired, were pursued till the victors reached the brow of a third 
eminence. There they encountered another fresh detachment of the 
enemy, and another desperate contest followed, more furious and deadly 
than had yet occurred. The contest here was also protracted, and the 
combatants struggled inch by inch for the possession of the field. Tiie 
fire of the Rebels was very destructive, and the result was for a time 
doubtful. Fresh Iowa and Kansas troops were ordered forward to sup- 
port those already engaged, and were assailed by treble their own num- 
bers. Captain Gratz was slain while gallantly leading forward his men. 
Lieutenant Brown was disabled by a severe scalp wound, and was carried 
to the rear. The slaughter on both sides was fearful. The powerful 
batteries of Totten and Dubois, which were admirably served, mowed 
down the serried ranks of the enemy like frost work, and covered the 
ground with heaps of the wounded and the slain. But the vast numbers of 
the Rebels enabled them to repair their losses with new detachments, and 
to hurl back the tide of death upon their assailants. 

Thus the action became general between both armies along the whole 
line. The chief brunt of the battle had been borne by the Missouri, the 
Iowa and the Kansas regiments. General Lyon had superintended all 
the operations of the Federal troops. He rode fearlessly from regiment 
to regiment, encouraging the men, and giving the necessary orders. IIo 
had received two wound.s, which, though painful, were not dangerous. 
Still he rode from rank to rank, inspired with a heroism which, by voice 
and gesture, he endeavored to communicate to his men. He well knew 
the mighty and overwhelming odds against which he and they contended ; 
and when he saw unusual acts of steadiness and bravery, he cheered tiie 
actors with almost boyish ardor. He had feared, before the battle began, 
that the first Iowa regiment, under Colonel Merritt, would not prove 
staunch when made to confront the foe. When, however, he saw them 
pass into action under a heavy fire with the utmost firmness; assault the 
enemy with the vigor and energy of veterans; compel the successive 
masses of fresh troops which the Rebels brought forward to recoil ; 
relieve the first Missouri regiment which, after two hours of fighting, 
were nearly exhausted and were about giving way, and thus recover the 
advantage over the exultant foe; when General Lyon observed all this, 
he cheered the Iowa regiment heartily, and expressed his admiration of 
them with the utmost enthusiasm. 

At length that heroic commander resolved to make a still more vigor- 
ous and combined efibrt to overpower the Rebel host and secure the victory. 
He gave the order to prepare to make a general bayonet charge. When 
till was ready and the troops vrere about to advance, it was discovered 



HEROISM OF GENERAL LYON. 



151 



that the commanding officer of the Iowa troops was missing. No time was 
to be lost, and General Lyon exclaimed ; " Come on, brave men ! I will lead 
you 1" At the head of the gallant Iowa boys he rode forward toward the 
enemy, whose inexhaustible numbers still swelled up toward them like 
the tumultuous tides of an endless and fathomless sea. The charge was 
made, the enemy wavered and fled after a terrific collision ; but General 
Lyon, during the struggle, was slain. He received a ball in the side, fel 1 
from his horse, and immediately expired. About the same moment 
General Sweeney was wounded in the leg and disabled. The command 
then devolved upon Major Sturgis. The partial retreat of the enemy 
now caused an interval of twenty minutes in the firing, after which they 
made a fresh assault. That assault was their most desperate one, but it 
was their last. The field was already covered with bleeding and man- 
gled multitudes of their dead and wounded. Their immense hordes had 
been greatly thinned by the heroic and desperate valor of the Federal 
troops ; but the fire of Totten's battery, with the general energy and 
bravery of our men, again shattered and broke their columns and again 
they fled. It was now eleven o'clock, and during five hours the battle 
had raged. Before retiring the enemy set fire to thirty or forty wagons* 
lest they might fall into the hands of the victors. 

At this time, though the Federal troops had gained a decisive victory, 
they were unable to continue the contest or to make a pursuit. The 
reason was because the ammunition of Totten's battery had become 
exhausted, and because the death and wounds of so many ofiicers on the 
Federal side diminished their confidence and vigor. Moreover, it had 
been ascertained that the troops under Sigel had been unfortunate, and 
had not eflfectually carried out their portion of the programme. As soon 
as that officer heard the guns of Lyon in the front of the enemy, he ap- 
proached the scene of conflict and commenced an attack. But he was 
met and overwhelmed by so vast a body of Eebel troops that, after a 
brief but vigorous contest, he was defeated, and compelled to give way. 
He lost five of his guns and many of his men, and effected nothing in 
favor of the Federal troops who were operating in front. He succeeded 
afterward in making his escape with the larger portion of his command. 
After the conclusion of the battle the whole of the Federal army retired 
in good order to Springfield, and still later to Rolla, under the skilful 
guidance of Colonel Sigel ; the defeated foe making no effort to pursue 
them. The loss of the Federal troops was considerable, being about two 
hundred killed and seven hundred wounded. They took four hundred 
horses and seventy prisoners. The loss of the enemy was much greater 
than our own, though the precise number is unknown to us. The battle- 
field was covered with gory heaps of their dead and wounded. Their 
vast superiority in numbers, and their formidable batteries of twenty- 
one guns, were the sole causes that they maintained the contest so long 



152 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITtU STATES. 

and the reason why their defeat was not still more disastrous. The 
praise of superior bravery, steadiness and skill, belonged to the little 
band of heroes who, on this bloody day, fought for the honor and su- 
premacy of the immortal Stars and Stripes. Many of them now sleep 
in a soldier's grave; but the noblest and bravest of them all was he 
who eommanded them, and led them to victory. 

The war for the Union has not failed to develop instances of the mc-st 
exalted patriotism and valor, which will forever elicit the grateful pride 
and enthusiasm of every love of his country. One of the most remarka- 
ble of those who have challenged the close and admiring scrutiny of 
mankind was the conqueror of the Eebel hordes at Wilson's Creek. General 
Nathaniel Lyon was one of the genuine heroes of this stormy and dis- 
astrous time. There was no hypocritical sham, no false or arrogant 
pretence, no mean or selfish impulse about him. Ilis ciiaracter realized, 
with rare completeness and clearness, Carlyle's definition of what con- 
stitutes a genuine hero. Said that profound thinker, in his fourth lecture 
on Heroes and Hero worship ; " We have repeatedly endeavored to ex- 
plain that all sorts of heroes are intrinsically of the same material; that, 
given a great soul open to the divine signifiance of life, then there is 
given a man fit to speak of this, to sing of this, to fight and work for this, 
in a great, victorious, enduring manner; there is given a hero, the out- 
ward shape of whom will depend on the time and the environment he finds 
himself in."* Every characteristic of General Lyon and every act which 
he performed, indicated the presence and power of such an heroic soul 
within him. 

Nathaniel Lyon was born at Ashford, Connecticut, in the year 1819. 
He was well descended ; and his ancestors on his mother's side distin- 
guished themselves in the Revolutionary War. One of those ancestors 
was the famous Colonel Knowlton, who commanded the Connecticut 
troops at the " Old Rail Fence," on the left wing of the patriot army at 
Bunker Hill. He was afterward killed at the battle on Harlem Heights, 
near New York. The future hero of Wilson's Creek gave indications ot 
superior talent at an early age; but the tendency of his mind was toward 
mathematical studies and mechanical contrivances. Having chosen the 
military profession he entered the Academy at West Point. He gradua- 
ted with honor in IS-il, entered the regular service, rapidly rose to the 
rank of captain, and distinguished himself in the Mexican war. He dis- 
played superior skill and bravery at Vera Cruz, Contreras, Churubusco, 
and was wounded while fighting near the Belem Gate, in the city of 
Mexico. After the termination of the war he was engaged in active 
service in Missouri and California. His reputation stood high in both of 
tho.se States. When the war of Secession began, he was chosen by the 

* fleroes. Hero Worsliip, and the Heroic in History, by Thomas Carlyle, page 133. 



FREMONT CO.\niANI)ANT DEPARTMENT OP MISSOURI 153 

Missouri volunteers as their brigadier-general. During the course of his 
adventurous life he had been familiar with the most difBcult and danger- 
ous kinds of service in Texas, Oregon, Kansas, and along the whole 
border of the western and southwestern territory of the United States. 
He was, therefore, particularly adapted to command the Federal ^oops in 
Missouri ; and his courageous spirit found a congenial theatre for the ex- 
ercise and display of its peculiar attributes amid the tumultuous camps, the 
desolate wastes, and all the semi-barbarous scenes connected with warfare 
in the outskirts of civilization. He was remarkable for his patriotic 
devotion to his country, and for the eagerness with which he sprang 
forward to her defence on every occasion of danger. To her he gave his 
best services and his life. To her, it may with truth be said, he devoted his 
all, for even his property he devised by his will to the cause of the 
Union. Being unmarried, and without domestic dependents, he felt at 
liberty to devote his wealth to that object which, above all others, he 
loved best; and, like his immortal ancestors of the revolution, he con- 
secrated to his country his life, his fortune and his sacred honor. 'Wie 
deeds and fame of such a man present a rare and grateful theme of con- 
templation. When he marched against the enemy at Wilson's Creek he 
well knew, that the immense superiority of numbers on the side of the 
Eebels would inevitably entail a heavy loss upon his troops, and that his 
life would probably be the forfeit of his boldness. But he also felt that 
the cause of the Union demanded an heroic venture ; he willingly made 
it ; and he met a soldier's death on the field of honor and of victory. 

The Federal Government discovered the necessity, at an early stage of 
the Rebellion, of forming a military department of Missouri, of which 
St. Louis should be the headquarters, and of placing it under the com- 
mand of an officer of ability, experience and patriotism. The person 
selected to fill this post was Major-General John C. Fremont, who had 
already distinguished himself in the annals of American conquest and ex- 
ploration. When the Rebellion commenced, his services were demanded 
by the Government, and were rendered with the utmost promptitude. 
After his removal to St. Louis he was laboriously engaged in the perform- 
ance of the duties of his oCSce; in fortifying that city; in organizing the 
department; in raising an army ; and in preparing to defend the Union 
against the attacks of its foes in Missouri. In this station he was annoyed, 
and perhaps impeded, by the hostility of Colonel Frank P. Blair ; who 
entertained the opinion that General Fremont did not exhibit the energy 
and capacity which the crisis demanded. In this judgment, however, the 
administration at Washington did not, for a long time, concur, and 
Fremont retained his difficult and responsible position. 

His most important and noteworthy act was the issuing of a proclama- 
tion, by which he endeavored to strike a powerful and deadly blow at 
the institution of slavery. In that proclamation he proclaimed, by virtue 



154 THE CITII. "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of tbe authority vested in him, that " the property, real and personal, of 
all persons in the State of Missouri, who shall take up arms against the 
United States, or who shall be directly proven to have taken active part 
with their enemies in the field, is declared to be confiscated to the public 
use ; anS their slaves, if any they have, are hereby declared freeTnen." This 
decisive step was hailed by the Abolitionists throughout the country 
with enthusiasm and exultation. They affirmed that now, at length, the 
axe had been laid to the root of the tree ; that the only true policy was 
therein indicated ; that all men would now be convinced that this was 
pre-eminently a war again.st slavery ; and that in proportion as the cause 
of the Union triumphed, it woujd, in that same degree, overturn the 
peculiar and execrable institution of the Rebel States. But the more 
conservative people of the North and the West regarded this proclama- 
tion of Fremont with very different feelings. To them it appeared like a 
dangerous and illegal, though well-meant, exercise of power; as subser- 
vient to a fanatical faction, which, as they thought, had always been the 
bslhe and curse of the nation ; and as an attempt to assert a false theory, 
to the effect that the war against the Rebels was in substance and chiefly 
a crusade against slavery. 

The latter opinion was the one entertained in reference to the matter 
by the administration at Washington ; and accordingly, Mr. Lincoln im- 
mediately addressed a letter to General Fremont, directing him so to 
modify his proclamation as to make it correspond with the provisions of 
the act of Congress which appertained to the subject, and which had been 
passed during the late extra session. That act expressly provided that 
whenever slaves should be required or permitted by their masters and 
owners, to take up arms against the United States, or to assist the 
Rebellion in any manner whatever, in such cases only the said slaves 
shall become free, and their former owners shall forfeit all their right, 
title and interest in them. This modification of General Fremont's decree 
was very essential and material. It effectualy contradicted the erroneous 
assertion that this was a war against slavery, as such ; and it thereby 
disarmed the Rebels of one of the most potent levers with which they 
controlled public sentiment and intensified popular prejudice at the South. 
Nor could any more efficient expedient have been employed to render 
the war unpopular even throughout the Free States, than to diffuse 
abroad this delusion, that the war was in reality a mere crusade against 
slavery. On the contrary, it must be regarded by everj intelligent and 
impartial observer, as simply an attempt to restore and to perpetuate the 
dissevered Union. Whatever lawful agencies would assist in accom- 
plishing that beneficent result, were employed. As a war to preserve 
the Union it received the hearty support of the nation ; but as an Abolition 
war, strictly speaking, it would have been rejected and discountenanced 
by a large proportion of those very men, whose blood and treasure were 
most lavishly expended in its prosecution. 



EXPEDITIONS AGAINST REBKL FORTS AT HATTERAS. 155 



CHAPTER XIII. 

THE FEDERAL EXPEDITIONS AOAINST THE REBEL FOKTS AT HATTERAS — THE FORCES APPRO- 
PRIATED TO THIS ENTERPRISE — IMPORTANCE OF HATTERAS AND ITS POSSESSION — SAILING 
OF THE EXPEDITION — THE BOMBARDMENT — THE SURRENDER OP THE FORTS — COMMODORE 

BARRON COMMODORE STRINGHAM SKETCH OF HIS CAREER— RESULTS OF THE VICTORY AT 

HATTERAS — OPERATIONS OF R03ECRAN8 IN WESTERN VIRGINIA — BATTLE AT CARNIFEX 

FERRY DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF FLOYD RESULTS OF THE VICTORY EVENTS IN MISSOURI 

— COLONEL mulligan's FORCES AT LEXINGTON — HE IS ATTACKED BY GENERAL PRICE — 
INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE OF LEXINGTON — SURRENDER OF COLONEL MULLIGAN — SKETCH 
OP HIS CAREER — BATTLE ON BOLIVAR HEIGHTS — SKETCH OF ITS HERO, COLONEL GEARY — 
THE BATTLE OF HALL's BLUFF — GENERAL STONE — APPREHENSIONS OF COLONEL BAKER — 

INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT DEFEAT AND ROUT OF THE FEDERAL TROOPS DEATH OP 

COLONEL BAKER — NATIONAL SORROW AT HIS FATE — SKETCH OF HIS REMARKABLE CAREER 
— RESULTS OF THE DISASTER AT BALL'S BLUFF. 

Ix the great and perilous game of war, success frequently alternates 
from side to side, and he who exults over the laurels of victory to-day, 
to-morrow may be overwhelmed by the mortification and calamities of 
defeat. The war against the Southern Eebellion was no exception to this 
rule. The disaster of Bull Run was quickly followed by the triumph of 
the Federal arms at Hatteras. 

The Federal Government had contemplated for some time an armed 
descent upon the coast of North Carolina, and had been quietly making 
preparations for such a movement. A combined land and naval force 
was placed under the orders of Commodore Stringham and General 
Butler. The former commanded the Atlantic blockading squadron, the 
latter a portion of the troops at Fortress Monroe. The fleet which trans- 
ported the expedition comprised the flag-ship Minnesota, the Adelaide 
the George Peabody, the Pawnee, the Susquehanna, the Wabash, the 
Cumberland, the Harriet Lane, and the Fanny, — vessels of different sizes 
and armaments. About a thousand land troops were placed under the 
orders of General Butler ; a smaller naval force served under the com- 
modore. 

The special object of the expedition was the capture of the forts which 
had been erected on Cape Hatteras. This position was one of great im- 
portance to the enemy. It was the chief defence of the coast of North 
Carolina. The principal fort was of considerable strength, containing ten 
heavy guns in position, with five unmounted. The works were nearly 
surrounded by water, the only approach on the land side being through 
a marsh five hundred yards wide. One of the forts contained a bomb- 
proof capable of protecting four hundred men. Its form was octagonal, 
and it covered nearly an acre of ground. Both forts were abundantly 



156 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

provided with amtnunition and provisions, and were occupied by a large 
body of troops. The place was the key of the Albemarle, and was 
second in importance only to Fortress Monroe, on the Atlantic coast, as a 
depot for furnishing supplies to a blockading squadron, as a harbor for 
the coasting trade, and as a retreat either from stress of weather or from 
the pursuit of pirates. It was an advantageous position, from which ex- 
peditions could start forth along the shore of Carolina to Bogue Inlet, to 
Newbern, and to Beaufort. 

The fleet sailed from Fortress Monroe on Monday, August 26th, and 
arrived off Hatteras Inlet on Tuesday afternoon. Preparations were 
immediately made to disembark the troops, and early the next morning 
the process began. But a stiff gale blew from the southwest, and a 
heavy surf was breaking and rolling upon the beach. This rendered the 
task a diCScult and dangerous one; so that when three hundred and 
fifteen men had been landed, the iron boats were swamped, and the flat 
boats were stove. This disaster put an end to the landing. An effoit 
was subsequently made by Lieutenant Crosby to reach the shore in a 
boat from the war-steamer Pawnee. But the boat was beached in the 
attempt so that she could not be got off. The wind then rose higher, and 
the sea became still rougher, so that all further attempts to convey the 
troops on shore were abandoned. 

During this interval, the ships of war had hauled in and commenced 
to cannonade the forts. Only one of these responded to our guns. Im- 
mediately afterward a white flag was run up din the forts, which the 
Federal commanders interpreted as a signal of surrender. General Butler 
then ordered the Ilarriet Lane to attempt to cross the bar and enter the 
smooth water, accompanied by the Monticello ; and the Susquehanna 
towed the Cumberland to an ofiing, for the purpose of completing the 
capitulation. But the enemy either practiced an act of perfidy, or had 
changed their purpose — for on the approach of these vessels they renewed 
their fire, and several shots struck the Monticello. The fleet immediately 
recommenced the bombardment and continued it with spirit. The troops 
on shore then advanced to attack the forts. They found the smaller one 
deserted, and they took possession of it. Night fell, and the attack was 
necessarily suspended. Part of the Federal troops on shore occupied the 
forts; the remainder bivouacked on the beach near the place of landing. 

At eight o'clock on the ensuing morning the fleet resumed the attack. 
The Ilarriet Lane ran in to the shore for the purpose of protecting the 
troops on land. In this movement a large steamer was observed moving 
down the sound. It was the Winslow, and contained reinforcements for 
the encrsy. But they were prevented from accomplishing their purpose 
by the vigilance of Captain Johnson, who opened a 6re upon the Rebel 
steamer with several guns from a sand-battery on the shore. The vessel 
then returned up the channel, leaving the forts to their fate. The can- 



SUERENDER OF THE REBEL FORTS. 157 

Douading from tbe ships now became heavy, and did great execution. 
An attempt was made to land an additional number of troops. Before 
this pui'poae could be accomplished, a white flag was again run up from 
the remaining fort. A signal was made to the ships to cease firing. 
General Butler sent an of&cer on shore to a.wertain the meaning of the 
flag. That o£6.cer proceeded to the fort, and was received by Commodore 
Barron, the commander of the Rebel forces. He authorized Lieutenant 
Crosby to communicate to the Federal officers the fact that he had six 
hundred and fifteen men in the fort, but was anxious to spare the effusion 
of blood ; and would consequently surrender the fort, arms and munitions 
of war, provided the officers were permitted to retire with their side-arms, 
and the men without arms. To this proposition General Butler replied, 
that it was wholly inadmissible ; and that the only terms which could be 
accepted were an unconditional surrender of officers and men, who were 
to be treated as prisoners of war. 

On receiving these conditions, Commodore Barron summoned a council 
of war, and submitted the matter to their consideration. Each of these 
heroes advised an immediate surrender. It was at this moment that 
several vessels of the Federal fleet had gotten into a perilous position, of 
which the Eebels might with ordinary energy and vigilance have taken 
decisive advantage. The Adelaide, in carrying the troops to the shore, 
ran aground. The Harriet Lane, in attempting to enter the bar, met the 
same fate. Both vessels were within full range of the guns of the fort, 
and both might have been seriously disabled and damaged. But they 
failed to take advantage of the opportunity. General Butler now in- 
formed the Rebel commodore that if the terms were accepted, the articles 
of capitulation must be signed on board the flag-ship Minnesota. At 
length, after the deliberation of an hour, the terms were accepted by the 
enemy, and Commodore Barron, Major Andrews and Colonel Martin, 
proceeded to that vessel and formally surrendered the forts to the United 
States ; the parties stipulating that the officers and men should receive 
the treatment due to prisoners of war. The instrument was duly signed 
and sealed, by Messrs. Stringham and Butler for the United States, and 
by Messrs. Barron, Martin and Andrews for the Confederate States. Im- 
mediately afterward General Butler landed, took formal possession of the 
forts and munitions of war, inspected the troops and their arms, marched 
them out, embarked them on board the Adelaide, manned the fort with 
his own troops, hoisted the stars and stripes, and saluted them with the 
very guns which had been shotted by the captive enemy. 

On the following day the Rebel troops were transferred to the Min- 
nesota, which sailed for New York. A large number of Rebels had been 
killed and wounded during the bombardment, though the exact amount 
of their loss was carefully concealed. They reported fifteen killed and 
thirty-five wounded. During the attack all the war-vessels of the fleet 



158 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

took part, and tlie cannonading was at certain periods very heavy. Tbe 
capture of these forts was an event of decisive importance. They had 
become a pernicious and piratical nest, which seriously injured the com- 
merce of the United States, and their possession was an achievement 
greatly to be desired. It astonished and terrified the Rebel States exces- 
sively, and was with justice regarded by them as a heavy calamity. 

The chief praise of this success is justly due to Commodore String- 
ham, the commander of the fleet. This officer occupies a distinguished 
place in the American navy. He is a native of Orange county, New 
York, and entered the service as a midshipman in 1809. Twenty-two 
years of his life have been passed at sea. He rose gradually from rank 
to rank, and successively commanded the Falmouth of the East India 
squadron, the John Adams of the Mediterranean squadron, the Inde- 
pendence of the Home squadron, the Ohio of the Brazil squadron, and 
other vessels. He has also been the commandant of the Brooklyn, tlie 
Norfolk, and the Charlestown navy yards. Whea the administration 
of Mr. Lincoln determined on the blockade of the southern ports, he was 
summoned to Washington, and ordered to take command of the block- 
ading squadron whose operations lay between Cape Charles, at the rnoutli 
of the Chesapeake Bay on the north, as far as Key West on the south. 
A large fleet, containing tweuty-five vessels, manned by three thousand 
five hundred sailors and marines, was placed under his command. His 
first expedition proved eminently successful. The part performed in it 
by General Butler, the commander of the land forces, though commenda- 
ble, was of secondary importance to that achieved by the gallant com- 
modore. The official reports of the expedition, however, were chiefly 
drawn up by General Butler. 

After the removal of General McClellan to Washington, the command 
of the Federal troops in Western Virginia was conferred on Brigadier- 
General William S. Rosecrans, who had already distinguished himself in 
tho events which had transpired in that portion of the Union. This 
officer, a native of Ohio, was born about 1821, and entered the Academy 
of West Point in 1838.. He graduated in 1842, and received an a[ipoint- 
ment as second lieutenant of engineers. For a year afterward he 
officiated as assistant professor of engineering at West Point, subse- 
quently of natural and experimental pliilosojihy, and again of engineer- 
in<T, till 1847. In 1853 he was promoted to the rank of first lieutenant. 
In 1854 he resigned his functions in that institution, entered civil life, 
aud commenced manufacturing operations in Ohio. Immediately after 
the opening of the war he tendered his services to the Federal Govern- 
ment. They were accepted, and he was assigned a position under General 
McClellan in Western Virginia. His ability in this new position justified 
the confidence which had been reposed in him. 

Immediately after receiving the supreme command of the Federal 



THE BATTLE OF CARNII^l S'EtljRT. I59 

forces in Virginia, Eosecrans commenced to augment and strengthen them. 
A large Eebel army under Floyd was now approaching him, and at 
length, on Tuesday, September 10th, an engagement took place between 
them at Carnifex Ferry, on the Gauley river. The battle was the most 
important and severe which had yet been fought in Western Virginia. 
The Rebels were well intrenched. They had six regiments of troops and 
a large number of artillery. The Federal forces reached the fortified po- 
sition of the enemy after a march of eighteen miles. Their pickets were 
driven in and an attack immediately commenced. The battle began at 
half-past three o'clock, and continued four hours. The intrenohments of 
Floyd were erected on the west side of the Gauley river, and were so 
surrounded by dense forests as to be almost hidden from view. 

The tenth Ohio regiment were ordered by General Rosecrans to com- 
mence the attack, they being in the advance. The thirteenth Ohio fol- 
lowed, together with the twelfth. The Rebels received the assault with 
spirit, and a hot fire was poured upon the Federal troops from cannon 
and all sorts of small arms. McMullen's howitzer battery and Snyder's 
two field pieces responded with much effect. Their sharpshooters suc- 
ceeded in picking off some of the Federal officers. Colonel Lowe was 
killed. Colonel Lytle was wounded. But the fire of the Rebels grew 
feebler as night approached. Rosecrans then drew off his men, and they 
lay upon their arms in front of the enemy's works during the night, ready 
to resume the attack with the ensuing dawn. But Floyd fled during the 
darkness. He effected his escape by the ford o,nd a bridge over the Gauley, 
in his rear. It is evident that his retreat was precipitate, for he left 
behind him his camp equipage, much of his ammunition and stores, 
several colors, and a large number of cattle. Eosecrans then took pos- 
session of the vacated intrenohments; but he thought it prudent not to 
pursue the retreating enemy, who was probably hastening to unite his 
forces with those of Henry A. Wise. The Federal loss was twenty killed 
and one hundred wounded. By this decisive action, which the flight of 
the foe prevented from being still more disastrous to his arms, that part 
of Western Virginia was released from the presence and supremacy of 
the Rebel troops. The extremely rugged nature of the country through 
which Floyd retreated, composed of deep ravines and rugged mountains, 
rendered the pursuit of him not only difficult, but scarcely remunerative 
to the victors. The latter were all Ohio troops, and they exhibited un- 
usual coolness and fortitude during the engagement, even when under the 
severe artillery fire of the enemy. 

The great battle of Wilson's Creek was indecisive in its results, and 
Missouri still remained the abode of a divided and hostile population, and 
the destined theatre of future warlike and bloody events. In the earlv 
portion of September a powerful Rebel force was collected by General 
Sterling Price, and with these he commenced a march toward Lexington. 



ICO THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

That city had been occupied and fortified by Colonel Mulligan with five 
regiments of Federal troops ; although, as seemed to be generally the case 
with the Federal commanders in the southwest, they were inferior in 
numbers to the force brought against them. 

Colonel Mulligan had fortified Lexington by heavy earthworks ten feet 
in height, and by a ditch twelve feet in width. The number of troops 
under his command was about three thousand; that of General Price was 
about fifteen thousand. On Thursday, September 12th, General Price 
reached the scene of conflict, and immediately commenced operations by 
driving in the Federal pickets. Mulligan ordered out four companies to 
confront the advanced guard of the enemy. These were about five 
thousand in number. The Federal troops attacked them with spirit, killing 
a large number, but were compelled to retire within the intrenchments. 
Price followed with six guns, and commenced to fire upon the college 
building in which the ammunition and provisions of Mulligan were 
stored. This attack commenced at three o'clock in the afternoon, and 
continued till nightfall. Mulligan responded with his five guns with 
effect. lie silenced one of the cannon of the Rebels, knocking it to 
pieces, and killed about seventy -five men. But when his firing ceased 
all his ammunition had been expended. The engagement on the 12th 
was adverse to the enemy; they had lost a greater number in killed and 
wounded than their opponents, and had accomplished nothing. Thoy 
did not renew the attack on the ensuing day. 

It was not until the morning of the 17th that the Rebels were pre- 
pared to recommence the conflict. During this interval they had 
received reinforcements, and were now able to surround the city com- 
pletely and cut off all access to the river. At eight o'clock a signal-gun 
from General Price's headquarters announced the opening of the battle. 
His numerous artillery poured upon the Federal trooj)s and intrench- 
ments a tremendous shov.'er of shot and shell, to which Mulligan replied 
with his guns as well as his limited means permitted. The battle lasted 
from the 17th to the 20th. During the first two days the Rebels accom- 
plished nothing, and advanced no nearer the intrenchments than they had 
been at first. On the 19th they commenced to erect breastworks of hemp 
bales, from behind which they continued to fire, and which from time to 
time they rolled nearer to the position of the Federals. About three 
o'clock on that day the enemy made a charge, and flouted their colors 
upon the summit of the Federal breastworks. Mulligan ordered the 
Irish brigade, who were posted on the opposite side of the works, to leave 
their position and retake the intrenchments of which the enemy had 
gained possession. This order was obeyed with the utmost alacrity, and, 
as seems to be the invariable fact during this war in every case in which 
the Irish have been brought into action, they charged with such impetu- 
osity and heroism as to completely overpower the enemy. They regained 



SUERENDER OF COLONEL MULLIGAN. 161 

possession of the intrenchments, killed and wounded about three hundred, 
and captured their colors. Colonel Mulligan, who led the charge in per- 
son, was wounded, and his clothes were perforated by six balls. This 
decisive repulse put an end to the operations of that day. 

On the 20th the enemy recommenced the battle. During this day they 
made several desperate charges upon the works, and were as frequently 
repulsed with great slaughter. Still, the lasses on the Federal side were 
heavy ; and although Colonel Mulligan and his men fought with the 
utmost heroism, there were causes which rendered their ultimate defeat 
inevitable. During this day they exploded six mines successively, under 
the advancing Eebel forces, destroying them by hun('';;eds. At length, at 
four o'clock, it became impossible to continue the contest any longer. 
Colonel Mulligan and his men had been destitute of water for several 
days ; most of their ammunition was expended ; and one half of their 
cannon had been silent for some time for want of balls During the pro- 
gress of the entire attack the Federal troops had been casting their own 
round shot at a foundry within the city; and even that resource had. at 
last been exhausted. Retreat by the river had been cut off by the Rebels, 
who swarmed upon the shores and took possession of all the boats. The 
surrender was therefore unavoidable, though a decisive moral victory had 
been achieved by the dauntless heroism displayed by the Federal troops. 
It was computed that, before the end of the contest, the number of 
men who had collected under the Rebel banners at Lexington amounted 
to twenty-five thousand. They had sixteen cannon, and were provided 
with ammunition in abundance. Their loss was heavy, not less than a 
thousand in killed and wounded. The loss of the Federals was about 
one hundred killed and three hundred wounded. So deeply was the 
Eebel commander impressed with the bravery of Colonel Mulligan and 
his troops, that, at the surrender, he refused to accept the colonel's sword; 
declaring, with a magnanimity worthy of a better cause, that he was too 
brave an officer to be deprived of his arms, and well deserved to keep 
them. Colonel Mulligan and his troops became prisoners of war. 

Colonel James A. Mulligan, whose heroism thus stamped his name in- 
delibly upon the annals of this contest, was born in Utica, New York, 
in 1829. His parents were natives of Ireland. He was educated at the 
Catholic College of Chicago. In that city he studied law and was admit- 
ted to the bar. In 1857 he accepted a clerkship in the Department of 
the Interior at Washington. After spending a year in the Federal 
Capital, he returned to Chicago, and was elected captain of the Shields' 
Guards. When the war broke out he entered zealously into the contest, 
and proceeded to Washington with a letter, penned by Senator Douglas 
on his death-bed, commending him to the confidence of the Administra- 
tion. He had been elected colonel of the Irish regiment, whose services 
the Government at once accepted. The rest of his public history is 
H 



162 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

summed up in the heroic struggle of which Lexington "Was the memorable 
scene. 

It is a remarkable circumstance, which must have attracted the atten- 
tion of every intelligent observer of the war against Secession, that the 
arena of the conflict was one of unusually vast and extensive circuit. It 
spread over thousands of miles; and at one and the same moment 
events of vital importance occurred at the most remote and distant points. 
In this respect few parallels arc presented to it in the annals of modern 
warfare. 

From the shores of the Missouri river we return to the shores of the 
Potomac ; from the intrenchments of Lexinsjton, to the rugnred heights 
near Harper's Ferry ; from the achievements of Mulligan, to those of 
Geary. On the 16th of October a battle occurred on Bolivar Heights, 
between several Eebel regiments from Mississippi and Alabama, and 
several regiments of Federal troops commanded by Colonel Gearv. 
Three thousand Eebels took a position on Bolivar Heights, and dial- 
lenged their opponents to an engagement. The challenge was accepted. 
They were soon driven from their position ; and one of their heavy guna 
was captured. Their loss in killed and wounded was considerable. 
Daring this action Colonel Geary and his men exhibited much coolness 
and gallantry. This officer had already attained a name of some distinc- 
tion in the annals of his country ; and his daring spirit and superior 
abilities seemed destined to conduct him to still greater eminence. Ho 
figured with credit in the Mexican war, and was promoted for his merito- 
rious conduct at Cerro Gordo and the city of Mexico. In 1848 he took 
up his residence in San Francisco, and was chosen the first Mayor of that 
city. In July, 1856, he was appointed Governor of Kansas by Mr. 
Buchanan ; and he continued to act as the chief magistrate of the Terri- 
tory until March, 1857. He then retired to private life until the com- 
mencement of the war, when his services were tendered to the Government 
and accepted. After his removal with his regiment to "Point of Eocks," 
he exhibited superior vigilance, activity and ability, in the performance 
of his military duties. At a later period his merits were justly rewarded 
by his promotion to the rank of brigadier-general. 

On the 21st of October a portion of the Federal army of the Potomac, 
which had already spent a considerable period of time in apparent in 
activity, was put into motion ; but with so little skill as to lead to the 
most disastrous results. The division under General Stone had been 
posted between Washington and Harper's Ferry. That officer com- 
manded Colonel Baker, of the California regiment, to cross the rivej 
opposite Leesburg and obtain possession of the Virginia shore, so that 
the remainder of his division, and that of General Banks, might afterward 
pass over unmolested by the enemy. This order was to be executed by 
a body of eighteen hundred men, consisting of portions of the California 



APPREHENSIONS OF COLONEL BAKER. 163 

legiment, of the Massachusetts fifteenth, and of the New York Tammany 
regiment. 

When Colonel Baker received the order to make this movement, he 
expressed his surprise at it, and intimated that, under the circumstances, 
it was equivalent to his own death-warrant and a disaster to the Federal 
arms. Nevertheless, he prepared instantly to obey it. Never was an 
important military operation attempted under more unpropitious circum- 
stances. General Stone had provided no proper means for transporting 
the troops ; and what was more portentious still, he had neglected to 
furnish any facilities for escape across the river should his forces be 
compelled to retreat. Three miserable scows were procured to convey 
the Federal troops to the Virginia side. Scarcely had they reached the 
opposite shore, about nine o'clock in the morning of the 21st, when they 
were attacked by the Eebels with an overwhelming superiority of num- 
bers. Notwithstanding this disadvantage the Federal troops fought with 
the utmost desperation, and stood their ground with heroic firmness 
during a large portion of the day. But in the afternoon the Eebels 
received heavy reinforcements, which gave them a superiority that was 
resistless. In vain did the bravest of men sternly confront their foes. In 
vain were prodigies of valor lavishly wasted. The overwhelming masses 
of the Rebels, led on by General Evans of South Carolina, surrounded 
them on all sides. Eenewed assaults exhausted their failing energies. 
No reinforcements came, as they should have come, to the Union troops. 
General Stone seemed strangely to have forgotten the men whom he had 
ordered into the jaws of destruction. The result was, that toward the 
close of the day the Eebels were victorious, in spite of the utmost forti- 
tude on the part of the forces under Colonel Baker. The Eebels drove 
the latter to the brink of the steep bluff which bordered the river, and 
afterward they poured their deadly fire upon the unwilling fugitives 
below while they sought to flee over the stream and beyond the reach of 
the guns of their assailants. The most necessary means of transport 
for the troops not having been provided, many perished beneath the 
waves. Many were slain by the sharpshooters of the Rebels as they 
stood defenceless upon the shore. But before the flight began, Colonel 
Baker had fallen while cheering on his men to a most desperate charge. 
Never did a patriot and hero perish in a more noble cause, or under 
more glorious circumstances. While urging on his men to the unequal 
combat he was pierced with five bullets. It was with difficulty that his 
body was rescued from the desecrating touch of the triumphant foe. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Wistar, an able and valuable officer, was severely 
wounded during the engagement, in which he had distinguished himself 
by his coolness and his valor. The broken remains of the Federal troops 
— the victims either of official stupidity or of official perfidy — reached 
the opposite banks of the Potomac in the most pitiable plight. They 



164 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were destitute of every thing necessary to their comfort. "With great 
difficulty the wreck of this brave corps made their way back to their 
former encampment. The loss of Colonel Baker, who died the most 
heroic death which could be sufi'ered by an officer of the army of the 
Union, was one of the chief incidents connected with this unfortunate 
expedition. 

The report of the death of Edward Dickinson Baker overwhelmed the 
community with profound sorrow ; for he had gained their admiration 
and esteem in an eminent degree. He fully merited the popular interest 
which he had excited. He was in truth a remarkable man ; his life and 
genius were marvelous and romantic. He had been left an orphan in his 
youth ; and he became the sole architect of his high fame and fortune. 
He crossed the snowy Alleghanies on foot, at the commencement of his 
public career, and sought in the then remotest West the most inviting 
arena for his exertions. He there devoted himself to the profession of 
the law, and at the bar of Springfield, Illinois, his eloquence made him 
the formidable and justly feared antagonist of Douglas and Lincoln. He 
was sent to Congress from that State in 1845, and he soon distinguished 
himself in the national councils. In the Mexican war, his demeanor was 
that of a brave and skilful soldier. At San Francisco, whither his ad- 
venturous disposition afterward allured him, he took exalted rank as an 
orator and a statesman. Over the bleeding remains of his chivalrous 
friend Broderick, who was killed in a duel, he delivered one of the most 
magnificent and touching orations which ever fell from human lips. 
That oration was characterized by such overwhelming pathos, by such 
brilliant and gorgeous imagery, by such appropriate and impressive re- 
flections, that it produced a profound and indelible impression upon a 
whole genero-tion of readers. It created for him a national reputation. 
It was a masterpiece which alone would have rendered his name im- 
mortal. After taking his seat in the Federal Congress as Senator from 
Oregon, he delivered a powerful address in answer to a specious argument 
of Mr. Breckinridge, superior to any other which the events of the 
Rebellion had yet elicited. As an officer he was equally admirable — 
prudent, dauntless, patriotic. He passed away prematurely from the 
stage of action ; but his memory will live with fadeless beauty and lustre 
in the hearts of myriads of his admiring countrymen. 

In the battle of Ball's Bluff the loss of the Federal troops was very 
heavy. The killed, wounded, and prisoners, amounted to almost two 
thousand men. The circumstances under which this disaster occurred, 
added greatly to the intensity of that emotion of mingled indignation and 
regret, with whioh the nation beheld the slaughter or the captivity of so 
large a number of their bravest and best troops. 



EXPEDITION UNDER DUPONT AND SHERMAN. 165 



CHAPTER XIV. 

PECULIARITIES OF THE WAR AGAINST SECESSION — FEDERAL EXPEDITION UNDER COMMODORE 
DUPONT AND GENERAL SHERMAN — ITS DEPARTURE FROM ANNAPOLIS — ITS DESTINATION — 
TERRIBLE STORM NEAR CAPE HATTERAS — THE EXPEDITION REACHES PORT ROTAL — REBEI, 
FORTS ON BAT POINT AND HILTON HEAD — THEIR BOMBARDMENT — THEIR STRENGTH — 
INCIDENTS OF THE ATTACK — SURRENDER OF THE FORTS — RESULTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — 
SKETCH OF ITS HERO, COMMODORE DUPONT — NAVAL DISASTER BELOW NEW ORLEANS — 
CAPTAIN JOHN POPE — EVENTS IN MISSOURI — BOLD ACHIEVEMENT OF COLONEL ZAGONYI 
NEAR SPRINGFIELD — THE BATTLE OP BELMONT — GENERAL U. S. GRANT — INCIDENTS OF 
THE ENGAGEMENT AT BELMONT — ITS RESULTS — DISMISSAL OF GENERAL FREMONT FROM BIS 
DEPARTMENT OF THE WEST — CAUSES OF HIS REMOVAL — HIS ADMIRABLE DEMEANOR ON 
THIS OCCASION — HIS SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDER OF THE MOUNTAIN DE- 
PARTMENT OF VIRGINIA AND TENNESSEE. 

Whoever examines with attention the operations of the Federal 
forces during the progress of the war against Secession, will observe that, 
from the nature of the case, it must become a conflict involving extensive 
military combinations and far-reaching strategy. The immense area of 
territory which was to be recovered, the numerous armies which were to 
be subdued, rendered it absolutely necessary that various' movements 
should be effected from different points at nearly the same time ; that 
those points should, while steadily pursuing their separate paths of 
victory, gradually converge toward a central position ; and that, at that 
position, a few resistless blows should demolish the concentrated military 
strength of the Rebel States. This principle will furnish the key to the 
subsequent aggressive movements of the Federal troops which occurred, 
and which were made as soon as the necessary preliminary preparations 
could be effected. 

The Rebel States were still convulsed with that frantic and exaggerated 
exultation which usually elated them at the attainment of the least success, 
in consequence of their victory at Ball's Bluff, when sudden terror and 
apprehension overtook them. The cause of this revulsion of feeling was 
the departure of a powerful Federal fleet from Annapolis, for some un- 
known destination in the South. This armament consisted of nearly fifty 
vessels, including those used for transport, and was placed under the 
orders of Commodore Samuel F. Dupont. The expedition had been in 
preparation for several months, and was fitted out under the combined 
auspices of the Army and Navy Departments at Washington. General 
Thomas W. Sherman commanded the land forces which were embarked 
in the transports. The fleet sailed from Annapolis on the 21st of October, 
1861, and proceeded to Hampton Roads near Fortress Monroe. The last 
necessary preparations there having been completed, the vast squadron 



166 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

left its anchorage at early dawn on the 29th of October. A signal gun 
was fired from the commodore's flag ship, the Wabash, which led the 
way ; immediately afterward the fleet formed in line and proceeded sea- 
ward through the capes. The stately and numerous array, as it sailed 
toward the broad bosom of the ocean, presented one of the most magnifi- 
cent spectacles which the imagination can conceive. 

This land and naval force was destined to invade the territory of South 
Carolina; and by a just but singular act of retribution, the very spot on 
which many of the designs of the conspirators had been originally con- 
ceived, or at a later day matured, was destined to become desolated by the 
]3resence and the terror of the Federal troops ; for Beaufort, in the vicinity 
of Port Royal, had been the sumptuous summer retreat of some of those 
men, whose names will forever remain prominently connected with the 
annals of the Eebellion. 

When the advancing fleet reached a position in the vicinity of Cape 
Ilatteras, it was assailed by one of the most furious tempests which ever 
swept the surface of the deep. Excellent seamanship alone preserved it 
from destruction. In spite, however, of the utmost efforts of fortitude 
and skill, two transports were lost during the storm. At length, on the 
morning of the 7th of November, the fleet, with the flag-ship in the advance, 
reached the mouth of Port Eoyal Entrance. At that spot two Rebel for- 
tifications frowned over the waves, and menaced the commerce of the 
loyal States. They were named Forts Walker and Beauregard, after two 
prominent Rebel chiefs. It was with some difficulty that the larger 
vessels of the Federal fleet could be brought over the bar, two miles in 
width ; but the skill of Commodore Dupont, and the determination of his 
troops, ultimately effected that result. Their merit in regard to this 
acliievement was the greater, in consequence of the fact, that all the usual 
aids to navigation had been removed from that vicinity by the vigilance 
and industry of the Rebels. 

At half-past nine, on the morning of the 7th of November, the Federal 
ships cleared for action, were brought within range, and the bombard- 
ment of the two forts commenced. These were located on Bay Point and 
Hilton Head. They were stongly garrisoned, containing eighteen hun- 
dred men ; and were protected by a fleet of seven gunboats under the com- 
mand of Captain Tatnal. As the Union ships approached the forts, the 
vessels of that officer, which might be fitly termed a diminutive fleet, began 
to fire. Bat they were soon chased, by a few well-directed shots, beyond the 
reach of the Federal guns, and were dispersed among the obscure streams 
leading toward Savannah. The bombardment of the forts was then 
continued with vigor. It had been agreed between the two Federal com- 
manders, that the naval troops should alone be employed during the bom- 
bardment. The land forces therefore remained, though unwillingly, idle 
spectators of the scene. The ships of war took positions six hundred yards 




^^^^MsusMmsmaMf ^^ 



SURRENDER OP THE REBEL FORTS. 161 ' 

distant from the forts, and frequently engaged the batteries on both sides 
at the same time. 

The Rebel forts had been constructed with skill, and were provided 
with heavy guns and abundant supplies. Their cannon responded at first 
to those of the Federal fleet with rapidity, but rarely with precision, 
They therefore produced little damage to their assailants. It soon 
became evident that their defense was useless, and the conquest of the 
works inevitable. The overwhelming hailstorm of shot and shell which 
was poured upon the forts without intermission, and with superior accu- 
racy of aim, was rapidly rendering them untenable. The large and in- 
creasing number of their killed and wounded, was convincing the Eebels 
that their doom was sealed. Their own guns in the forts were at length 
so badly served, that they frequently did more damage to their gunners 
than to their assailants. After a contest of four hours, the Eebels aban- 
doned their works, and commenced a precipitate retreat. They carried 
their wounded and some of their dead with them. At a quarter before 
three o'clock they struck their flag on Fort Walker, and befoi'e evacua- 
ting it ran up a white one. The Federal fleet, at a signal from Commo- 
dore Dupont, then ceased firing, and Captain Rodgers was sent ashore to 
ascertain the state of affairs. He found the fort deserted, and precisely at 
three o'clock, he unfurled the stars and stripes from the summit of the 
flag-staff". The glorious ensign was then greeted by long and enthusiastic 
cheers from the thousands of patriotic sailors and soldiers who manned 
the fleet, which echoed far and wide over the land and the sea. At 
nearly the same time Fort Beauregard was evacuated by the Rebels, and 
with the same precipitation which characterized their flight from Fort 
Walker. 

It should be noted that, during this attack, the Federal fleet did not 
remain stationary. As the Rebel forts were situated two miles and a 
half apart, on opposite sides of the strait, the ships continually made a 
detour in a line, by which means they came within range of the forts suc- 
cessively. They thus formed a formidable procession, resembling a con- 
course of destroying angels, who, with inexorable vengeance, approached 
the Rebel works from time to time, to inflict deserved destruction upon 
them. Each ship of war, as it passed, remained within range about 
twenty minutes ; and each of them delivered, during that interval, a very 
large number of shells. The spectacle thus presented was one of the most 
novel and imposing which could be imagined ; while the shriek of the deadly 
missiles as they coursed through the heavens, and the far resounding re- 
verberation of the guDs, which was heard both at Savannah and at 
Charleston, added to the intense interest of the scene. 

After the evacuation of the forts the process of lauding the Federal 
troops immediately began. Though only a portion of them were then 
required on shore, the transfer of all of them was completed before night- 



108 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

fall. Fort Walker, at Hiltoa Head, was found to be a work of great 
strength and of colossal proportions. It covered an area of four acres, 
was angular in form, was surrounded by a deep ditch, and mounted 
twenty-four guns. Three of these had been disabled during the contest. 
Twenty-six dead bodies were counted in and near the fort, and it is 
probable that the killed and wounded of the Rebels numbered several 
hundreds. At a later period, iiiscoveries were made which justified the 
belief that their loss had been very heavy. The Federal loss was eight 
killed and twenty wounded. It should not be inferred, however, from 
this circumstance, th-at the guns of the Rebels had been inefficient. They 
occasionally reached the objects of their aim. Thus the Wabash was 
struck thirty times. Nearly every vessel which had been engaged, bore 
some token of the assiduous attentions of the Rebel marksmen. The 
spoils of the conquest were considerable. A large amount of ammunition 
was taken, with various stores of necessaries and even of luxuries. It 
became evident from an inspection of the forts, that the enemy had aban- 
doned them with the utmost trepidation. Innumerable articles of value 
were strewn around in confusion, and the soldiers were enriched by no 
insignificant plunder. Swords, pistols, guns, some of which were richly 
mounted, watches, jewelry, and even money were found. The entire 
number of cannon captured was forty -three. Many of these were of very 
heavy calibre. Both forts were soon filled with Federal troops, and 
thus a permanent position was effectually secured on the soil of South 
Carolina. 

This great victory filled the inhabitants of that chivalrous State with 
terror. This feeling soon degenerated into a panic among the inhabitants 
of the immediate vicinity, and especially among those of Charleston and 
Savannah. Of dwellers in the nearer Beaufort, there were no longer any 
left, except the jubilant negro population. All others had fled in the 
utmost dismay, and had sought refuge in more distant retreats. General 
Sherman, after taking possession of the forts, issued a proclamation, in 
which he endeavored to allay the fears of the people, to explain the real 
purpose of the expedition, and to reclaim the fugitive Rebels back to 
loyalty to the Federal Government. 

Commodore Dupont, to whom the chief glory of this important conquest 
belonged, was born in New Jersey, and entered the naval service in 1815, 
During the fort3'-five years which he spent in that service, he occujiied 
with honor a number of important positions. In 1836 he commanded the 
Warren, and cruised in the West Indies. In 1843 he commanded the 
brig Perry, on the same station, and subsequently the Congress and tlie 
Cyane. In 1859 he was appointed commandant of the Philadelphia 
navy yard. He had then spent twenty-two years at sea, and nine years 
in active duty on .shore. The high reputation which he had won by 
energy and ability in various posts of danger and responsibility, amply 



NAVAL DISASTER BELOW NEW ORLEANS. 169 

justified the choice which placed him at the head of this expedition. 
The successful issue of that expedition filled up the measure of his fame. 
General Sherman, his associate in command, was born in Ehode Island, 
and graduated at West Point in 1836. He served with distinction in the 
Florida war, and afterward proceeded with General Taylor to Mexico- 
He was breveted major for his brave and meritorious conduct at the 
battle of Beuna Vista, in February, 1847. After the commencement of 
the Rebellion, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the fifth artillery ; 
and at the battle of Manassas had command of the battery which was 
designated by his name. The defeat which overtook him on that occa- 
sion, in common with many other brave and skillful officers, did not dim 
the lustre of his reputation. He was subsequently elevated to the rank 
of brigadier-general, and placed in command of the land forces destined 
for the conquest of Port Royal. 

While these important events were transpiring along the eastern sea- 
board, other incidents of inferior moment were occurring in the south- 
west. On the 12th of October, 1861, the Rebel forces below New 
Orleans gave evidence of their activity by the use of a naval instrument 
of warfare, or rather by the revival of a means of destruction which had 
been prevalent among combatants during ages which have long passed 
away. At half-past three o'clock, on the morning of the day just named, 
while the watch on board the Federal steamer Richmond were engaged 
in taking in coal from a schooner lying alongside, and while partial dark- 
ness still prevailed, they were astonished by the sudden approach of a 
steam battering ram toward the vessels. An alarm was instantly given, but 
before any means of protection could be employed, she struck the Rich- 
mond with tremendous violence, and stove a hole through her side. 
Three planks were torn away two feet below the water line, making an 
aperture of considerable dimensions. The ram then passed to the rear 
of the disabled vessel ; but as she did so, the port guns of the Richmond 
were discharged at her. At this moment three large fire rafts of the 
enemy were seen approaching the Federal ships, accompanied by several 
Rebel steamers. The Federal commander. Captain John Pope, imme- 
diately signalled to the Vincennes, the Preble, and the Water Witch, to 
slip their cables, proceed down the southwest channel of the Mississippi, 
and pass over the bar. During the passage, and while the enemy were 
in chase of them, the Richmond and the Vincennes grounded, and thereby 
.urnished the Rebels a favorable opportunity for the use of their guns. 
The Federal ships, however, responded vigorously to their fire. After 
considerable eSbrt, the grounded vessels were lightened, and conducted 
over the bar, after which the chase and the action ceased. The com- 
manders of the several Federal vessels did not gain many laurels by their 
display of skill and heroism on this occasion. 

A more brilliant incident soon after occurred near Springfield, Missouri. 



170 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

On the 25th of October, three hundred men, who formed the body-guard 
of General Fremont, under the command of a Hungarian refugee named 
Zagonyi, attacked a Rebel camp near that place, containing two thousand 
men. The movement was an extremely bold and sudden one, and its re- 
sults were most advantageous. The Rebel troops were completely sur- 
]irised, overpowered, defeated, and compelled to flee, not only in the 
utmost confusion, but also with considerable losses. It was a daring and 
praiseworthy achievement ; but it was unfortunately the only succes.sful 
movement of importance which was performed, during the administration 
of that department by General Fremont, by any of the forces or officers 
under his command. 

Soon after this event, on the 7th of November, three thousand five 
hundred Federal troops, under the command of General Ulysses S. Grant, 
proceeded against a Rebel force stationed at the village of Belmont, in 
Missouri, nearly opposite to Columbus. General McClernand accom- 
panied the expedition. The troops embarked at Cairo on a number of 
steamers, and proceeded as far as Lucas's Bend, three miles above Colum- 
bus, on the Missouri side of the river. At that point they landed. The 
Rebel encampment was placed on elevated ground several miles distant 
from the shore, and from their position they could clearly perceive the 
movements of the Federal forces. They therefore had ample time to pre- 
pare for their defence. As soon as the Union troops had disembarked, a 
large number of the Rebels, advancing from their camps, approached the 
river, and commenced an attack upon them. A running fight ensued 
over the entire distance which intervened between the river and the camp. 
The Federal troops pressed on with success, and each division seemed 
eager to gain the honor of having first reached the position of the enemy. 
That achievement was performed by the right division, led by Colonel 
Buford ; and the twenty-seventh Illinois was the first regiment to unfurl 
the stars and stripes within the Rebel encampment. 

That encampment contained about five thousand men, with an ample 
supply of arms and ammunition. Upon the arrival of the Federal troops 
at that point, a desperate and bloody combat ensued. The whole camp 
became the wide scene of tumultuous collisions, of hand-to-hand combats, 
of advancing and retreating columns, of the capture and recapture of 
guns, of the conflagration of tents, baggage, and stores, of slaughter and 
of death. In the end, the Rebel troops were compelled to give way, and 
to flee in the utmost confusion, leaving the Federal forces in possession 
of the field, and of their position. 

Scarcely, however, had this important result been attained, when it 
was discovered that large and fresh masses of Rebels were rapidly ap- 
proaching the scene of conflict, from the opposite side of the river, for the 
purpose of cutting off the return of the victors to their transports. These 
reinforcements came from Columbus, which was at that time st rongly 



B 







INCIDENTS OF THi: KXGAGKMENT AT BELMONT. 



171 



garrisoned by the enemy. Quickly and clearly discerning the position 
of affairs, General Grant gave the order to fall back to the boats. While 
executing this movement, the Union troops encountered the advancing 
Rebels ; and as they had been compelled to fight their way to the captured 
camp, so they were now compelled to fight their way back again. They 
did it valiantly. They brought away with them several hundred prison- 
ers, two cannon, and a quantity of arms and ammunition. They reached 
their boats after some very hard fighting, and then returned to Cairo. 
The conflict had lasted from ten o'clock in the morning till five in the 
afternoon. The loss was considerable on both sides ; that of the Federal 
troops being about three hundred in killed and wounded, that of the 
enemy was perhaps greater. General Grant had two horses shot under 
him. A similar accident befell General McClern«nd. As a whole, the 
battle was a brilliant achievement on the part of the Federal troops, who 
executed a daring and difficult enterprise, with great bravery and resolu- 
tion. The Federal forces employed on this occasion were from Illinois 
with the exception of the seventh Iowa regiment. 

On the 2d of November, 1861, General Fremont was relieved from the 
administration of the Department of the West. During some time pre- 
vious to that date, loud complaints had been made by men eminent in the 
civil and military service of the country, in regard to the manner in which 
he had conducted the affairs of his department. It was boldly charged 
that he was incompetent to fulfil the duties of his responsible position ; 
that he was destitute of military skill ; that he had given several hundred 
military commissions to men utterly unfit for them ; that he had permitted 
contracts to be made, and had ratified and indorsed them, by which the 
Federal Government had been defrauded of immense sums of money ; 
that all his operations were carried on at an enormous and superfluous 
expense ; and that, notwithstanding that expense, little was accomplished 
during many months, except the erection of a few fortifications around 
St. Louis. For the purpose of ascertaining the truth of these charges 
Simon Cameron, then Secretary of War, visited St. Louis, accompanied 
by Adjutant-General Thomas. They reached that city on the 11th of 
October. They proceeded to examine into the state of affairs, and inspect 
the several camps in Missouri, including those at St. Louis, at Tipton and 
at Syracuse. At these places General Thomas collected the data which 
he subsequently emboided in a report, which was published and addressed 
to Mr. Cameron. In that report General Thomas alleged, that the evi- 
dence was conclusive, that Fremont might have reinforced General Lyon 
at Springfield, and might thus have averted one of the heaviest misfortunes 
of the war ; that General Fremont had allowed himself to be surrounded 
by a number of adventurers and speculators, from various portions of the 
Union, bj whom the Government had been defrauded of large amounts ; 
that he had issued military commissions to incompetent men and to per- 



172 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

sonal favorites, who possessed no military knowledge or experience what- 
ever ; that by these and other offences, he had inflicted serious damage on 
the interests of the nation, and had retarded the operations of the war. 

These charges, and the proofs which accompanied them, eventually 
produced a decisive effect on the mind of President Lincoln ; and he felt 
compelled, though with much reluctance, to order the removal of General 
Fremont. He was succeeeded in his command by General Hunter, a 
veteran officer who had fought with great gallantry on several occasions. 
No reasonable and intelligent person doubted the integrity and the excel- 
lent intentions of General Fremont ; and his removal was not intended by 
the President, nor was it regarded by the nation, as a stigma upon his pri- 
vate character, or on his loyalty and patriotism. He at once acquiesced 
with dignity and grace in the orders of the Executive ; and urged his 
offended and incensed troops, who at one time were disposed to mutiny, 
not to make the least display of dissatisfaction, but to serve his successor 
in office as faithfully as they had served himself. It may with truth be 
asserted, that no part of General Fremont's military administration did 
him so much honor, or evinced his personal excellence more clearly, than 
his spirit and manner in resigning it. With that superior wisdom and 
equity which generally marked the official conduct of President Lincoln 
during his administration, he readily detected where the real difficulty 
lay ; and at a subsequent period evinced his appreciation of the merits of 
General Fremont, by appointing him to the command of the Mountain 
Department of Western Virginia. 



MISSION OF MESSRS MASON AND SLIDELL. 173 



CHAPTER XV. 

EUROPEAN RECOGNITION OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDERACY — EFFORTS MADE TO OBTAIN IT — 
MISSION OF MESSRS. MASON AND SLIDELI^ — THEIR ARREST ON BOARD THE TRENT — LEGALITY 
OF THAT ARREST — THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT DEMAND THEM — THEY ARE SURRENDERED — 
REASONS OF THEIR SURRENDER — DIPLOMATIC NOTE OF MR. SEWARD ON THE SUBJECT — 
ARGUMENT OP MR. SUMNER IN THE SENATE — THE BATTLE OF DRANESVILLE — INCIDENTS OP 
THE ENGAGEMENT — ITS RESULTS — GENERAL MCCALI. — SKETCH OF HIS CAREER — DISMIS- 
SAL OF MR. CAMERON FROM THE FEDERAL CABINET— THE WAR IN KENTUCKY — THE BATTLE 
OF MILL SPRINGS — INCIDENTS OF THE CONFLICT — BAYONET CHARGE OF THE NINTH OHIO 
REGIMENT — DEFEAT OF THE REBELS — DEATH OF GENERAL FELIX ZOLLICOKFER — HIS CHAR- 
ACTER — RESULTS OF THE BATTLE OF MILL SPRINGS — SUBSEQUENT FLIGHT AND DISPERSION 
OF THE REBEL TROOPS. 

The crafty and resolute leaders of the Southern Rebellion labored 
from the beginning of their treasonable movements, with great zeal and 
earnestness, to obtain the approval and recognition of several of tlie most 
important European powers. To this end William L. Yancey and his 
associates had been sent abroad at an early stage of the rebellion. For 
this purpose Messrs. Mason and Slidell were selected in October, 1861, to 
follow them to Europe, as the envoys of the Confederate Grovernment, to 
unite their efforts with those of their predecessors in accomplishing that 
desirable result. Scarcely had these commissioners sailed from Havana 
on board the British packet Trent, when they were arrested, through the 
vigilance and energy of an American officer. Captain Willies, who was 
already well known for his ability and usefulness in connection with the 
United States service, commanded the San Jacinto, then cruising in the 
West Indies ; and having been informed, while stopping at Cienfuegos, 
that these diplomatic Rebels had escaped from the South, and that they 
had embarked on board the Trent for England, determined immediately 
to start in pursuit of them. It was while sailing in the narrowes^t part 
of the Bahama channel, that he was so fortunate as to encounter the 
packet. He immediately bore down upon her, fired a shot across her 
bows to bring her to, and sent two boats under the command of Lieu- 
tenant Fairfax, for the purpose of making the arrest. The Rebels were 
personally known to the Lieutenant; and he, having boarded the Trent, 
and having made known to her commander the purpose of his visit, 
demanded his prisoners. The furious and profane blustering of the 
British captain, the solemn and mock-heroic protests of the Rebels, the 
frantic screams of their wives and children, the blows even which were 
inflicted by fair and delicate hands on the manly physiognomy of the 
lieutenant, all availed nothing; and Messrs. Mason and Slidell, with their 
two secretaries, descended with many grimaces from the deck of the 



174 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Trent into the boats, and were forthwith transferred, with their baggage 
to the San Jacinto. 

This novel and startling incident immediately convulsed the inhabitants 
of the loyal and the disloyal States with intense though very dissimilar 
emotions. The former rejoiced that the Rebels had been foiled in their 
purpose and mission. The latter were at first overwhelmed with indig- 
nation and dismay. But when they began to contemplate the possible 
consequences of the act, to hope that England might resent the fancied 
insult to her flag, and to imagine that the Federal Government would 
thereby become involved in an expensive and ruinous war with that nation, 
exultation assumed the place of every other feeling in their breasts. The 
San Jacinto proceeded with her prisoners to Boston, whence they were 
immediately transferred to Fort Warren, in the harbor of that city. 
Then followed the universal discussion throughout the land, of the ques- 
tions of the legality of the arrest, the duty of the Federal Government in 
the premises, and the probable policy of England in regard to the matter. 
Difl'erent opinions were expressed by eminent and learned men on the 
subject. But the prevalent sentiment was, that the arrest and capture 
v/ere perfectly justifiable, so far as the abstract and settled principles of 
international law were concerned, and the uniform practice of England 
herself in similar cases; and that the government of that country 
could not, if it had any regard for consistency of conduct, take the least 
oflfence at. the arrest of the Rebels when on board an English neutral 
vessel. 

Though the legality of the capture of the Rebel commissioners might 
be clear, so far as the abstract principles of law were concerned, the 
prudence and policy of their surrender, in case the British Government 
should demand it, was quite a difl'erent question. The people of the 
United States, therefore, waited with intense anxiety to learn what course 
England would adopt in the premises. As was generally apprehended 
by those who understood most correctly the spirit of that government, it 
immediately demanded the unconditional surrender of Mason and Slidell, 
as a reparation due for the fancied insult which had been inflicted on the 
British flag. Their conduct demonstrated that the British Government 
eagerly seized the opportunity which was thus afforded, to embarrass 
and annoy the people of the United States, in the darkest and most 
critical moment which had occurred in their career since the period of 
the storms and struggles of the Revolution, and extort from them while 
thus embarrassed a humiliating and superfluous concession, which, under 
other circumstances, would have been resolutely refused. 

The Rebel commissioners were forthwith surrendered. Mr. Seward, 
the Secretary of State, in a long and elaborate communication which he 
addressed to Lord Lyons, the British minister then resident at Wash- 
ington, set forth, with great ability, the reasons which induced the 



ARGUMENT OF MR. SUMNER IN THE SENxVTE. 175 

Federal Government to pursue that policy. He admitted that the four 
prisoners were contraband of war ; that Captain "Wilkes had the right to 
search the Trent for their persons ; that the right of search had been 
exercised in this case in a lawful manner; that Captain Wilkes had the 
right to seize the Rebels when thus found ; but he contended, on the other 
hand, that this right of seizure had not been exercised in a legal manner. 
He held that Captain Wilkes ought to have also taken possession of the 
vessel which conveyed the Eebels ; that he ought to have brought her 
into a Federal port ; that he ought to have had her tried, condemned, and 
confiscated by a Federal tribunal ; and that in no case should he have 
permitted her to proceed on her voyage to England. Because he failed 
in adhering to all these technical formalities, Mr. Seward contended that 
the whole proceeding became legally vitiated ah initio. At a later period 
Mr. Sumner discussed the subject in the Senate, and vindicated the sur- 
render of the Rebels on no other grounds. lie affirmed that the arrest 
could not be justified by American precedents and practice; that the 
Federal Government had never regarded the dispatches of a hostile nation 
as contraband ; that that government had heretofore considered no persons 
as contraband except those actually engaged in the military or the 
naval service of an enemy ; and that it had always opposed and con- 
demned the alleged power on the part of any single ofiicer, to adjudicate 
and decide personal rights by the tribunal of the quarter deck. These 
positions Mr. Sumner defended with immense erudition and with some 
logical force. Nevertheless, the question still remained undetermined in 
the tribunal of popular judgment and common sense, whether in such 
cases it was proper and just to pursue toward England that policy which 
was indicated by English, or that indicated by American precedents, and 
to myriads of intelligent thinkers it seemed clear, that the British 
Government ought not to pursue a particular line of policy toward the 
whole world, and claim the right of search and of arrest in such cases, 
against all other nations, and then demand, when the occasion served 
their interest, that all other nations should be required, under precisely 
similar circumstances, to pursue toward them a policy directly opposite 
to their own. When, therefore, the rebel commissioners were surren- 
dered to the British authorities, it was done chiefly from motives of 
expediency, which were concealed and disguised under delicate tissues of 
elaborate and far-fetched special pleading, which were intended rather to 
excuse the act, than to demonstrate its validity and correctness in the 
light of abstract equity, and the established principles of international 
law. 

The Federal army of the Potomac had been stationed in the vicinity of 
Washington, during several months, assiduously employed in perfecting 
their discipline, and their familiarity with military evolutions, when, on 
the 20th of December, General McCall determined to send out a large 



176 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

foraging party, aud to make a reconnaissance in force with a portion of the 
troops under his command. He had ascertained that a considerable num- 
ber of Ecbels had taken a position at Dranesville, and he resolved to 
attack them. He gave orders to General Ord to march thither with his 
brigade. General Reynolds was directed also to advance to Difficult 
Creek with the forces under his command, to support him. The troops 
which were thus brought into service consisted of the sixth, ninth, tenth, 
and twelfth Pennsylvania Reserves, the first regiment of rifles, and 
Easton's battery. In the march toward the enemy, the rifles, commanded 
by Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, led the advance, with Easton's battery, and 
a portion of the first Pennsylvania cavalry. At half past one o'clock 
these troops encountered the Rebels, posted near Dranesville, and the ac- 
tion immediately commenced. A portion of the Rebel forces were con- 
cealed in the dense woods, and it was some time before their exact position 
could be ascertained. The guns of Easton's battery were brought to bear 
upon them with great effect. They then advanced, for the purpose of 
turning the left of the Federal troops, but General McCall, who had by 
this time reached the scene of action with his staff, detected and foiled 
this movement. He immediately notified Colonel McCalmot, who com- 
manded the left of the Federal forces, of the impending danger; and such 
a disposition was instantly made as defeated the purpose of the enemy, 
and compelled them to return to their position. 

Meanwhile tlie engagement was progressing with spirit in the centre 
and on the right wing of the Union troops. The ninth infantry, under 
Colonel Jackson, had encountered the Rebels and overpowered thefn. In 
the centre, the sixth regiment, under Colonel Ricketts, together with the 
Bucktail rifles, under Lieutenant-Colonel Kane, received and repulsed 
the charge of the foe with much gallantry. As the enemy retreated, the 
Federal troops advanced, until the rout became precipitate and complete. 
As the victors proceeded through the woods, they met numerous evi- 
dences of the heavy losses which the enemy had suffered ; for the ground 
was strewn with the dying and the dead, witfe mangled horses, shattered 
gun carriages, caissons, arms, ammunition and clothing. The defeat ol 
the Rebels was complete, and their flight ignominious. General McCall 
ordered the pursuit to be continued for a mile be3'ond the scene of con- 
flict by two regiments; but so rapid was the pace of the fugitives that it 
was impossible to overtake them. A hundred dead Rebels were after- 
ward counted on the field ; their wounded, who where doubtless more 
numerous, they carried away with them. They had probably four thou- 
sand men in the action, and were therefore more numerous than their 
assailants. The loss on the Federal side was seven killed and sixty 
wounded. After this engagement. General McCall proceeded to collect 
forage. He obtained sixteen wagon loads of hay and twenty-two of corn, 
with which he returned to his camp. The brigade of General Reynolds 



THE BATTLE OP MILL SPRINGS. m 

did not reach the battle-field until the contest was over, though they made 
the latter part of the march with the utmost possible celerity. 

The engagement of Dranesville was one of the most spirited and suc- 
cessful which had occurred during the progress of the war. General 
McCall, the chief hero of the day, was a veteran officer, a native of Phila- 
delphia. He entered the United States army in 1818. After several 
promotions, he served with distinction under General "Worth in Florida. 
He acquired fresh laurels at the battle of Eesaca de la Palma, and in July, 
1846, was appointed adjutant' to General Zachary Taylor, with the rank 
of major. In 1850 he became inspector-general, with the rank of colonel. 
He afterward retired from the service, and resided near West Chester, 
Pennsylvania, until the commencement of the Eebellion. He was then 
appointed major-general of the fifteen regiments which were authorized 
to be raised by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. Immediately after the 
battle of Manassas, the services of these troops, with those of their com- 
manding officer, were tendered to the Federal Government, and accepted. 
The victory of Dranesville was a worthy continuation of General McCall's 
previous achievements. He subsequently accompanied the array of 
General McClellan in the Peninsula, and took a prominent and distin- 
guished part in several of the great battles which were fought in the 
vicinity of Eichmond. At length, in the fearful conflict on the 30th of 
June, he was taken prisoner, and removed to the Eebel capital ; but after 
a short captivity he was released. 

On the 13th of January, 1862, an important change took place in the 
Federal Cabinet, the announcement of which surprised, and perhaps grati- 
fied, the nation. On that day Simon Cameron, the Secretary of War, was 
notified by Mr. Lincoln that he was relieved from the duties of his office, 
and that he had been appointed minister plenipotentiary to Eussia, in the 
room of Cassius M. Clay. Edwin M. Stanton, a distinguished lawyer, 
originally from Ohio, but at that time a resident of Washington, was 
selected as the successor of the retiring secretary. 

On the 19th of January the Federal forces under General G. H. 
Thomas, and the Eebel troops under General Felix Zollicofifer, who had 
been gradually approaching each other in Kentucky, met ; a desperate 
battle was fought between them near the village of Mill Springs ; and the 
inhabitants of the loyal States were cheered by the announcement of a 
splendid and decisive victory to the Federal arms. Previous to this date 
General Zollicoffer had intrenched himself in a fortified position about 
fifteen miles southwest from Somerset, and twelve miles from the Cum- 
berland river. This position commanded the whole of the surrounding 
country, and held the citizens of Pulaski, Wayne, and Eussel counties in 
subjection to the Eebel power. General Thomas had formed the resolu- 
tion to attack these entrenchments in conjunction with the troops under 
General Schoepff, who was then posted at Somerset. Accordingly, he 
12 



178 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE U.VITEU STA'J'ES. 

commenced bis march from Jamestowa toward the position of the enemy. 
On the 17th, General Zollicoffer having been informed, by some treason- 
able means, of the contemplated enterprise of the two Federal commanders, 
determined to defeat it by marching forth from his works, attacking 
General Thomas first, and having routed him, to assail General Schocjjff, 
thus vanquishing his opponents in detail. 

The hostile forces first came in contact at seven o'clock on the morning 
of the 19th, when the pickets of Colonel Manson's troops, who had been 
posted in the advance, were driven in. It was soon evident that the Eebel 
army was approaching in full force. The distant firing aroused the Fede- 
ral camp, and a portion of the tenth Indiana regiment was ordered for- 
ward to the support of tlie pickets. The whole of that regiment soon 
afterward advanced against the enemy, who were gradually forming into 
line, regiment by regiment, and taking their positions on the scene of con- 
flict. After the firing had continued for half an hour, an attempt was 
made, by a body of Eebel cavalry, to outflank the Federal troops which 
had thus far been engaged. The movement was partially successful ; and 
the right wing, consisting of the tenth Indiana, under Colonel Kise, was 
compelled to fall back to avoid being surrounded. The order to retire 
was judiciously given ; for at that period of the battle the Rebel forces 
continually rolled forv/ard like an inexhaustible flood ; they advanced 
with loud and frantic yells, intended to intisaidate their foes ; and the 
superiority of their numbers, at that juncture, might have given them an 
advantage which would have seriously affected the issue of the day. 
While thus retiring in good order, the fugitives were met and supported 
by the fourth Kentucky, the ninth Ohio, and the second Minnesota regi- 
ments. The combat was then renewed with desperate energy on both 
sides. The enemy had been strengthened by large accessions on their 
extreme left ; and a portion of the tenth Indiana was ordered to that 
point, to assist the troops there engaged. 

The nature of the ground rendered the operations of the troops exceed- 
ingly difficult, being covered, for the most part, by tangled brushwood, 
fallen logs, or growing corn. It was also difficult to place the artillery in 
favorable positions, for the same reasons. Nevertheless, as the battle 
progressed, the batteries of "Whitmore, Standard, and Kinney, performed 
efficient service. The guns of the Rebels, however, did less damage than 
these, as they were aimed too high. The vicissitudes of the conflict 
reached over a mile in extent, and were various and vacillating, as hour 
after hour wbre away. AVithin the limits of the battle-field, several posi- 
tions were of superior importance; and around these positions tlie most 
desperate combats occurred. A log-house and stable were of this class, 
and both parties contended, in a long and bloody struggle, for the pos- 
session of them. At last the ninth Ohio remained masters of the position. 
This position, though valuable, still left the issue of the contest uncertain; 



DEATH OF GENERAL FELIX ZOLLICOFFER. 1T9 

for the determination of the Eebels remained as unyielding and intense 
as before. 

It was now eleven o'clock, and no serious advantage had yet been 
gained by either army. The centre and left of the Federal forces had 
repeatedly advanced, fired, and fallen back ; and the same evolutions had 
as often been performed by the Rebels. General Thomas determined at 
length to attempt a decisive movement. At that time the fourteenth 
Ohio and tenth Kentucky regiments were approaching the battle-field, 
along the Columbus road ; and a fresh accession of strength was thus 
afforded. General Thomas ordered Colonel Caster to flank the enemy's 
right wing with Bis regiment, which till then had not joined in the 
action. In concert with this movement Colonel McCook ordered the 
ninth Ohio to charge tlie position of the enemy with fixed bayonets, and 
turn their left flank. This regiment was composed chiefly of Germans; 
and no sooner was this order given, than, having first discharged their 
guns, they rushed forward to the attack on the Rebel lines with vociferous 
cheering. The latter at first prepared to receive them. They maintained 
their position until the formidable wall of bristling bayonets approached 
within thirty yards of their front. A Tennessee regiment on the extreme 
left fired a feeble and rambling volley into the advancing Federals; they 
then broke and fled. A Mississippi regiment delivered a similar volley, 
and immediately made a similar retreat. The panic and the rout spread 
rapidly, until it extended over the entire line of the enemy. The gallant 
charge of the ninth Ohio had decided the ' fortunes of the day. The 
whole Rebel army at length retreated toward their intrenchments in the 
utmost disorder, and with heavy losses of guns and ammunition. The 
pathway of their flight was covered with innumerable trophies of their 
disaster, and with multitudes of the wounded, the dying, and the dead. 

But the most serious calamity of this memorable day to the Rebel 
cause, was the death of General Felix Zollicoffer. It was near the con- 
clusion of the conflict when this event occurred. Zollicoffer, attended by 
his staff, was riding over the field, directing the movements of his troops, 
when, being somewhat in advance of his line, the group was observed by 
Colonel S. S. Fry, of the fourth Kentucky regiment. That officer rode 
toward them and fired. His shot was immediately returned by one of 
Zollicoffer's aids, who unhorsed him. He then aimed again, and with 
fatal accuracy sent his bullet through the heart of the Rebel commander. 
Zollicoffer fell to the earth, his attendants fled in dismay, and his inanimate 
remains were left to add to the trophies and glories of the victory. They 
were afterward found in a wagon, together with the body of Lieutenant 
Bailie Peyton, on the route of the retreat. The death of General Zolli- 
coffer was no ordinary blow to the Rebel cause. He was a man of great 
energy and ability. He had risen to eminence through a long gradation 
of honorable offices, such as the editorship of several leading journals in 



180 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Tennessee ; as State printer, as State Comptroller, as member of the State 
Senate, and as Eeprcsentative in the Federal Congress. When the 
Eebellion commenced, he did not regard its purposes and principles with 
favor. But when he found the majority of the population of the 
Southern States enthusiastically in favor of the movement, and saw that 
the tide was becoming resistless, he joined with those around him, and 
was promoted to a high«command in the Eebel army. He was a disap- 
pointed statesman ; an habitual sadness pervaded his spirit; and on the 
bloody field of Mill Springs, the last of his hopes was crushed by the 
hand of death. 

The fugitive Eebels were pursued on the day of the battle till within a 
mile of the fortifications which General Zollicoffer had lately occupied. 
The Federal cannon were then brought to bear upon the works, and the 
process of shelling commenced. This was continued during an hour. 
Only a single gun responded. Then night fell, and the wearied victors 
reposed on their arms, expecting to renew the assault in the morning. 
At break of day on the morning of the 20th, several regiments were 
thrown forward toward the intrenchments. Soon the scouts reported 
that the works were untenanted. The enemy had in fact evacuated them 
during the night, had fled across the river ; and had thus rendered the 
triumph of the Federal troops complete. Not only their military strength, 
but their moral force, had been utterly dissipated by one of the most com- 
plete disasters which had yet overtaken the cause of the Eebellion. 

The number of troops engaged in this conflict was about ten thousand 
on the side of the Eebels, and seven thousand on that of the Federals. 
The victors captured eight six-pounders, and two Parrott guns, one hun- 
dred wagons, twelve hundred horses and mules, a thousand muskets, and 
a large amount of provisions. The loss of the enemy was a hundred and 
fourteen killed, and probably six hundred wounded. The Federal loss 
was forty killed, a hundred and twenty-seven wounded. The conse- 
quences of this triumph were important. Beside inspiriting the whole 
nation with patriotic exultation, it opened the passes to the Cumberland 
mountains, which led to the valley of the Tennessee river, thereby giving 
access to the territory of North Carolina from the west. It thus assisted 
in completing that chain of military bands with which the Federal Gov- 
ernment was gradually girding the limits of the Eebel Confederacy, with 
the intent that, at the proper and critical moment, it might, by one 
powerful and resistless constriction, crush out of it the last remains of 
vitality. 



DEPARTURE OF THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION. 181 



CHAPTER XVI. 

THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION — ITS STRENGTH AND SECRET DESTINATION — ITS DEPARTURE 
FROM ANNAPOLIS — IT REACHES FORTRESS MONROE — ANOTHER GALE OFF CAPE HAT- 
TERAS — ITS RESULTS — LOSS OP THE STEAMER CITY OP NEW YORK — HEROISM OP 
GENERAL BURNSIDE — THE EXPEDITION ENTERS PAMLICO SOUND — IT STEERS FOR ROANOKE 
ISLAND — REBEL WORKS ERECTED ON THAT ISLAND — THE FEDERAL TROOPS DISEMBARK — 
PLAN OF THE ATTACK — INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — THE FINAL CHARGE — DEFEAT 
AND FLIGHT OF THE REBELS— CAPTURE OF THEIR FORTS — THEIR STRENGTH — RESULTS OP 
THE VICTORY — DEATH OP COLONEL DE MONTREUIL — SKETCH OF GENERAL BURNSIDE — ATTACK 
ON FOET HENRY — STRENGTH OP THE FORT — NUMBER OP THE FEDERAL GUNBOATS — INCI- 
DENTS OF THE BOMBARDMENT— SURRENDER OP THE REBEL WORKS — TROPHIES OF THE 
VICTORY — LOSS ON BOTH SIDES — SKILL AND HEROISM OF COMMODORE FOOTE — SKETCH OF 
HIS CAREER — FURTHER OPERATIONS OF THE BURNSIDE EXPEDITION. 

The signal success that had attended the several expeditions which 
sailed to Hatteras and Port Royal, encouraged the Federal Government 
to continue that efi'ective method of operation. Accordingly, General 
Burnside was appointed to the command of another armament, consisting 
of both land and naval forces, whose destination was as yet unknown, 
but which he was ordered to organize and complete with the utmost dis- 
patch. That able and energetic officer at once addressed himself to the 
task assigned him. Under his direction a large number of vessels and 
transports were purchased ; provisions, arms and ammunition, were pro- 
cured ; troops were collected ; and by the 9th of January, 1862, the 
largest and most formidable expedition which ever proceeded from an 
American port was ready to sail from Annapolis. The total number of 
vessels of all kinds, excepting those belonging to the regular navy, was 
forty-five. The troops oij board amounted to sixteen thousand men, and 
were commanded, under General Burnside, by three brigadier-generals, 
Foster, Reno and Parke. Each of these officers belonged to the regular 
army, and were soldiers by profession. The number of guns of heavy 
calibre carried by the fleet was forty-five, possessing a range of two miles 
and a half, together with five floating batteries. A large number of the 
transports had been provided through the necessary agency of contrac- 
tors, and the government was grossly defrauded ; and serious perils were 
subsequently entailed upon the expedition through the knavery of those 
who obtained the contract for furnishing the expedition. 

The embarkation of the troops commenced at Annapolis on the 5th 
of January. The first brigade, commanded by General Foster, first went 
on board ; then followed the second, commanded by General Reno ; then 
the third, under the orders of General Parke. The entire process was 
completed by the 8th, and on the morning of the 9th the signal-gun from 



182 'I'ilE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the Picket boomed over tbe tranquil waste of waters, announcing the 
moment of departure. Soon every anchor was hauled up, the sails were 
spread on every craft, the hoarse voices of the many steamers were heard, 
shouts of joy and martial melodies resounded from .ship to shore, and the 
vast armament began to move with steady and graceful majesty over the 
blue bosom of the Chesapeake. 

The first destination of the fleet was Fortress Monroe. They arrived at 
that point on the 10th, and proceeded at once to anchor abreast of the 
fortress. On the 11th, during the night, the voyage was resumed, and 
the fleet sailed from Ilampton Roads while the ocean and the land still 
reposed beneath the beams of a bright moonlight. A propitious breeze 
gently wafted the adventurers forward on their way, and cape after cape 
along the main was quickly passed. When Sunday morning dawned the 
swiftest steamers were already in view of Ilatteras light, and before the 
evening of that day a number of them had passed over the bar of Ilat- 
teras inlet. Thus far all had progressed in the most favorable and fortu- 
nate manner. But during Sunday night the scene suddenly changed. 
A gale of terrific violence began to blow from the northwest, exceeding 
any thing ordinarily witnessed on that stormy coast, and soon the bosom 
of the deep was lashed into fury. The watery waste presented the aspect 
of an endless series of convulsed and revolving mountains. During 
two whole days and nights it was impossible for any communication to 
be had from one vessel to another. They were often lost from each other's 
sight, either buried in the troughs of the angry sea, or separated by the 
colossal waves. Gradually the spectacle became one of appalling interest, 
for the tempest still increased in violence, and soon many of the vessels 
and transports, fl-om the peculiar character of their freight, became almost 
unmanageable. The violence of the winds drove some of the ships and 
transports out to sea, and some it grounded in the swash channel. Over 
all of them the enormous waves dashed from prow to stern, deluging 
their upper decks. They reeled and staggered like drunken men. Many 
lost their guards, and some of the steamers lost their wheel-houses. The 
menacing wall of breakers which girded Pamlico Sound, seemed im- 
passable to those vessels which had not cleared the bar before the storm 
began ; and their only safety appeared to be in keeping as far out from 
land as possible. During the continuance of this terrible tempest, ac- 
companied with deluges of rain, the officers and men exhibited the utmost 
heroism, and General Burnside sailed to and fro amid the tossing and 
rolling seas in his staff-boat, the Picket, endeavoring to assist and counsel 
each of his officers in command. 

But, in spite of admirable seamanship and dauntless resolution, the 
usual effects of the destructive violence of the waves commenced to 
appear ; for rarely had old ocean been the arena of a spectacle similar to 
that then exhibited in the vicinity of Ilatteras. The large steamer City 



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HEROISM OF GENERAL BURNSIDB. 183 

of New York was driven on the bar lying at the entrance of the harbor. 
She was three hundred and fifty feet long, twenty-five hundred tons 
burden, and was heavily laden with stores and ammunition. It was 
found impossible to render her any assistance, and she eventually becam-e 
a total wreck. A portion of her crew was saved. When the surf-boat 
reached the sinking steamer, her ofiBcers and men were clinging with 
desperation to her sides, the sea making clear breaches over her entire 
deck. 

The gunboat Zouave, which had on board three companies of the 
twenty-fifth Massachusetts regiment, sank at her anchorage, though 
all those on board were fortunately rescued before she went down. The 
Louisiana, an enormous steamer, three hundred feet in length, having an 
entire regiment on board, was driven on a sand-bar, and was seriously 
disabled. Her passengers and crew were also rescued. A collision took 
place between the steamer Cossack and the brig Hope, by which both 
were badly damaged. Colonel Allen, of the New Jersey regiment, his 
surgeon Weller, and second officer, Taylor, were lost by the swamping 
of a lifeboat in which they were endeavoring, with generous daring, to 
render assistance to those imperilled by the ruthless tempest. 

Such were some of the scenes connected with this memorable oc- 
casion. After the fury of the storm abated, the vessels which had 
drifted out to sea gradually returned, and passed successively over 
the bar, by means of steam-tugs and other appropriate helps, into 
the tranquil waters within. Nothing but the superior skill and dauntless 
resolution of the officers who commanded this expedition could have 
saved it from entire destruction. Most commendable among these was 
General Burnside himself. While the winds blew, and the rains de- 
scended, and the billows rolled with the greatest violence, he was con- 
stantly sailing in his staff-boat to and fro aftiid the watery world of 
tumult and danger, regardless of his own peril, solicitous only for the 
safety of his men and his ships. It was a thrilling spectacle to witness 
his movements. At one momeat his small steamer would be seen riding 
on the summit of a monstrous wave— then he would become env^^oped 
in the deluge of spray which swept over the entire vessel — and I'u 
again he would become wholly invisible, swallowed in the yaw, '"■•\ 
gullies of the deep. Undaunted, he would soon appear, to go througu 
the same process, with the same result. 

At length the storm wholly ceased. After five days of incessant labor, 
on the 22d the entire fleet entered Pamlico Sound. The naval portion of 
the expedition had been placed under the command of Commodore Golds- 
borough. He and his officers had contributed greatly by their skill and 
valor, to the preservation of the fleet during the recent storm. Their 
assistance and co-operation in the events which ensued were of eaual im- 
portance and value to the Federal cause. 



1S4 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Some days elapsed, after tlie termination of the storm, before General 
Burnside and his troops were read)' to resume operations. On the -ith 
of February the steamer Patuxent was dispatched to every vessel in the 
.fleet, with orders to be in readiness to sail on the ensuing morning. At 
four o'clock on the 5th a busy scene was presented by the vast assemblage 
of vessels, and all wore soon in proper trim to advance. Each steamer 
towed two or three sailing vessels, filled with troops and stores, and the 
signal to weigh anchor having been given, seventy-five vessels of every 
imaginable size and construction began to move. Till that moment the 
destination of the fleet had remained a secret to all save the commanding 
officers. The order to steer across Pamlico Sound toward the shore of 
North Carolina, at last assured the men that Roanoke Island was the in- 
tended point of attack. Forts Hattcras and Clark gradually disappeared 
in the distance of the southern horizon ; and at nine o'clock on the morn- 
ing of tlie 16th, the vast armament approached the point on the island 
which the Rebels had fortified. Their works consisted of four batteries, 
which commanded the main channel through the Croatan Sound. As 
soon as the Federal fleet came within range of their guns, they opened a 
fire upon them. To this fire the gunboats, whose lighter draught enabled 
them to approach nearer the batteries, responded. After several hours 
the barracks of the rebels were set on fire, which greatly crippled their 
operations, and their fire gradually ceased. 

This contest was merely a preliminary one. At five o'clock orders 
were given to disembark the troops. This process occupied the entire 
night, and when the next morning dawned the Federal flag once more 
floated over the soil of a Rebel State, surrounded by a powerful and 
valiant force. la addition to the four forts already mentioned, a Rebel 
army was encamped several miles to the left of the works. A swamp 
intervened between the two, which was crossed by a narrow road con- 
structed of the trunks of trees which had been sunk in the quagmire. 
Up this road General Foster advanced with the twenty-third, twenty- 
fifth, and twenty-seventh Massachusetts, the tenth Connecticut, and the 
fiftli Rhode Island regiments. At the same time General Reno proceeded 
with his brigade to attack one of the fort.^. It was a difficult and dan- 
gerous service, in consequence of the peculiar nature of the surrounding 
country. It was an almost impassable swamp, .sometimes covered witli 
brushwood, sometimes lying under water. The first day terminated 
before any thing could be accomplished. The night which followed was 
stormy, and the troops remained under arms, deluged with rain, without 
shelter or proper food. When morning dawned the contest was resumed. 
The sharpshooters of the enemy, stationed and concealed in the woods to 
the rear and the right of the fort, did much execution. Their batteries 
were also worked with efleet, and a continuous discharge of small arms 
from their troops stationed in the vicinity of the fort, was very destruc- 



DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF THE EEBELS. 185 

tive. The Federal soldiers were often compelled to load their guns while 
lying in the mud and water. 

At length the order was given to charge the enemy at the point of the 
bayonet. During the execution of this order the Rebels increased their 
fire with deadly effect. As a portion of the Federal troops were com- 
pelled to march to the attack through a swamp nearly waist-deep, their 
efforts were made under immense disadvantages. Nevertheless, they 
poured a heavy fire upon the enemy while advancing; and as they ap- 
proached the Rebel works the enemy fled, leaving their guns unspiked, 
and throwing away in their haste their arms, knapsacks, and whatever 
else could impede their retreat. The Federal troops at last struggled 
through the swamp, waded through the moat, climbed over the parapets, 
and entered the deserted fortification with loud and enthusiastic cheers. 
The flags of the twenty-first Massachusetts and the fifty -first New York 
were unfurled at the same moment over the late stronghold of the van- 
quished Rebels. 

The pursuit of the fugitives was immediately commenced by the troops 
of the second brigade, commanded by General Reno. They had fled 
toward their encampment in the interior of the island. Their pathway 
was covered with evidences of their terror, and of the precipitation of 
their flight. Many of their wounded were left to the mercy of the victors, 
and some who fell exhausted and unable to continue their flight became 
prisoners. Thirty or forty persons put off from the shore in a small sloop, 
to escape across Roanoke Sound toward the mainland. Among them 
was 0. Jennings Wise, who had been mortally wounded. General Reno 
ordered five companies to scour the beach, and to fire upon the Rebel 
boat if she refused to return. The latter obeyed the summons, came 
ashore, and surrendered to Major Clark. Meanwhile the Federal forces 
were advancing toward the Rebel camp named "Georgia," under the 
command of Generals Foster and Reno. As the advanced guard, consist- 
ing of a company of the twenty-first Massachusetts, were marching 
through the forest, a number of Rebels who were in ambush fired upon 
them. These were soon routed, three being killed and five wounded. 
A short time afterward a detachment of Rebels was observed approaching, 
bearing a flag of truce. Having come within hailing distance of the 
Federal lines Lieutenant Poor, who commanded the flag, desired to see 
the chief Federal officer. He was conducted to General Foster. He 
inquired what terms of capitulation would be granted. The answer was, 
that no other terms than an immediate and unconditional surrender were 
admissible. Lieutenant Poor at once acceded to them and led the way to 
the Rebel encampment. Having arrived the capitulation was completed, 
and all the guns, works, ammunition and stores of the Rebels on Roanoke 
Island became the trophies of the victors. Two thousand Rebel troops 
were also taken prisoners of war. They were composed chiefly of resi- 



186 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

dents of North Carolina. Among them was Colonel Shaw, the comman- 
dant of the Island. The Federal loss during the entire contest was twenty 
kiNed and ninety-six wounded. The loss of the Bebels was probably 
greater, though it was not' accurately ascertained. 

The several forts which had been erected on Roanoke Island by the 
Kebels for the purpose of commanding Roanoke and Croatan Sounds, ' 
were of considerable strength. Fort Bartow mounted one rifled thirty- 
two pounder, six smooth bore thirty-two pounders, and one rifled brass six 
pounder. Fort Blanchard, situated two miles from Fort Bartow, contained 
four long thirty-two pounders. Farther up the island, and near its ex- 
tremity, was Fort Iluger, which contained nine long thirty-two pounders 
and one rifled gun. In an opposite portion of the island was Fort Forrest, 
which contained two thirty-two pounders. Though insignificant in size 
it commanded the route from Croatan Sound to Nags Head. A battery 
at Robb's Fishery, on the mainland opposite, which was composed of old 
barges, and held three guns, was destroyed as worthless by the Federal 
troops, after the capitulation. When deserting their several forts the 
Rebels attempted to spike their cannon with tenpenny nails. All of these 
were afterward extracted, and the purpose of the Rebels defeated. 

The complete and glorious victory which graced the Federal arms in 
the capture of Roanoke Island, fell like a thunderbolt on the Rebel 
leaders. Its value to the cause of the Union was immense ; and its rela- 
tion to operations which were afterward to be undertaken was important. 
During its progress several personal incidents occurred which invested it 
with a deep and permanent interest. Among these was the heroic death 
ol Lieutenant Colonel De Montreuil, of the D'Epineul Zouaves. When 
the New York ninth made the gallant charge, which was the chief cause 
of the desertion of Fort Bartow by the Rebels, he rushed forward in the 
advance. In one of tlie last volleys of musketry which they discharged 
from their works, in the dawning hour of exultant victory, he fell, pierced 
through the head by a bullet, llis death was a serious loss ; for he was 
an officer of unusual merit. But within the gloomy walls of Fort Bartow, 
amid all the wreck and confusion produced by the conflict, there was 
another death-scene of still more melanclioly interest. 0. Jennings Wise, 
the son of llenry A. Wise, after having been brought back wounded to 
the fort, was placed under the care of a surgeon ; but it soon became evi- 
dent that he was beyond the aid of the physician's art. Until he became 
speechless he retained the hope that he would recover; and inquired with 
great solicitude from the surgeon whether, 'after his recovery, he would be 
permitted to return to Richmond on his parole of honor? His early 
death was a sad but well-deserved penalty for the prostitution of his 
talents and his influence to the cause of treason. Previous to the com- 
mencement of the attack, a Rebel fleet, commanded by Commodore Lynch, 
had been stationed at Roanoke Island. It consisted of nine small vessels, 



SKETCH OF GENERAL BURNSIDE. ]8t 

which mounted seventeen guns. All these vessels, with the exception of 
two, were subsequently taken or destroyed by the Federal forces. By 
this event the enemy were thenceforth deprived of all means of commu- 
nication along Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds. 

Thus far the purpose of this expedition had been successfully attained, 
and reflected honor on all concerned, but especially upon its master-spirit, 
General Burnside. This gallant officer was born in Indiana in 1824. 
He entered West Point Academy at the early age of eighteen, and grad- 
uated in 1847. He was breveted second lieutenant, and joining the army 
then in Mexico, marched under Patterson to the gates of the capital. 
After the conclusion of the war he was stationed at Fort Adams, in New- 
port Harbor. In 1849 he was attached to Captain Bragg's battery, and 
performed frontier service during several years in New Mexico. He af- 
terward received the post of quartermaster to the commission which 
surveyed the boundary line between the United States and Mexico. He 
was then already distinguished for his energy and daring. In 1851 he 
crossed the plains from the Gila river, through the Indian territory, trav- 
eling twelve hundred miles in seventeen days, with an escort of only three, 
men, and brought dispatches from Colonel Graham to the President. He 
was again stationed at Fort Adams; but subsequently, wearied with a 
life of inaction, he obtained the post of cashier of the Land Department 
of the Illinois Central Eailroad, of which General McClellan was then 
superintendent. Two years later he became the treasurer of the company, 
and removed to the city of New York. Immediately after the outbreak 
of the Rebellion, he was invited by Governor Sprague of Rhode Island to 
take command of the first regiment of that State. He immediately ac- 
cepted the offer, and in half an hour commenced his journey to Providence, 
He distinguished himself by his coolness and bravery in the engagement 
at Stone Bridge, and afterward at the more memorable and disastrous 
conflict of Bull Run. His superior merits as an officer and a man 
strongly commended him as a suitable person to command the Federal 
expedition against Rganoke Island. The event demonstrated the wisdom 
of the appointment. 

From this scene of triumph on the sea-coast, we turn to another of 
equal interest, though of less imposing proportions, in the Misissippi 
valley. 

On the 5th of February General Grant ordered Flag-officer Foote to 
take command of seven gunboats and proceed to the attack of Fort Henry, 
an important Rebel fortification, situated on the eastern bank of the 
Tennessee river near the Kentucky line, about fifty-five miles from 
Paducah. A reconnoissance of the works had previously been made by 
General C. F. Smith, on the 21st of January, by which he ascertained that 
the Federal gunboats could assume a position in the river from which 
they could assault the fort with advantage. The fortification contained 



188 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

two sixty-four pounders, one thirty-two pounder, two twenty-four pound- 
ers, three six pounders, and two twelve pound howitzers. The garrison 
numbered about sixty men. The capture of the fort was important, 
inasmuch as it would enable the Federal boats to ascend the Tennessee 
river to the point where the Memphis and Ohio railroad crossed, and 
would give the Union troops possession of that valuable means of com- 
munication. 

The gunboats appropriated to the service of reducing the fort were the 
Cincinnati, the St. Louis, tlie Carondelet, the Essex, the Conestoga, the 
Tyler, and the Lexington. These boats had been built expressly for such 
enterprises, and were constructed on so broad a model that they pos- 
sessed, while in the water, almost the firmness of a land battery. The 
Cincinnati carried thirteen guns, and was commanded by Lieutenant R. 
N. Stembcl. The St. Louis carried thirteen guns, and was commanded by 
Lieutenant Paulding. The force of the Carondelet was the same, com- 
manded by Ileury "Walke. The Essex had nine guns, and was under 
the orders of Commander W. D. Porter. The Conestoga, the Tyler, and 
the Lexington were of similar strength, and were commanded by Lieu- 
tenants Phelps, Gwin, and Shirk, respectively. These vessels having 
approached on the 6th of February within seventeen hundred yards of 
Fort Henry, commenced the assault at half-past twelve o'clock. The 
action was spirited on both sides, and continued during nearly two hours. 
The firing of the Rebels was made with precision. A shot passed 
through the boiler of the Es.scx, which disabled her, and killed several 
men by the escaping steam, after which she was compelled to drop down 
the river. The Cincinnati received thirty -one shots, and had one man 
killed and eight wounded. During the engagement this boat proudly 
kept her position in the advance, until at last she reached a point within 
three hundred yards of the fort. A number of the Rebel guns had now 
been dismounted, and one of them burst. The enemy lost five killed and 
ten wounded. At forty minutes past one o'clock the Rebel flag was 
struck, and the fort surrendered. The commanding officer, General 
Lloyd Tilghmau, together with fifty-four men, became prisoners of war. 
The trophies of the victory consisted of the ammunition and artillery of 
the enemy, together with a large amount of stores and tents, sufficient to 
accommodate fifteen thousand men. Previous to the engagement, a body 
of several thousand Rebel troops had been encamped in the vicinity of 
the fort. These retreated toward Paris as soon as they discovered that 
the surrender of the works was inevitable; and by this precipitate flight 
they succeeded in getting beyond the grasp of the victors. General 
Grant reached the scene of conflict nearly an hour after the surrender, and 
immediately took possession of the fort. The land forces under his com- 
mand had therefore no opportunity of participating in the contest. It had 
been a part of the plan of the assault, that the forces under General Grant 



SKETCH OF COMMODORE FOOTE. 189 

should attack those of the Eebels near the fort, in the rear ; but the con- 
dition of the roads and of the river prevented that officer, as we have 
stated, from reaching the scene of conflict until after the termination 
of the engagement. The loss on the Federal side was tliirtj-nine killed 
and wounded. Immediately after the capitulation, the bridge of the 
Memphis and Ohio railroad, fifteen miles above the fort, was taken pos- 
session of by a detachment of Federal troops. The gunboats which per- 
formed such efficient service on this occasion were partly iron clad, 
and generally resisted with success the shot of the enemy. The ball 
which penetrated the boiler of the Essex, by which the greatest injury 
was effected, entered the forward part, passing through the heavy bulk- 
head. Immediately after the conclusion of the battle General Grant 
ordered a large portion of his command to take their position on the 
road leading from Fort Henry toward Fort Donelson, which important 
fortification was designated as the next object of attack. 

Captain Andrew H. Foote, the chief hero of the capture of Fort Henry, 
was born in Connecticut, and was a sou of Senator Foote from that State, 
against whom Daniel Webster delivered one of his most famous and 
elaborate orations. He entered the United States service in 1822, and 
gradually rose in his profession until 1852, when he attained the rank 
of commander. He spent twenty years in service at sea, and the re- 
mainder of his professional life in duty on shore. When the rebellion 
broke forth, he was in command of the navy yard at Brooklyn. He 
was then promoted to a captaincy, and transferred to the Department 
of the West, where he was placed in command of the flotilla on the 
Mississippi. In the course of his diversified services he had visited Japan, 
and the coast of Africa ; respecting the latter, he wrote and published a 
volume, which indicated superior literary ability. He deservedly ranked 
among the most eminent, brave, and worthy naval officers whom the 
annals of our country, either in war or peace, have yet produced. 

The Burnside expedition, after having reduced the Eebel batteries on 
Eoanoke Island, and taken possession of it, entered the waters of Albe- 
marle Sound, and steering in a northern direction, sailed up the Pas- 
quotank river. The next apparent object of attack at this period seemed 
to be Elizabeth City, the capital of Pasquotank county, and one of the 
most important towns in the northeastern portion of North Carolina. 
But with admirable prudence the commander confined the secret of his 
purposes to his own bosom, thereby leaving the enemy in a perplexing 
uncertainty in regard to his future movements. 



190 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XVIT. 

POSITION AND STRENGTH OF FORT DONELSON — OENERAI, GRANT AND FLAO-OFFIOER FOOTB 
PREPARE TO ATTACK IT — COMMENCEMENT OF THEIR OPERATIONS — REPCLSE OF THE GUN- 
BOATS — THE ASSAULT FROM THE LAND SIDE — INCIDENTS OF THE BOMBARDMENT — PROPO- 
SITION OP GENERAL BUCKNER TO SURRENDER — THE FLIGHT OF GENERALS FLOYD AND PIL- 
LOW — THE CAPITULATION OF THE FORT — RESULTS AND TROPHIES OF THE CONQUEST — 
SKETCH OF ULYSSES S. GRANT — SKETCH OF GENERAL CHARLES FERGUSON SMITH — GENERAL 
lander's ATTACK ON THE REBELS AT BLOOMERY GAP — ITS RESULTS — SKETCH OF GENERAL 
LANDER — RE-ELECTION OP JEFFERSON DAVIS AS PRESIDENT OF THE SOUTHERN CONFEDE- 
RACY — HIS INAUGURAL ADDRESS — OCCUPATION OP COLUMBUS, KENTUCKY, BY FEDERAL 
TROOPS — DESERTION OF NASHVILLE BY THE REBEL FORCES — UNEXPECTED ATTACK AND 
SUCCESS OF THE REBEL BATTERING RAM MERRIMAC — INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — 
OPPORTUNE ARRIVAL OF THE MONITOR IN HAMPTON ROADS — BATTLE BETWEEN THE MONITOR 
AND THE MERRIMAC. 

The capture of Fort Henry was merely a preliminary movement to the 
attack on Fort Donelson. The latter was a Rebel fortification of great 
importance, situated on the Cumberland river, and was one of the keys to 
the possession and control of Tennessee. The works were twelve miles 
distant from Fort Henry, and were much larger and stronger than the 
other, presenting a front of nearly four miles. The outer batteries were 
located on ridges several hundred feet high, which were covered with a 
dense undergrowth of timber. The Rebels had placed heavy logs on the 
top of their breastworks, leaving a narrow space between, through which 
they could discharge their pieces with greater security. Upon several of 
the eminences near the main fort smaller batteries had been erected, one 
of which mounted five guns. An army of thirty thousand men occupied 
and defended the works. A portion of these troops were recent reinforce- 
ments from Bowling Green, which the enemy were evacuating. The con- 
templated attack on Fort Donelson was to be made by both land and 
naval forces. General Grant commanded the former, Flag-officer Foote 
Ihc latter. Their united force numbered fifty thousand men. 

The operations of the siege were commenced at three o'clock on the 
afternoon of the 13th of February, 1862, by Captain Foote. With four 
iron-clad and two wooden gunboats, he approached within four hundred 
yards of the works, on the Cumberland river, and commenced a vigorous 
assault. The Rebels responded with energy and skill. After fighting an 
hour and a quarter, two of the vessels were disabled, and became so un- 
manageable, the one by the loss of her wheel, the other by the loss of 
her tiller, that they drifted down the stream, and beyond the range of 
their guns. The remaining boats were also severely injured, one of them 
having received fifty-nine shots. One of the rifled cannon on board the 



THE ASSAULT FROM THE LAND SIDE. 191 

Carondelet burst, killing six men. At length, perceiving the uselessness 
of continuing the iinequal struggle, Captain Foote withdrew his flotilla, 
and the action for that day terminated. His loss was nine killed and 
forty-five wounded. He had, however, succeeded in silencing nine guns 
in the lower tier of the enemy's works. On the 14th, the attack from the 
land side began. The forces of General Grant were drawn up in line of 
battle, on a range of hills outside of those occupied by the exterior 
batteries of the rebels; by which means the latter were completely 
encircled, from the Cumberland, south of the fort, to the waters of a 
stream which flowed on the north side of it. The attack was commenced 
by a discharge of artillery by Captain Tyler, who threw his shells with 
admirable precision into the works of the enemy, at a point where they 
seemed to be thickly crowded together. During the 14th, the left wing 
of the Federal forces was chiefly engaged, and before night the upper fort 
on the enemy's right, which was the object of their attack, was taken and 
occupied by the assailants. During this day the Eebels succeeded in 
capturing Schwartz's battery, but before the action was suspended by the 
approach of darkness it was retaken. The enemy had accomplished that 
achievement by making a desperate sortie, in whicb they drove the 
Federals half a mile, and then returned to their works with their trophy. 
Afterward, when the Federals rallied, they not only redeemed the lost 
advantage, but also gained possession of a portion of the enemy's works. 

On the following day the engagement was renewed with the utmost 
fury. General Charles F. Smith led the attack on the lower end of the 
intrenchments, and was the first to gain a footing within them. General 
McClernand's division, composed of the brigades of Wallace, McArthur, 
and Ogleby, fought with great heroism, and suffered heavily. They were 
chiefly composed of troops from Illinois. The enemy succeeded at one 
time in turning the right wing of the Federal army ; but after half an 
hour, the lost ground was regained. During the whole of Saturday, the 
15th, the battle raged with varied fortunes. It cannot be denied that 
little generalship was displayed by some of the chief ofiicers of the 
Federal army ; for during a large part of the engagement, the men fought 
in a great measure under the repulse of personal bravery, without any 
uniform plan of operations, and often fired at will. The enemy fought 
with very great advantages, being protected by their extensive works, 
to which, after each renewed repulse, they could retire in comparative 
safety. From their breastworks they hurled a deluge of grape shot and 
canister against their assailants, and many fell from musketry and rifle 
balls. Nevertheless, the Federal troops fought with the utmost resolution, 
and repeatedly gained important successes by their heroic exertions. 

"When darkness fell on Saturday evening, the issue of the conflict 
seemed undecided. The Eebels still held possession of the greater por- 
tion of their works, and it was expected that on the ensuing day, the 



192 THE CIVIL WAK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

battle would be renewed with increased fury. Accordingly, during 
Saturday night a concentration of all the Federal troops was made, and 
orders were given that every man should be at his post in the early dawn, 
prepared to charge the enemy at the point of the bayonet. This move- 
ment was to be made simultaneously along the whole line. During the 
hours of night an unusual and mysterious silence prevailed throughout 
the works of the Rebels. "When at length the morning of Sunday, the 
16th, dawned, the first sight which greeted the Federal commanders was 
a number of white flags displayed at various intervals upon the fortifica- 
tions. Soon afterward a flag of truce was seen approaching. It accom- 
panied a letter from General Buckner, the commander of the Eebel forces, 
to General Grant, proposing that commissioners should be appointed to 
arrange the terms of the capitulation of the Confederate forces under his 
command, and asking for an armistice until twelve o'clock. To this 
communication General Grant immediately rejDlied, that no terms what- 
ever could be accepted except an unconditional and immediate surrender. 
At the same time he gave the llebel officer the unwelcome information, 
that it was his intention to renew the attack without delay. This 
missive soon elicited a response from General Buckner, in which, after 
complimenting himself and his troops upon the brilliant valor which they 
had exhibited, he added that he sliould accept the " ungenerous and un- 
chivalrous terms" which had been designated. In a short time afterward, 
the Federal troops advanced, entered, and took possession of the vast 
fortifications of the vanquished enemy. The stars and stripes were then 
unfurled over Fort Donelson, the largest and strongest of the Eebel fort- 
resses in the southwest. 

Then it was that the most singular and startling announcements were 
made to the victors. During the previous night Generals Floyd and 
Pillow had secretly made their escape from the intrenchments, having 
embarked with the utmost sccresy, with about two thousand troops, on the 
Rebel steamers which were lying in the river. Of the remainder, fifteen 
thousand became prisoners of war ; many had deserted in small bodies ; 
and the dead and wounded were numerous. Among the officers captured 
were General Buckner, Colonels Gantt, Voorhees, Brown, and Abernethy. 
Twelve thousand stand of arms were taken, a vast amount of ammunition 
and stores, fourteen thirty-two pounders, with other guns of smaller 
calibre. Among those who had distinguished themselves during the 
engagement were Generals Wallace, McClernand, and Charles F. Smith. 
The loss of the Rebels during this battle was about five hundred killed, 
and one thousand wounded. The loss on the Federal side was three 
hundred and fifty-five killed, fourteen hundred wounded and missing. 
The immense number of prisoners taken were transferred as quickly as 
possible to Camp Douglas, near Chicago, and to other suitable points in 
the northwest. 



GEN. LANDER'S ATTACK ON BLOOMERY GAP. 193 

Major-Geaeral Ulysses S. Grant, who commanded the Federal forces 
during this memorable combat, was born in Clermont county, Ohio, in 
1822. He entered "West Point Academy in 1839, and graduated in 184:3, 
and was appohited brevet second-lieutenant. He served under General 
Taylor during the Mexican war ; also under General Scott, during his 
march from Vera Cruz to the capital ; and was twice promoted for his 
meritorious conduct. He afterward became regimental quartermaster, 
and in 1854 had attained the rank of captain in the fourth infantry of 
regulars. Withdrawing then from the service into civil life, he removed 
to St. Louis county, Missouri, and thence to Galena. When the rebellion 
broke forth he tendered his services to Governor Yates, was accepted, 
and appointed colonel of the twenty-first regiment of Illinois volunteers. 
He was soon after promoted to the rank of brigadier, and took a promi- 
nent part in many of the earlier scenes of the conflict in Missouri. He 
commanded in the southeastern district in that State ; and by his occupa- 
tion of Paducah, and by his gallant conduct in the battle of Belmont, he 
earned the high rank of major-general, to which he was promoted by Presi- 
dent Lincoln, and in which he was confirmed by the Senate. The important 
conflicts at Forts Henry and Donelson added to the lustre of his renown. 

General Charles Ferguson Smith, who distinguished himself greatly at 
Fort Donelson, was born in Pennsylvania in 1807. He entered the 
Academy at West Point in 1821, and graduated in 1825, being appointed 
at once second lieutenant. In 1829 he was made an assistant instructor 
of infantry tactics at West Point. He remained at that institution till 
1842, during which interval he attained the rank of captain. In April, 
1847, he was breveted major for his gallantry in the battles of Palo Alto 
and Resaca de la Palma. He covered himself with laurels in many of 
the severest conflicts of the Mexican war, especially at Coutreras and 
Churubusco, and received the rank of colonel. In August, 1861, he was 
made a brigadier- general of volunteers, and immediately afterward took 
command of the troops stationed at Paducah. This valuable officer died 
at Savannah, Tennessee, on the 25th of April, 1862. The glorious triumph 
of the Union arms at Fort Donelson was due, in a very great measure, 
to his superior skill and gallantry. 

The long and monotonous inactivity which had characterized the Army 
of the Potomac near Washington, during some months, was agreeably 
broken on the 14th of February by a bold and sudden movement of a 
part of the troops commanded by General Lander. That officer having 
ascertained that the brigade of the Rebel General Carson, four thousand 
in number, had taken a strong position at Bloomery Gap, resolved to 
attack them. He ordered the five hundred cavalry attached to his brigade 
to take the advance, and having reached the Cacapon river, to construct * 
a bridge for the passage of the infantry who were to follow. This order 
was promptly executed. Twenty wagons were placed at intervals in the 
13 



194 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

river, over wtich planks were laid, and thus in several hours at night a 
bridge was constructed a hundred and eighty feet in length, which admi- 
rably answered the purpose of transportation. It was located at a point 
seven miles distant from the Cacapon railroad, and about the same dis- 
tance from Bloomery Gap, the contemplated scene of conflict. 

General Lander had intended to make the attack during the night, and 
having driven the enemy through the Gap, to pursue them with his 
cavalry, and capture the officers and many of the men. But the enemy 
had already left their position, either suspicious of an attack or fore- 
warned of its approach ; so that when the Federal troops charged through 
the Gap they encountered no one. General Lander ordered an immediate 
pursuit on the Winchester road by his cavalry, followed and supported 
by the eighth Ohio regiment and the seventh Virginia. They overtook 
the retreating foe about two miles from the Gap. The Rebels received 
them with a sharp fire of musketry, under which the cavalry wavered 
and showed unexpected signs of cowardice. In vain General Lander 
ordered them to advance and charge. Not a man stirred. The General 
then exclaimed "follow me!" One private only, named John Gannon, 
answered the appeal. Accompanied by this solitary hero, and by Major 
Armstrong his adjutant. Major Bannister and Fitz James O'Brien, mem- 
bers of his staff, General Lander rode forward toward a group of Rebel 
officers, several hundred yards distant, and ordered them to surrender. 
The boldness and daring of this movement seemed to have paralyzed 
those officers, and they immediately complied. But the Rebel infantry 
posted in the adjacent woods having commenced a brisk fire. General 
Lander ordered Colonel Anestanzel to attack them with his cavalry, and 
attempt to secure their baggage ; while the movement was to be sup- 
ported by the infantry. 

At first the cavalry seemed disposed to refuse obedience, and General 
Lander, jCistly enraged at their cowardice, shot at one of his men without 
hitting him. After repeated orders the cavalry advanced, and charged 
upon the enemy, who were then retreating. The pursuit was continued 
for eight miles, under Colonel Carroll's direction, until he reached the 
limits of General Lander's department. The result of this engagement 
was the capture of eighteen commissioned officers and forty-five non- 
commissioned officers and privates, together with fifteen baggage wagons. 
The loss of the Rebels was thirty killed ; that of ihe Federals was seven 
killed and wounded. The rout of tlie enemy was complete, notwith- 
standing the inefficiency of the cavalry. That inefficiency was attributed 
to the fact, that several of their officers were absent, that they had never 
before been under fire, and that they were unaccustomed to practice with 
the sabre. 

General Lander, the hero of this spirited movement, was a remarkably 
brave and chivalrous officer. His subsequent premature death was a 



RE-ELECTION OP JEFFERSON D^VIS. 195 

serious loss to tte Federal cause. He was a native of Salem, Massachu- 
setts. Though not regularly educated to the profession of arms, he pos- 
sessed ample military knowledge, and all the qualities necessary to render 
him a successful commander. During the years 1859 and 1860 he served 
as superintendent of the overland wagon-road to California. Immediately 
after the commencement of the war he joined the staff of General McClel- 
lan as a volunteer, in Western Virginia. He afterward became provost 
marshal under that officer. At the battle of Eich Mountain he distin- 
guished himself by his coolness and intrepidity. His horse was there 
killed under him. He then fought on foot and attacked a Eebel gun. 
He shot all the men who served it with his own hand, except three. The 
remainder then fled, leaving a lieutenant alone to work it. That officer 
continued to discharge the gun, when General Lander ordered him to 
surrender on pain of immediate death. He refused and continued to fire. 
Lander then turned away and exclaimed to his men : "I cannot shoot so 
brave a man, you must do it !" He soon fell, pierced with four bullets. 
After the battle and the victory General Lander, with chivalrous gener- 
osity, ordered the body of the deceased officer to be conveyed under an 
escort across the mountain to a point near which the enemy had encamped, 
and delivered to his late companions inarms. General Lander died on 
the 2d of March, 1862, in his camp in Northern Virginia, from conges- 
tion of the brain. By that event an ampler page of heroic history will 
henceforth remain forever unwritten, which without doubt would have 
otherwise graced the annals of the war. 

The recent reverses which had overtaken the Rebel arms in almost 
every department of the arena of conflict, did not prevent the Confede- 
rates from observing the ceremony of electing the chief officers of their 
government, who were to serve during the term of the ensuing six years. 
Accordingly, the period for which their provisional administration had 
b.een erected being about to expire, Jefferson Davis was chosen President, 
and A. H. Stephens Vice President of the Confederate States, by the 
unanimous votes of the conventions of all the States which were connected 
with the Rebellion. The ceremony of the inauguration of these officers 
took place at Richmond, on the 22d of February, with as great a display 
of pomp and dignity as could be mustered for the occasion. The oath of 
office was administered to the President by the Hon. J. D. Halyburton, 
the chief Confederate judge, and to A. H. Stevens by the president of 
tlie Rebel Senate. The inaugural address of the Executive was the most 
remarkable feature of the occasion. It had been elaborated with great 
care, and was adroitly adapted to produce a favorable impression upon his 
constituents. But in spite of all his artificial periods and his simulated 
confidence, an air of extreme despondency pervaded his utterances. He 
reiterated the effete accusation that the Federal Government had given 
birth to the Rebellion by its unjust legislation against the interests of the 



196 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

South. He charged the northern armies with cruelty and ferocity in the 
manner in which they had conducted the contest. He dwelt upon the 
love of justice and the preference for peace which had characterized the 
Confederate States, and upon their efforts to avert the horrors of war by 
an amicable settlement of difficulties at Washington. He congratulated 
his constituents on the intrepidity and heroism with which they had thus 
far defended their sacred rights and had resisted the arms of their op- 
pressors. He admitted that the Confederate forces had recently suffered 
the most serious disasters ; but he affirmed that the effect of these mis- 
fortunes would simply be to unite them in a more determined and 
unconquerable resolution to achieve their liberties. As a chief encourage- 
ment, he reminded his hearers that the vast pecuniary burdens which the 
Federal Government was assuming would soon crush it to the earth, and 
render it incapable of further efficient assaults upon their rights and their 
territories.* 

While the Rebel authorities were thus consoling themselves by cheer- 
ing prognostications of the future, the rapid progress of events continually 
and repeatedly falsified their hopes. On the 1st of March, the right wing 
of the Army of the Potomac under General Banks crossed the river, 
advanced into Virginia, and occupied Bolivar, Charlestown, and Martins- 
burg. This important movement was a portion of the great network of 
operations by which the Federal armies, in several vast bodies, were in- 
tended to approach Richmond by opposite routes, and thus attack it and 
its defenders simultaneously. At Charlestown, eight hundred barrels of 
flour prepared for the Rebel army were captured. The corps under 
Banks were steadily approaching Winchester, where the enemy were 
posted under Jackson in considerable strength. 

In other portions of the Union fortune seemed to have deserted the 
Confederate cause still more unequivocally. In Missouri, the expedition 
which had been organized under Jefferson Thompson, was attacked at 
Sykestown by the Union cavalry attached to the brigades of Generals 
Hamilton, Morgan and Pope, and was driven into the swamps, with the 
loss of six pieces of artillery and forty prisoners. On the 2d of March, 
a flotilla consisting of six gunboats, under the command of Flag-officer 
Foote, sailed down the Mississippi river to Columbus, Kentucky, and 
made a demonstration against the Rebel works which had been erected 
there. Anticipating a formidable attack from the Federal forces, the 

* The oflScers of the cabinet appointed by Jefferson Davis were as follows : 
J. P. Benjamin, of Louisiana, Secretary of State. 
General George W. Randolph, of Virginia, Secretary of War. 
S. R. Mallory, Secretary of the Na^'^'. 

C. G. Memminger, of South Carolina, Secretary of the Treasury. 
Mr. Henry, M. C. from Kentucky, Postmaster-General. 
Herschel V. Johnson, of Georgia, Attorney-General. 



DESERTION OP NASflVILtE BY REBEL FORCES. 



197 



enemy deemed it more judicious to retire. They therefore abandoned 
their fortifications and evacuated the town. It had been the strongest 
Rebel position iu the valley of the Mississippi. But before their flight 
they endeavored to destroy their barracks, the town, and their magazines, 
by fire. They sank a number of their heaviest guns in the river. The 
"Federal forces took possession peaceably of what remained of the recent 
stronghold of the fugitives. The occupation of Columbus delivered the 
State of Kentucky from the presence and supremacy of the Rebel arms. 
Generals Cullum and Sherman commanded the land forces which were 
intended to co-operate with the gunboats in the expected attack on the 
abandoned works. 

Nearly contemporaneous with this event, was the desertion of Nash- 
ville by the Eebel forces which had been assembled there, and its occupa- 
tion by the Federal troops under General Buell. The stars and stripes 
were again unfurled from the stately dome of the capitol of Tennessee. 
The presence of the Union troops in this city produced a magical effect 
upon the opinions of thousands of the inhabitants of that State, who 
immediately declared themselves in favor of the Federal Government and 
solicitous for its eventual triumph. It was already proposed that Andrew 
Johnson should be appointed by President Lincoln the military pro 
visional governor of Tennessee, until the legitimate civil authorities could 
be re-established. Thus, over the entire area of the West and South, 
wherever the rival republics came into collision, success at this period 
uniformly attended the champions of the Federal Union. 

Suddenly, the nation was astounded by the report of a reverse, from an 
unexpected source, of the most novel and unusual character. On the 
8th of March, a steam-vessel of singular structure and appearance was 
observed by the lookout at Fortress Monroe to issue from the harbor at 
Norfolk and sail down the channel toward Sewell's Point. Sio-nal eans 
were immediately fired to notify, the Union vessels, the Cumberland, the 
Congress, the Minnesota, the St. Lawrence and the Roanoke, which were 
then riding at anchor in Hampton roads, of the approach of danoer. 
The mysterious craft seemed like a floating house, with its roof and 
chimney only above the water. Slowly but steadily she pursued her way 
through the channel toward Newport News, and then turned toward the 
mouth of James river where the Cumberland and the Congress lay. 
Soon her fatal character and mission became evident. She was recognized 
as the famous iron-clad steamer and battering-ram Merrimac, which the 
Rebel Government had for some time been constructing at Norfolk. 

As this dangerous monster silently approached the Cumberland, that 
vessel discharged a volley from her heavy guns at the stranger. The 
balls indeed reached their aim, but they did not produce the slightest per- 
ceptible effect. They glanced from her iron sides and deck, leavino- no 
trace of their contact. The Congress also added the complement of her 



198 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

artillery to tbose of the Cumberland, but with an equally harmless result 
The Rebel craft seemed to defy and scorn their attacks ; for she continued 
steadily to approach, her ports all silent and shut, but under the impetus 
of a powerful head of steam. At length she steered with direct aim and 
increased velocity toward the Cumberland. She struck her araidship with 
her iron beak, making a frightful gash in her side. She then fired a 
volley into the wounded vessel, drew off a short distance, and repeated 
the ferocious assault. It was enough to seal her fate. The Cumberland 
had been fatally disabled, and was instantly in a sinking condition. 
During the progress of this attack, two Rebel steamer.s, the Yorktown and 
Jamestown, had descended the James river and engaged the Union vessels 
on the other side. 

The Merrimac having thus destroyed the Cumberland turned her prow 
and addressed herself to the Congress. This vessel was unable to make 
any effective resistance, her crew having been discharged the day before, 
and several companies of the naval brigade being only temporarily on 
board. When her commander saw the hopelessness of resistance, the 
wooden vessels being entirely at the mercy of the iron batterer, he struck 
his colors to avoid the destruction which had overtaken the Cumberland. 
The Jamestown then approached, received on board the officers of the 
Congress as prisoners, and gave the crew an ojjportunity to escape in the 
boats. The vessel was then fired by the Rebels. Immediately after this 
achievement, the Merrimac, the Yorktown, and the Jamestown commenced 
an attack in concert on the batteries of Newport News, to which that fort 
responded with vigor. Meanwhile the Congress burned to the water's 
edge, dnd before sinking blew up. The Cumberland also sank. The 
loss of life in both ships was considerable, inasmuch as a large number 
of the crews of both were unable to escape in the boats. The Merrimac 
having completed her intended achievements, returned in triumph to 
Norfolk, capturing in her passage several small vessels. This sudden 
demonstration of naval power was one of the most noteworthy incidents 
which had yet occurred during the war. Never before had the efficiency 
of iron-clad steam batteries been so clearly demonstrated. It was now 
evident that the colossal wooden vessels which had for ages been the pride 
and the terror of European fleets, could be henceforth rendered harmless 
by the use of ships of much smaller proportions, if inca.sed in iron, if pro- 
pelled by steam, and if armed with the sharp iron beaks which had been 
familiar to the naval architecture of the ancient Greeks and Romans. 
Fortunately for the honor and safety of the Union cause, the private 
enterprise of an eminent and opulent citizen had constructed a vessel on 
the same principle ; and that vessel, by an equally propitious accident, 
arrived in the vicinity of this disaster a few hours after its occurrence. 
The Ericsson iron-clad steamer Monitor reached Fortress Monroe at nine 
o'clock on the night of the 8th of March. The next morning she pro- 




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ENGAGEMENT OF THE -MERRIMAC" AND "MONITOR." 199 

ceeded out into the channel and invited the exulting enemy to an engage- 
ment. The offer was accepted, and soon the Merrimac, the Yorktown, 
and the Jamestown, attempted to renew the triumph of the preceding day. 
A desperate combat of five hours' duration ensued. The wooden vessela 
of the Eebels quickly found it expedient to retire, leaving the two iron 
bound monsters confronting each other. Then a most singular and novel 
spectacle was exhibited. During several hours the vessels fought fiercely, 
butting and grappling each other. They repeatedly discharged their 
heavy guns against each other's sides ; but while the shot of the Merrimac 
rebounded harmlessly from the impenetrable covering of her antagonist, 
the greater calibre of the guns of the Monitor forced their thunderbolts 
through the sides of the EebeL craft, and severely damaged her. The 
Monitor was commanded with great skill and fortitude by Lieutenant J. 
S. Worden, who was wounded during the engagement. At its termina- 
tion the Merrimac was towed back to the port of Norfolk, apparently 
disabled, and evidently with much less exultation than had characterized 
her return to her berth on the preceding day. The presence of the Moni- 
tor in Hampton Eoads secured the Union vessels, which were enforcing 
the blockade of James river, from the future attacks of the Merrimac ; and 
fortunately withered the laurels, which had so suddenly sprung up to 
decorate the brows of the Confederate naval heroes. 

The Merrimac, whose sudden onslaught on the Federal ships excited 
so much surprise and indignation, originally belonged to the Federal 
Government, had been built in 1855 at the Charlestown navy yard, and 
was known in the Federal navy by the same name. She happened to 
be lying in the port of Norfolk, as a store and receiving ship, at the 
period of the Rebel attack on that city. When the navy yard at Norfolk 
was abandoned and sacrificed in so mysterious a manner by Commodore 
McCauley, the Merrimac was set on fire, scuttled, and sunk by his orders. 
She was thirty-two hundred tons burden, and pierced for forty guns. 
The Rebel authorities, appreciating her value, subsequently raised the 
hull, and proceeded to convert her into an iron-clad battery. She was 
covered with a bomb-proof coating of wrought iron several inches in 
thickness. Her bow was armed with a steel beak, projecting six feet 
under the water, with which to strike and perforate her opponents. Her 
decks were protected by a covering of railroad iron in the form of an 
arch, from which the shot and shell of her assailants necessarily glanced 
without effect. Her special mission was intended to be to sink the 
various vessels engaged in the blockade of the Southern ports ; and it is 
probable that, had not the formidable and unexpected apparition of the 
Monitor suddenly intercepted her purpose, it would have been in a great 
measure accomplished, before any other effectual means to prevent it 
could have been obtained by the Federal Government. 
^ The structure of the Monitor was essentially different from that of lier 



200 THE CIVIL WAE IN THE UNITED STATES. 

rival. She was a hundred and seventy-two feet in length, and placed so 
low in the water as to afford little surface for the assaults of an assailant. 
Her deck was flat, and her sides encased in heavy armor. Both ends of 
the vessel were pointed, and she required very little water in which to 
float. The chief objects which appeared on her deck were a smoke-stack 
and a turret. The latter was incased in wrought iron, several inches in 
thickness, and contained two guns, each ball of which weighed a hundred 
and eighty-four pounds. Within the bowels of the vessel a powerful 
engine was placed, which drove her with resistless impetus against her 
enemy. Her flat deck was bomb-proof, and covered with iron plate an 
inch in thickness. The turret revolved, so as to be able to bring its 
tremendous guns to bear at any angle- which might be desired. The 
vessel was a marvel of architectural skill and of mechanical power, such 
as the present age had never before witnessed. 



THE BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE, ARKANSAS. 201 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

BATTLE OF PEA RIDGE IN ARKANSAS — GENERAL CURTIS — ATTACK OT THE REBELS ON THE 
REAR OP' THE FEDERAL ARMV — GALLANTRY OP GENERAL SIOEL — CONTINtlANCE OF THE 
BATTLE ON THE SECOND DAY — INCIDENTS OP THE CONTEST — IT IS RENEWED UPON THE 

THIRD DAY COMPLETE ROUT OF THE REBELS RESULTS OP THE VICTORY SKETCHES OF 

GENERALS CURTIS AND SIGEL — PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S ORDERS TO THE FEDERAL ARMIES TO 
MOVE ON THE TWENTY-SECOND OF FEBRUARY — GENERAL MCCLELLAN's ADDRESS TO THE 
ARMY OP THE POTOMAC — SUDDEN EVACUATION OF MANASSAS BY THE REBELS — MOVEMENT 
OF FEDERAL TROOPS — BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NUMBER TEN — INCIDENTS OP THE CONTEST — 
REDUCTION OP THE REBEL WORKS — OPERATIONS OF GENERAL POPE — ARTIFICIAL CHANNEL 
CUT THROUGH JAMES BAYOU' — GENERAL POPE ATTACKS THE REBELS AT TIPTONVILLE — CON- 
SEQUENCES OF THE CAPTURE OF ISLAND NUMBER TEN — SKETCH OF GENERAL POPE — GENE- 
RAL BURNSIDE ATTACKS NEWBERN — THE REBELS SURRENDER — CONSEQUENCES OF THIS 
VICTORY. 

The unromantic name of Pea Ridge will hereafter designate, on the 
historic page, one of the most protracted and desperate struggles which 
occurred during the progress of the war against Secession. This rugged 
spot is situated amid the mountain wilds of Arkansas. It was there that 
the Rebel- Generals Van Dorn, McCulloch, and Price, had concentrated the 
forces under their several orders ; and on the 6th, the 7th, and the 8th of 
March, 1862, contested the palm of victory with the Federal troops under 
the command of Generals Curtis and Sigel. The forces of the enemy 
numbered about thirty-five thousand men ; their opponents numbered 
twenty-five thousand. The latter consisted of volunteers from Ohio, In- 
. diana, Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. This engagement commenced on the 
6th of March by an attack of the Rebel cavalry on the rear of the Union 
army. The purpose of this movement seemed to be to get possession of the 
wagon-trains of the Federals. General Sigel being in command of that 
portion of the troops, resisted the enemy with great gallantry. He pro- 
tected the train during several hours with eight hundred men against an 
attack of fifteen hundred. The first day of the conflict wore away in 
various unsuccessful efforts on the part of the Rebels to get possession of 
the trains, by breaking and dispersing the right wing of the Federals. 
At eleven o'clock on the morning of the 7th, the enemy renewed the 
attack. During the preceding night General Curtis had made important 
changes in the disposition of his troops, and had strengthened those por- 
tions of his line against which he anticipated the most vigorous assaults. 
The centre of the Rebels was led in person by the notorious Benjamin 
McCulloch, who made prodigious exertions to overpower the firm and 
steady ranks of the Federals, commanded by Colonel Davis, of Missouri. 
Repeatedly did that renowned warrior bring up his men to the attack, 



202 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and as often were they with heavy slaughter repulsed. Ouce only did 
his troops obtain an advantage by driving back the Federals from " Cross 
Timber Hollow," which had been occupied by Colonel Carr. But he paid 
dearly for this temporary success. His columns were assailed with re- 
newed determination, by a combined attack of the troops under Colonel 
Osterhaus, Colonel Davis, and General Sigel, and were discomfited with 
immense loss. It was during this struggle that General McCulloch was 
mortally wounded. He fell while fighting in the thickest of the combat. 

At the end of the second day's engagement, the advantage greatly pre- 
ponderated in the favor of the Federals. During the following night 
General Curtis made additional changes in the position of his forces, and 
when the morning of the 8th dawned he was prepared to receive the 
renewed attack of the enemy. The combatants on both sides seemed 
eager for the struggle, and the firing began at sunrise. It soon became 
general along the whole line, which extended several miles in circuit. 
The Federal left wing under Sigel made a forward movement against the 
enemy posted on the hills. General Curtis then ordered his centre and 
right also to advance, and turning the left wing of the enemy, to assail 
his centre. This order was admirably executed, and the Eebels were 
placed by this skillful strategy in the arc of a circle of destructive fire. 
Having thus enveloped both flanks of the enemy, General Curtis com- 
manded a general charge to be made with the bayonet. The result was 
decisive. The Rebels were instantly thrown into confusion, and fled pre- 
cipitately on all sides. The division under Price retreated in one direc- 
tion, that under Van Dorn escaped in another. The pursuit was continued 
by General Sigel toward Kcithsville, and by the cavalry toward the 
mountains. The rout of the enemy was complete. Their loss was heavy. 
The death of McCulloch was a fatal blow to their cause in the remoter 
southwest, where his reckless bravery and his military skill had long 
inspired them with energy and hope. Their killed and wounded were 
about two thousand. The victors captured more than a thousand pris- 
oners. The Federal loss was about five hundred killed, nine hundred 
wounded. A peculiar feature of this engagement was the presence of 
several thousand Indians in llie Rebel lines, commanded by Albeit Pike. 
Their savage instincts during the conflict were demonstrated by the fact 
that after its termination, many of the wounded and slain of the Federal 
troops were found to have been scalped; thus renewing in those wild 
western solitudes at the present day, the primeval scenes of sanguinary 
slaughter, which had characterized and disgraced the earlier struggles 
which occurred on the American continent. 

The chief heroes of this great battle were Generals Samuel R. Curtis 
and Franz Sigel. The former was born in Ohio in 1807. He entered 
West Point in 1831, and was breveted second lieutenant of the seventh 
infantry. He resigned in 1832, and studied and practiced law in Ohio, but 



SKETCHES OP GENBKALS CURTIS AND SIGBL. 203 

soon turned his attention to civil engineering ; and in 1837 became chief 
engineer of the Muskingum river improvements. At a later period he 
became engineer of the Board of Public Works of the State of Ohio. In 
1846 he was appointed adjutant-general of that State. During the 
Mexican war he served as colonel of the third Ohio regiment ; became 
assistant-adjutant-general to General Wool, and subsequently civil and 
military governor of Saltillo, Matamoras, Camargo, and Monterey. Re- 
turning to the United States, he commenced or resumed the jDractice of 
the law ; but abandoned it upon being chosen chief engineer of the Des 
Moines railroad in Iowa. He was afterward elected a Eepresentative of 
Iowa in the Thirty-Fifth Congress ; and was twice rechosen. When the 
Rebellion broke forth Colonel Curtis raised a regiment in Iowa, of which 
he took the chief command. He resigned his seat in Congress, and hav- 
ing been made a brigadier-general, assisted General Fremont in Missouri. 
In January, 1862, he left Eolla with twenty thousand men, drove Sterling 
Price from Springfield, routed him at Cross Hollow, and crowned his 
victorious career by his splendid victory at Pea Ridge. In reward for 
his valuable and gallant services, he was afterward promoted to the 
rank of major-general. 

A far different kind of interest appertains to the history of Franz 
Sigel. He was nursed in the revolutionary storms of the old woi-ld ; and 
when triumphant despots there succeeded in arresting the spirit of liberty, 
he emigrated to the home of the free in the far West. He was born in 
Baden in the year 1824, and received his education at the military school 
at Carlsruhe. His rise in his profession was rapid. In 1847 he had 
attained the rank of chief adjutant; and was regarded as one of the most 
accomplished officers of artillery in Germany. In 1848 the revolutionary 
movements commenced in that country, and his enthusiastic spirit soon 
enlisted him in the service of those who sought to disenthrall the German 
Fatherland from the dominion of its hereditary tyrants. He was ap- 
pointed to the chief command of one of the armies of the Liberals, and 
in several engagements distinguished himself by gallantry and skill. On 
one occasion he confronted eighty thousand men with thirty thousand ; 
and though a victory against such immense odds was impossible, he 
made good his retreat without the loss of men or guns. The conclusion 
of the war and the subjugation of the patriots compelled him to flee. 
After various changes and vicissitudes he was chosen professor in a col- 
lege at St. Louis, in which, among other departments of science, he gave 
instructions in the military art. When the Southern Rebellion began, 
it was the signal for Sigel to abandon the peaceful pursuits of academic 
life, and re-enter the stormy arena of conflict. Such a man as Sigel, in 
such a time, and in such a cause, could not possibly remain inactive. 
He took the lead among the gallant Germans of Missouri who tenderea 
their services to the Federal Gp^y^nment. He assumed the command of 



204 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the third regiment of volunteers which was raised at St. Louis. We 
have already narrated the chief events of his career subsequent to this 
period. After the death of General Lyon at Springfield, he conducted 
the retreat to Eolla with great ability. The distinguished part which he 
enacted at the battle of Pea Ridge, elevated him to a high place among 
the most eminent and efficient of the generals of the Union during the 
civil war. His services were properly rewarded, at a subsequent period, 
by his promotion to the rank of major-general. 

On the ] 2th of March, 1862, the nation was suddenly surprised and 
gratified by the announcement that at length President Lincoln had 
issued positive orders that the Federal armies, including that of the 
Potomac, which had for so many months remained inactive, should com- 
mence a general advance against the forces of the Rebels. This order, 
although not published until the 12th of March, had been issued privately 
to the various commanders on the 27th of January previous ; and the 
22d of February, the anniversary of the birth-day of the Father of his 
Country, was designated as the day on which that welcome movement 
should begin. Time, however, was allowed to the commander of the 
army of the Potomac to complete the necessary organization of his troops 
before moving, if such further organization should be requisite. 

Several days after the public announcement of this order. General 
McClellan issued an address to his army, in which he stated that the time 
of inaction having passed by, the hour of aggressive operations had 
arrived, and that the accurate drilling and training which were essential 
to the efficiency of any army had now been attained. He urged them to 
display bravery, fidelity, and endurance in the operations which were 
before them ; and encouraged them by the prospects of victory, subse- 
quent peace, and the restoration of the Union. In accordance with the 
promise contained in this address, a portion of the army of the Potomac 
began to advance. They took the route toward Centreville and Manassas, 
which had already been rendered famous by the engagement at Bull's Run. 
During some days previous to the march, vague reports had been current 
throughout the country, that the Rebel army, which had wintered on the 
Potomac, had retreated toward Gordonsville ; and that the battle-ground 
which they had fortified with so much labor and skill, was no longer 
defended by them against the advance of the Federal forces. To the 
astonishment of the whole nation, these reports, which at first seemed 
incredible, were found upon examination to be perfectly true. The 
great Rebel army had actually vacated their position at Manassas, and 
were retreating southward as the Federal troops advanced. Their object 
was now supposed to bo to concentrate their strength nearer to Richmond ; 
and it must be admitted that, by this movement they gained some im- 
portant strategical advantages. The fortifications which they had thus 
abandoned were formidable. They extended from a point half a mile 



MOVEMENT OF FEDERAL TROOPS. 205 

north of Centreville, toward the south as far as the eye could reach. The 
embrazures had been mounted by heavy guns, which were withdrawn in 
the retreat. There were ample indications that the ammunition and the 
stores of the Eebel army had been abundant. Vast warehouses had been 
erected at Manassas for the storage of provisions, and miles of well-con- 
structed huts demonstrated that during the winter the comfort and health 
of their forces had been carefully attended to. After their retrograde 
movement, it did not comport with the plans of the Federal commanders 
to pursue the line of advance further in that direction ; and the troops 
returned toward "Washington, to continue their operations against the 
enemy by another and a more circuitous route. That portion of the 
Federal arqiy which was led by General Banks proceeded toward Harper's 
Ferry, and took possession of Leesburg. This corps was destined to pur- 
sue the retreating enemy toward "Winchester, where it was understood 
they had taken a strong position which they defended with a formidable 
force. 

The admirable pla^n for the subjugation of the southwestern portion of 
the Eebel States which General Halleck had elaborated, required that the 
Mississippi river should be opened to the advance of the Federal armies, 
and that the road to Memphis should be unobstructed. To resist this 
suspected purpose, the Eebels had taken possession of an island in that 
river known as Number Ten, had collected together there an army of 
fifteen thousand men, had fortified it with great skill and industry, and 
had thus far effectually intercepted the navigation of the river. This 
island is situated in a bend of the stream, which touches the territory of 
Tennessee, and is located two hundred and forty miles from St. Louis, 
nine hundred and fifty from New Orleans. The Eebel fortifications 
mounted forty guns of heavy calibre. They possessed also a river force 
of five gunboats and a floating battery. It had now become essentially 
necessary to the interests of the Federal cause that this stronghold should 
be attacked and taken. 

The Federal fleet of gunboats and mortar fiats destined for this service 
was placed under the command of Commodore Foote. On the 15th of 
March the gunboats Benton, Louisville, Cincinnati, Carondelet, and 
Conestoga, proceeded from Cairo. At Columbus they were joined by the 
Pittsburg, St. Louis, and Mound City, together with eight mortar flats, 
with transports and ordnance boats. All these vessels sailed down the 
river, reached the scene of conflict on the same day, and took their 
positions about two miles above the island. Commodore Foote imme- 
diately commenced the bombardment with three of his batteries. General 
Pope, who was besieging New Madrid, ten miles below the island, and 
who had erected works extending fifteen miles along the shore, as far as 
Point Pleasant, commanded the river below, so as to prevent the escape 
of the Eebels in that direction. Vain attempts had been made to send 



206 THE CITIL W^R IN THE UNITED STlTES. 

transports through the bayous to the assistance of General Pope ; but a 
gunboat was indispensably necessary to protect those vessels during their 
transit. At length the Carondelet was selected to pass the Rebel 
batteries and to pefurm that service. On her port side a flat boat was 
lashed, loaded with bales of compressed hay, which protected her from 
the works erected on the Kentucky shore. On her opposite side a barge 
laden with coal was attached, which would furnish the necessary fuel. 
At ten o'clock at night she was cast loose, and commenced to sail slowly 
down the stream. At that moment a storm of terrific fury came raging 
up the river ; the rain descended in a deluge ; the thunder peals were 
appalling; the lightning was fearfully vivid and blinding. In the midst 
of this chaos of the warring elements, the Carondelet began to run the 
gauntlet of the Rebel batteries. As she passed the second of these, a 
broad and fierce blaze of flame, accompanied by a deafening roar, indi- 
cated to thousands of anxious spectators in the vicinity that the Rebels 
had at length observed the vessel in the darkness, and had opened on her. 
Still she proceeded in silence on her way. Battery after battery saluted 
her as she passed. Slowly and steadily she steamed ahead, and made no 
response to her assailants. In twenty minutes she passed all the batteries 
unharmed and untouched. Forty-seven shots had been vainly fired at 
her. Then her powerful guns answered in an exultant peal, which told 
that she had attained a point beyond the reach of danger. The patriotic 
spectators on the Federal gunboats, and on the shore, set up a tumultuous 
shout of joy, which drowned even the loud bowlings of the tempest. The 
Carondelet then proceeded to New Madrid, to the assistance of General 
Pope, who soon after made his approaches with such skill and vigor that 
the Rebels, rather than endure the horrors of an assault, evacuated the 
place on the 14th of March. General Pope then took possession of it, 
and obtained a vast amount of stores, ammunition, and guns. 

It was soon ascertained that the Rebels had erected a large number of 
batteries, both on the Kentucky and the Tennessee banks of the Missis- 
sippi, for the purpose of assisting the operations of their confederates on 
Island Number Ten. Their river boats were also found to be ef&cient, 
and assailed the batteries of Commodore Foote with great spirit. But the 
power and efi'ect of the Federal mortars far transcended those of tlie 
enemy. The shells which were discharged by the former were of im- 
mense size, and being sent with remarkable precision into the works of 
the Rebels, produced the most disastrous results. A single mortar was 
capable of discharging in a single day about a hundred shells. The 
Rebels did not respond to the attack on the island until the evening of 
the 16th, when they opened their defence by firing a hundred and twenty 
pound rifled shell in the direction of the transports. This enormous 
missile fell and burst a few yards astern of the Graham and the Silver 
Wave, which were crowded with troops; and had the aim of the Rebels 



.1 



BOMBARDMENT OF ISLAND NUMBER TEN. 207 

been more accurate it might have produced dreadful havoc. A portion 
of the Federal artillery was placed on the Missouri shore in such a po- 
sition as to be within range of those batteries on the island which were 
beyond the reach of the guns of the fleet. On the 17th, Commodore 
Foote tried an experiment which proved successful. He ordered three 
gunboats, the Benton, the Cincinnati, and the St. Louis, to be lashed to- 
gether, and while the mortars continued to play upon the works of the 
enemy, they slowly sailed down the river for the purpose of reconnoiter- 
ing the batteries of the Eebels and drawing their fire from those works 
which might not yet have been observed. The result was that three 
batteries located lower down on the island commenced to fire, and with 
such accuracy that each of the three boats was struck during the excur- 
sion. One shot passed through the upper deck of the Cincinnati, another 
through the chimney of the Benton, and one of the guns on the St. Louis 
burst, killing four men and wounding ten. But the purpose of the ad- 
yenture had been successfully accomplished. 

The bombardment of the island continued from day to day, and the 
Federal vessels retained their original position. The firing was kept up 
with variable spirit on the part of the Rebels, and with such assiduity on 
the part of their assailants as to prevent the enemy from strengthening 
or repairing their fortifications. These became considerably damaged by 
the Federal guns ; but the effect of their fire on the Federal boats was 
unimportant. Thus, during the operations of an entire day, only four 
shots of all those discharged by the forts on the island struck any of the 
vessels. On the 18th, six additional mortar-batteries came from Cairo 
and joined the besieging force. Sometimes the scene presented by the 
bombardment was one of great beauty and sublimity, especially when the 
firing was continued during the night. At such times, the loud reverbe- 
ration of the guns waking up the unfamiliar echoes of the surrounding 
shores, the graceful passage of the shells in their parabolic course through 
the heavens, the sudden flashes of their explosion illumining the dark- 
ness for miles around, the returning shells of the Eebels issuing from the 
fortifications erected at different points on the island, their explosion 
above or near the tranquil bosom of the broad stream, the shouts of the 
combatants, and the calm intervals of silence, soon to be broken by the 
thunder-tones of new and fresh discharges ; these, and many other inci- 
dents of the spectacle, rendered it one of novel and impressive interest. 

During a portion of the time occupied by the bombardment, the Fede- 
ral fleet did not put forth its entire strength, and the firing was occa- 
sionally suspended. This enigma then seemed unaccountable to the 
enemy, but at a later period it was sufficiently explained. The design of 
this mysterious but masterly inactivity, was to occupy the attention of 
the Rebels and retain all those troops which they had collected on the 
^island in that position, that they might not interfere with the other -ope- 



208 THE CIVIL WAR IN TUE UNITED STATES. 

rations of the besiegers and with the plans of General Pope. During this 
interval the enemy were permitted to strengthen their works, and thus 
they served the purposes of the Federals by protracting the bombard- 
ment. Meanwhile, General Pope was strengthening his position and 
rendering the ultimate escape of the enemy down the Mississippi still 
more impracticable by erecting an additional battery on the Missouri 
shore two miles below Tiptonville. One of the first achievements of that 
battery was to sink a transport filled with stores for the enemy, which 
was proceeding from the Kentucky shore to the head of the island. On 
the 29th Commodore Foote renewed the bombardment with vigor. The 
Eebels replied with equal spirit, and from new points which they had 
recently fortified. At this period the cutting of a channel for the passage 
of large boats through the James bayou, a swampy peninsula formed by 
a bend in the river, was commenced. The purpose of this novel and 
extremely difiicult enterprise was to enable General Pope to convey troops 
over to the Tennessee side ; and by that means, in conjunction with the 
Union forces which were approaching the scene of conflict from that 
direction, to surround the enemy more completely. This extraordinary 
work was accomplished by sawing off the heavy timber which encum- 
bered the bayou, beneath the surface of the water, for a distance of ten 
miles. Few more remarkable instances of perseverance and determina- 
tion can be found than this enterprise in the annals of modern warfare. 
At length, on the 7th of April, General Pope transferred a portion of his 
army through this new channel to the shore of Tennessee. Four steamers 
were used for the conveyance of these troops. The remainder of his army 
was transported by the same route afterward. 

This channel was created by Colonel Bissel and his regiment of en- 
gineers. Their work deserves to be placed among those great master- 
pieces of mechanical skill, of which the Simplon across the Alps — one 
of the proudest products of Napoleon's genius — is considered as the most 
colossal. On the 6th of April, General Pope ordered Captain Walker to 
make a reconnoi.ssance in the Carondelet to Tiptonville for the purpose of 
drawing the fire of the concealed batteries which the Rebels had there 
erected. The exploration was successful — the position of the guns was 
ascertained — and they were immediately attacked and silenced. The 
troops on board, consisting of the twenty-seventh Illinois regiment, tlien 
landed, spiked the guns, broke the carriages, and threw the ammunition 
into the river. 

On the 7th General Pope, with a portion of his troops, marched to Tip- 
tonville, and attacked the Rebel troops which were posted at that point. 
The latter were completely routed, and fled into the surrounding swamps. 
The Federals captured a large number of prisoners, together with cannon 
and ammunition. This disaster, combined with the knowledge of the 
oons],ruction of the channel through the James bayou, and the renewec? 



SKETCH OF GENERAL POPE. 209 

vigor of the attack of the Union fleet on their works on the island, dis- 
heartened the Rebels who were posted there, and induced them to surren- 
der their stronghold. This protracted drama came to a sudden close on 
the 7th of March. At nine o'clock in the evening, a messenger was sent 
by the Eebel commander to Commodore Foote, proposing to capitulate, 
and inquiring what terms might be expected. The commodore replied, 
that no terms whatever would be allowed, except an unconditional sur- 
render. At one o'clock on the morning of the 8th, the surrender was 
formally made. Commodore Foote immediately sent Colonel Buford 
with two gunboats to take possession of the island. Had the enemy not 
yielded at that precise period, a simultaneous attack on the island would 
have been made at once, by the mortar boats, the gunboats, and the land 
forces under General Pope. The result of this combined movement 
could not have been doubtful, but the voluntary surrender of the Rebel 
commander opportunely averted the heavy sacrifice of human life which 
it would necessarily have involved. 

The consequences of the capture of this island were very important. 
The number of batteries which passed into the possession of the Federal- 
ists was eleven, mounting seventy heavy guns. A floating battery of sixteen 
lighter cannon, which the Rebels had cut adrift, was afterward recovered- 
A vast quantity of munitions of war, four steamers, and several gunboats, 
were also taken. The number of prisoners captured was seventeen 
officers, three hundred and sixty-eight privates, beside several hundred 
sick and wounded. The defence of the island bad been conducted by the 
Rebel General William D. Makall, who became a prisoner of war. As 
soon as the surrender of the works became known, the Confederate troops 
stationed on the Tennessee shore retreated with precipitation. This great 
victory, as might reasonably be expected, filled the nation with re- 
joicing ; and they approved with sincerity the message which was imme- 
diately afterward sent to the victors by the Secretary of the Navy, ex- 
pressive of the public gratitude for their services, a%d exultation at their 
success. 

Major-General John Pope, who divided with Commodore Foote the 
chief glory attendant upon this conquest, was born in Kentucky in 1823. 
He entered West Point Academy in 1838, and graduated in 1842, re- 
ceiving the brevet rank of second lieutenant of topographical engineers. 
He distinguished himself by his gallantry during the Mexican war, espe- 
cially at the battles of Monterey and Beuna Vista ; receiving the brevet 
rank of first lieutenant and captain for meritorious services in those bat- 
tles. Jle subsequently served in New Mexico and in Minnesota Territory 
as an engineer officer. In 1854, by appointment of Jefferson Davis, then 
Secretary of War, he explored the route for a Pacific railroad from the 
Red river to the Rio Grande, examining in connection with it the Liang 
Estacado or Staked Plain in Texas. In 1856 he was promoted to a 
14 



210 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



captaincj. For the next three years he was engaged in engineering 
duties in the "Western Military Department. In May, 1861, he was made 
a brigadier-general of volunteers. Though younger than many of his 
associate officers of similar rank in the army, General Pope was inferior 
to few of them in energy, ability, and professional skill. His achieve- 
ments at New Madrid and Island Number Ten, especially his bold and 
original conception of cutting a channel through the swarapy bayou near 
that island, and the success which attended his persevering efforts, deserve 
to hold a prominent place, and to be invested with no secondary interest, 
among the many thrilling and noteworthy events which, in all coming 
time, will enliven and decorate the annals of the civil war in the United 
States. 

After the conquest of Eoanoke Island by General Burnside, that officer 
prepared to extend his operations ; and on the 10th of March sailed south- 
ward through Pamlico Sound, for the purpose of assailing the Eebel for- 
tifications which had been erected at Newborn. This place is situated at 
the confluence of the Neuse and Trent rivers, about a hundred and fifty 
miles from Roanoke Island. It was a port of entry for North Carolina, 
and the capital of Craven county. Its capture was a necessary prelimi- 
nary to the attack on Beaufort, in North Carolina, as well as to that on 
Fort Macon. The batteries of the Rebels had been erected two miles 
below Newbern. Their earthworks extended over a front of nearly two 
miles, mounted forty-six heavy guns, and were defended by a numerous 
force. The attack was made on the 14th of March, the troops having 
been landed on the previous evening at the mouth of Slocum Creek, on 
the west side of the Neuse river, about fifteen miles below Newbern. 
Th<3y were divided by General Burnside into three brigades, commanded 
by Generals Reno, Parks, and Foster. The Rebels had also erected a 
series of batteries along the banks of the Neuse. These were successively 
attacked and taken bv the Federal troops, in their advance toward New- 
bern. In front of their intrenchments the enemy had felled a number of 
trees, and these were so arranged as to form an almost impenetrable 
abattis. The works were defended by about four thousand Rebels, while 
a reserve of four thousand was stationed at Newbern. The Federals, 
eight thousand in number, advanced with spirit to the attack on the works 
at which the Rebels had determined to make their final and most desperate 
stand. A conflict of three hours' duration ensued. The Federals fought 
at musket range until their ammunition was exhausted. General Burn- 
side then ordered a general charge to be made with the bayonet. I'liis 
movement, executed with the utmost gallantry, decided the issue of the 
day. The Rebels fled with precipitation, and left the most valuable 
trophies in possession of the victor.s. During the progress of the battle, 
an important advantage was gained by the Federalists, by a flank move- 
ment efl'ected by the second brigade, commanded by General Reno, 



GENERAL BURNSIDE ATTACKS NEWBERN. 211 

assisted by a portion of the third. The Eebels fought with desperation ; 
and in one instance, when a portion of the twenty-first Massachusetts 
regiment had advanced with too much eagerness within the intrenchments 
of the enemy, they were overpowered by superior numbers and compelled 
to retreat. The advantage, however, was but temporary ; for soon after- 
ward the whole mass of Eebel troops were driven in the greatest confu- 
sion from their works. They left all their guns unspiked. These fell 
into the hands of the victors, together with three thousand small arms, 
three light batteries of field artillery, a vast amount of ammunition, and 
three hundred prisoners. The loss of the Federals was seventy killed, 
two hundred and fifty wounded. 

After taking possession of the deserted intrenchments. General Burn- 
side pressed forward to occupy Newbern. The army passed rapidly along 
the railroad and the stage road. In their retreat the Eebels set fire to the 
bridge across the Trent, and afterward attempted, with less success, to 
burn the city. This ruthless purpose was defeated by the exertions of a 
number of the inhabitants who remained. It became necessary for the 
Federal troops to delay on the banks of the river, until the transports had 
sailed up from below. The first brigade at length embarked and passed 
over. The second and third bivouacked during the night of the l-lth on 
the other side, and did not cross until the next day. Newbern was 
nearly deserted by its white population, and the negroes were revelling in 
a drunken carnival of barbarous license. A provost guard was immedi- 
ately established to restore order, and secure the safety of life and prop- 
erty. The possession of this important place was thus obtained by the 
Federal forces by a most brave and brilliant assault. The immediate re- 
sult of this conquest was the cutting off of all railroad communication 
with Beaufort, and the embarrassment of that between Eichmond, Charles- 
ton, and the Atlantic slave States ; the control of a large part of eastern 
North Carolina ; and an easy advance either toward Ealeigh in the inte- 
terior, or toward Fort Macon on the south. * 



212 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — ITS SnBDrVISIONS — THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER 
— INCIDKNTS OF THE BATTLE — ITS RESULTS — THE KILLED AND WOUNDED — SKETCH OP 
GENERAL SHIELDS — CONCENTRATION OF THE REBEL TROOPS NEAR CORINTH^APPROACH 
OF THE FEDERAL ARMY UNDER GENERAL GRANT — DISPOSITION OF THE REBEL ARMY — 
COMMENCEMENT OF THE BATTLE OF PITTSBURG LANDING OR SHILOH — ATTACK AND CAPTURE 
OF GENERAL PRENTISS's TROOPS — EFFORTS OF GENERALS SHERMAN AND MCCLERNAND — 
THE ENGAGEMENT BECOMES GENERAL — DESPERATE FIGHTING ON BOTH SIDES — GRADUAL 
REPULSE AND RETREAT OP THE FEDERAL ARMY — TERRIFIC SCENES^INTERPOSITION OF 
THE FEDERAL GUNBOATS — END OF THE FIRST DAY's BATTLE — ARRIVAL OP GENERAL BUELL 
— DISPOSITION OP TROOPS DURING THE ENSUING NIGHT— THE SECOND DAY's CONFLICT — 
INCIDENTS OF THIS DAY — SKILL AND ENERGY OP GENERAL BUELL — THE TIDE OF VICTORY 
IS GRADUALLY REVERSED — ULTIMATE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS — THEIR RETfiEAT TO 
CORINTH — SKETCH OP GENERAL BUELL — RESULTS OP THE BATTLE OF SHILOH. 

"When at length, in compliance with the positive order of President 
Lincoln, the great army of the Potomac, numbering nearly two hundred 
thousand men, moved to the conquest of Richmond, it was divided into 
several separate corps cVarmk. The command of all but two of these was 
entrusted to General McClellan. After leaving Manassas it was conveyed 
by transports down the Potomac to Fortress Monroe, and having afterward 
disembarked below Yorktown, prepared to effect the reduction of that place, 
and then advance toward the Rebel capital. The second corps under 
General McDowell pursued a middle line of march, due south,, toward the 
city of Fredericksburg. The third, under General Banks, passing through 
Harper's Ferry, proceeded to Winchester, and thence through the valley 
of the Shonandaoh, by Strasburg, Woodstock, New Market, and Har- 
risonburg, toward Staunton. It was a portion of this force which 
encountered a large body of Rebels near Winchester, and which, led on 
by General Shields, gained a decisive victory at that place. 

The Rebel army which thus came into action near Winchester, was 
commanded by General T. J. Jackson. On Saturday, March 22d, 1862, 
some skirmishing took place between Ashby's famous cavalry and the 
Federal pickets, until four o'clock in the afternoon, when the enemy 
appeared in larger numbers. They advanced as far as the Stone House 
Mill on the Strasburg turnpike. General Shields then ordered three 
batteries of artillery to be sent to the scene of action, and a brisk combat 
ensued between them and the Rebels. It was of short duration, however, 
for soon the latter broke and retreated. General Shields was on the field 
during the conflict, and was wounded in the arm. The enemy was fol- 
lowed a short di-stance, when night put an end to the pursuit. 

On Sunday morning, March 23d, the Rebels, having been reinforced 



THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER. 213 

Dy five regiments of infantry and two batteries of artillery under General 
Garnett, renewed the conflict. Their united forces amounted to eight or 
ten thousand men. Their line of battle extended about a mile on the 
right of the village of Kerntown. The action commenced with the eighth 
Ohio regiment, which formed part of General Tyler's brigade. A furious 
assault was made on these troops, with the design of turning the right 
flank of the Federals. They were repulsed with great heroism by the 
Ohio troops; and although they emerged five times from the woods and 
from behind their stone wall parapets, they were invariably repulsed. 
The left wing of the Federals consisted of the thirteenth Indiana, the 
seventh Ohio, and a battery of the fourth regular artillery, commanded 
by Captain Jenks. The centre consisted of the fourteenth Indiana, the 
sixty-seventh Ohio, and the eighty-fourth Pennsylvania. The cavalry, 
comprising the first Michigan and the first Ohio, were drawn up in the 
rear. The Federal right included the eighth and fifth Ohio, and a battery 
of the first Virginia regime.nt. Three regiments constituted tho reserve. 

Daring the engagement all these troops except the cavalry were brought 
into action. The battle raged along the whole line from eleven in the 
morning until half-past two. At that time General Shields ordered his 
right wing to charge upon the enemy with the bayonet. Previous to 
issuing this order, lie had strengthened his right by the addition of the 
eighty-fourth Pennsylvania and a battery of artillery. The left wing of 
the enemy, opposing the Federal right, had also been reinforced ; and the 
execution of the order to charge had become one, not only of importance, 
but also of dilEculty. On the success of the movement the issue of the 
conflict depended. It was three o'clock when all was ready, and the 
word of command was given. General Tyler led the charge at the head 
of his troops. As the Federals advanced toward the Eebels, they encoun- 
tered a hailstorm from their artillery and small arms ; and their loss was 
heavy. The former reserved their fire until they were within fifteen or 
twenty yards of the enemy ; they then poured into them a destructive 
deluge of lead and iron, and charged upon them with the bayonet. Bat 
the resistance at first made was stubborn and resolute. The enemy fought 
bravely and contested the ground foot by foot. General Jackson had 
changed the position of some of his troops daring the action, so that now 
they presented the form of a concave front to their assailants ; and his 
troops continued the struggle for victory with great determination. 

Nevertheless, the valor of the Federal forces was destined to triumph. 
The Rebels at length began to retire, and fled about half a mile. They 
then placed their guns in position and renewed the contest. Overborne 
again by the heroism of their assailants, they resumed their retrograde 
movement, still bringing their guns to bear upon the pursuers at every 
opportunity. Thus the fight and the pursuit were continued until night- 
fall, when the victorious Federalists bivouacked during the night upon 



2U TDK CIVIL WAR IN TUB UNITED STATES. 

the battle-field. On the next day the chase of the Eebels continued 33 
far as the vicinity of Strasburg. The fighting during the battle of Win- 
cliester was at some periods as desperate as can well be imagined ; and 
tlie intensity of the struggle may be inferred from the single fact that, 
within a few minutes, four standard bearers of one of the Federal regi- 
ments were successively slain. Captain Whitcome, of the fifth Ohio, then 
took up the fallen colors; but he also fell in a few seconds, while cheer- 
ing on his men. The battle-field, after such a conflict, necessarily pre- 
sented a revolting spectacle. The loss on both sides was very heavy, 
when the number of combatants engaged is taken into consideration. 
Eighty-five Rebels were buried on the field in a single grave, thirty feet 
wide. Ten wagons filled with dead and wounded, acoompanied the fugi- 
tives toward Strasburg. Along the stone parapet or wall which formed 
part of the enemy's line, their dead bodies were found piled in heaps upon 
each other. The loss on the Federal side was about one hundred and 
thirty killed, two hundred and fifty wounded. After the pursuit of the 
Eebels as far as Strasburg, they continued their retreat through the valley 
of the Shenandoah toward Woodstock. 

General James Shields, whose skill and valor contributed so much to 
the victory of the troops under his command, was born in the county 
of Tyrone, Ireland, in 1810. He emigrated to this country when sixteen 
years of age, and after pursuing mathematical, classical, and legal studies 
at the East, settled in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in 1832, and was admitted a 
member of the Illinois bar. In 1836 he was elected a member of the 
Legislature of that State. In 1839 he was chosen State auditor, and in 
1843 appointed judge of its Supreme Court. In 18-15 he received from 
President Polk the appointment of commissioner of the General Land 
Office at Washington. When the Mexican war commenced, he was 
made a brigadier-general of volunteers, and fought with great gallantry 
iit Vera Cruz and Cerro Gordo. It was in the latter battle that he re- 
ceived a dangerous wound, and was saved from death by a singular and 
propitious accident. A copper ball had passed through his body and lungs, 
the extravasated blood was gradually filling up his lungs, and he was 
rapidly approaching the hour of death. His case had been given over 
as hopeless by the regular surgeons of the army, when a Mexican doctor 
offered to save his life if he would permit him to operate. The permis- 
sion was readily granted. A fine silk handkerchief was then worked 
into the wound, and finally drawn through it and taken out at the back, 
so that daylight could be seen through the aperture. By means of the 
handkerchief the blood was removed, the wound afterward healed, and 
the patient recovered. He subsequently distinguished himself at Chapul- 
tepec, and was again wounded, though less severely than before. His 
services were rewarded by being made major-general of volunteers. In 
•1848 he was appointed Governor of Oregon Territory, but soon resigned, 



ATTACK AND CAPTURE OF GEN. PRENTISS'S TROOPS. 215 

and in 1849 was elected to represent that state in the Federal Senate, in 
place of Mr. Breese. Technical objections having been raised against his 
admission to that body, he resigned his seat, was immediately re-elected, 
and afterward served his full term of six years in that important assem- 
blage. \n 1855 he removed to Minnesota. He was soon elected from 
that State to a seat in the Federal Senate ; but having drawn the short 
term, his period of service expired in 1859. He then emigrated to Cali- 
fornia, and there resumed the profession of the law. When the Eebel- 
lion commenced, he was invited from that distant point to accept a com- 
mission in the Federal army. The offer was at first declined; but upon 
its renewal he accepted it, and at once journeyed to Washington. The 
death of General Lander provided a suitable position for him. He received 
the command of his brigade, being placed under the superior orders of 
General Banks. The battle and the victory of Winchester soon enabled 
him to demonstrate that he had lost nothing of that martial skill and 
heroic valor which had already rendered him distinguished in the annals 
of American warfare. 

The severe losses which the Rebels had incurred in the southwest, 
seemed only to have rendered them more determined ; and their ablest 
generals gradually concentrated their most efficient troops near Corinth, 
Tennessee. General Albert Sydney Johnston, then commander-in-chief 
of the Rebel armies, was collecting his forces there, assisted by Beaure- 
gard, Polk, and other able generals. Their purpose was to intercept the 
victorious march of the Federal troops who had triumphed at Forts Henry 
and Donelson ; and to prevent their intended advance toward Memphis. 
For some days General Grant had been transferring his forces to Savan- 
nah Tennessee, and thence across the river to Pittsburg Landing. It 
was on the fourth of April, that about thirty-five thousand of these had 
passed over, and had taken their position at the distance of several miles 
from the shore. They were awaiting the arrival of the remainder of the 
army under General Buell, containing about an equal number of men, 
who should have already been on the spot, in accordance with the plans 
of General Grant. While this unfortunate delay existed, and the separa- 
tion of the Federal army into two bodies, which necessarily resulted from 
it, continued, the Rebel generals conceived the idea of making a sudden 
attack. Their time was admirably chosen. They executed their purpose 
with superior skill and fortitude ; and the great but indecisive battle of 
Shiloh or Pittsburg Landing was the result. 

The Federal forces which had crossed the river were posted westward 
from Pittsburg Landing, in a curved line along the banks, and extended 
a distance of three and a half miles ; the centre facing^the road to Corinth. 
They were commanded by Generals Prentiss, Sherman, Hurlbut, and 
McClernand. As Corinth was a position admirably adapted for defence, 
it was not suspected that the enemy would abandon the advantages which 



216 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

it afforded and venture on an advance. Hence it must be admitted that 
their attack was in a great measure unexpected. They marched out of 
Corinth on Saturday, April 5th, seventy thousand in number, in three 
grand divisions. General Johnston commanded, and was with the centre ; 
Braxton Bragg and Beauregard commanded the two wings; * Hardee, 
Polk, Breckinridge, and Cheatham, held inferior positions. Their plan 
of attack was, to assault the centre of the Federal lines, consisting of the 
divisions of Prentiss and McClernand, penetrate them, and then assail 
each of the wings on the front and flank. Having thus divided and over- 
powered the Federal army, their purpose was to compel them to surren- 
der, or drive them into the Tennessee river, and thus complete either the 
capture or the ruin of the whole. 

During the night of Saturday their numerous forces lay at no very 
great distance from the Federal camp. Their proximity evidently began 
to be suspected ; for at two o'clock in the morning of Sunday, the 6th, 
Colonel Peabody, of General Prentiss's division, sent forward two hundred 
and fifty men beyond his lines to ascertain whether any Rebel troops lay 
in that vicinity. These had scarcely proceeded half a mile when they 
encountered a large body of Rebels approaching them. The latter opened 
tlieir fire immediately, and drove the Federals with great slaughter, back 
toward their camp. They followed promptly, and actually reached the 
position of Colonel Peabody as his regiment, aroused by the disant firing, 
were falling into line. The gray mists of morning were then about as- 
cending, and throwing a partial, hazy light over the scene, so soon to 
become the arena of one of the bloodiest struggles of modern times. 
Many of the officers had not yet risen, many of the men were not j'ct 
armed, when the whole Federal camp became aware that a vigorous attack 
had commenced upon some portion of their line. The twenty-fifth 
Missouri regiment, belonging to General Prentiss's division, was the first 
to feel the assault of the approaching enemy, who were firing volleys of 
musketry as they advanced. Their cannon, already in position and un- 
limbered, were tossing shells into the heart of the Federal encampment- 
During this process the Federal army was gradually dressing, arming, 
and falling into line; but this was not accomplished until a decisive ad- 
vantage had been gained by the enemy. 

The whole of General Sherman's division was the first to confront the 
Rebels in line of battle. It was now six o'clock. Sherman's troops 
withstood the shock for some time with heroism ; but being overpowered 
by superior numbers, were compelled to give way. As they retreated the 
balls of the enemy ploughed through their living masses with fearful 
slaughter. The dLvisions of Generals Sherman and Buckland abandoned 
their camp equipage, and some of them retreated in disgraceful disorder. 
Several of the Ohio regiments, especially the fifty-third, commanded by 
Colonel Appier, fled without firing a single gun, and covered themselves 



THE BATTLE OF CORINTH. 217 

with ignominy. In vain did General McClernand order forward a portion 
of his left to support the scattering and fugitive troops of Buckland. In 
vain did General Sherman exert himself to stop the flight of his own men, 
dashing bravely along the lines amid a hailstorm of bullets. The advan- 
cing billows of the Eebel host overwhelmed every thing before them ; 
and while portions of the Federal regiments occasionally paused a few 
moments to stop the tide of fugitives and pursuers, the great mass rolled 
onward in a tumultuous chaos toward the river. Then it was that 
General Prentiss, having succeeded in making a stand for a time, and 
having been left unsupported on the field, was encompassed by the enemy. 
A wall of bayonets closed around his men, and after a short but desperate 
combat they were made prisoners. Three regiments, having laid down 
their arms, were marched toward the rear of the enemy. 

It was now ten o'clock. One whole division of the Federal army had 
retreated, leaving a frightful gap in the centre of their lines. Just then 
the division of General W. H. L. Wallace was deployed into the vacant 
territory ; and they held their position with great resolution till toward 
the end of the day. By this time General Grant arrived on the field 
from Savannah, and immediately placed guards in the rear to stop the 
retreating soldiers. The temporary flight was thus terminated, the ofiScers 
became reassured, and succeeded in bringing their troops, many of whom 
had begun to waver, into order of battle. Then ensued a more regular? 
universal and desperate combat. The battle raged along the whole line ; 
for the enemy had now all reached the scene of conflict, and every portion 
of both armies was brought into action. The roar of the cannon and 
musketry was deafening; the earth trembled under their shock. The 
fiercest struggle was in the centre, between the enemy and the troops who 
had taken General Sherman's position. A furious charge was made upon 
the fourteenth Ohio battery, and after a long contest it was captured by 
the Rebels. A similar onslaught was made upon the fifth Ohio battery, 
which resulted in the capture of three of its guns. The left wing of the 
Federal forces also encountered and resisted a ferocious assault. The 
Rebels, by a sudden dash, captured a part of the battery of Waterhouse, 
together with that of Beer. For nearly two hours a lurid sheet of fire 
blazed between the two columns, hurling destruction into each other's 
ranks. Three different times the Federals, weakened by the deadly fire 
of the Mississippi riflemen, were compelled slowly to retire toward the 
river; and three times they regained the lost advantage. Dresser's 
battery of rifled guns on two occasions made the enemy recoil with fear- 
ful losses. 

Thus till after three o'clock the combat raged with appalling fury. The 
air seemed filled with sulphurous hail ; the wide-spread scene of conflict 
was covered with a far ascending curtain of smoke, witkin which the 
rushing, advancing, receding masses of men might be dimly seen, plunged 



218 THE CIVIL "WAR IN' THE UNITED STATES. 

into the mortal struggles of the conflict. At one time the fire of the enemy 
appeared to be concentrated toward the centre. At another it would ex- 
pand and extend itself up and down the line to right and to left. By thia 
time tlie ground was covered with the wounded and the slain of both armies. 

For the most part the superiority of numbers which the Eebels possessed 
gave them the advantage. As the sun was descending the western 
heavens, the Federal army was gradually retiring toward the river, un- 
able to resist with success the ponderous and infuriated masses opposed to 
them. By this time the enemy had full possession of the camps of Sherman, 
Prentiss, and McClernand. The whole front line, except Stuart's brigade, 
had given way. To the last the divisions of W. H. L. Wallace and 
Hurlbut made a heroic stand, and maintained their positions. Hurlbut 
had been encamped at the end of the line nearest the river. His troops 
consisted chiefly of Kentucky, Indiana and Iowa regiments. Having 
open fields before them, they raked the approaching enemy with terrible 
effect. They held ,their position from ten in the forenoon until half past 
three. No officer on the field deserved greater praise for his heroism and 
gallantry than General Hurlbut. His example and his exertions served 
greatly to avert the horrors of a universal defeat, which impended over 
the army of the Union on that memorable day. Next in line to his bri- 
gade was that of General W. H. L. Wallace, who commanded the troops 
which had formerly been under the orders of General Charles Ferguson 
Smith, whom sickness prevented frt)m being present in this engagement. 
General Wallace entered into the conflict about ten o'clock. He and his 
men fought with the utmost resolution till half past three. Four .separate 
times the Rebel generals attempted to turn them by the most furious 
charges. Just as often their advancing masses were compelled to recoil 
and retreat with fearful losses. The powerful batteries from Missouri, 
commanded by Stone, Weber, and Richardson, were admirably served, 
and greatly contributed to the partial success of the day, in this portion 
of the field. But when the general retreat began, and the whole line com- 
menced to retire, they were compelled to yield, for it would have been 
madne-ss to remain. As the division began to fall back, General Wallace 
was severely wounded. His soldiers were the last to give way, at that 
desperate moment when the Federal line was driven back within half a 
mile of Pittsburg Landing, with the victorious masses of the Rebels 
crowding within a thousand yards of their confused and retreating ranks. 

And now the last horrible tragedy of this day seemed about to be 
consummated. The Rebels at length occupied all the camps of the 
Federal army. The latter were crowded in wild confusion around Pitts- 
burg Landing, within the circumference of half a mile. In vain had the 
soldiers of the Union expended prodigies of valor, in the most desperate 
attempts to resist their fate. They had now fallen back as far as the 
nature of the ground would permit. There seemed to be no alternative 



SKILL AND ENERGY OF GENERAL BUELL. -219 

but to surrender, or to perish beneath the tranquil and brightly glancing 
waves of the Tennessee river ; for sufficient transports had not been pro 
vided to convey over even a small proportion of the multitude of the 
fugitives. Never had the fate of any army seemed more desperate, its 
ruin more inevitable. During the day General Buell had been repeatedly 
telegraphed to hasten his tardy legions ; but he had been unable as yet to 
reach the scene of conflict. Certain destruction thus appeared to impend 
over the Union army, when a sudden deliverance unexpectedly arose. 
The gunboats Lexington and A. 0. Tyler having opportunely arrived 
from Savannah, were at that moment able to bring their guns to bear 
upon the masses of the victorious Rebels ; and having steamed up the 
mouth of Licking Creek, they opened a deadly fire upon their right wing. 
Broadside after broadside of sixty-four pounders was discharged as rapidly 
as the most skilful gunnery could send their shells into the serried ranks 
of the foe. At the same time the long wished-for advance guard of 
Buell's army appeared on the high bluffs which lined the opposite banks 
of the rivei>. Their presence at once inspirited the Federal troops, and 
shout after shout ascended to greet them. But no time was to be lost 
and quickly several transports which had been tied along the opposite 
bank were loosed, and filled with artillery and troops. But before they 
could arrive, Colonel Webster, the chief of General Grant's staff, had col- 
lected all the guns which remained untaken, had formed them into a semi- 
circle bearing upon the Rebel army, and had opened a formidable assault 
upon their line. These combined salutes, while they raised the courage 
of the Federal forces, which had been fighting for so many hours, dis- 
heartened the enemy. The death of General Sydney Johnston now 
became known, which misfortune added to their panic. Their com- 
manders at length discovered that their successes for that day were 
ended ; and that no further advantage could possibly be gained. They 
therefore withdrew as far as the Federal camps which they had taken, and 
prepared to renew the contest with more decisive results, as they hoped, 
on the ensuing day. 

The night of Sunday was industriously employed in transporting the 
troops of General Buell across the river. As soon as the successive regi- 
ments arrived, they proceeded to take their positions in the Federal lines. 
The gunboats continued their bombardment during the whole night. 
They soon made the position occupied by the centre and the right of the 
Rebels, at the close of Sunday, untenable, and compelled them to fall 
back from point to point, so that they evacuated more than half the 
ground they had gained by the retre3,t of the Federal army toward the 
river. This circumstance will account for the mysterious fact that the 
Rebels made no assault during the night, as had been confidently expected ; 
and it also prevented them from commencing the battle at daybreak on 
Monday. 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

During the hours of that memorable night, ^vhile a furious tempest 
raged, and a deluge of rain descended, the Federal commanders were 
busy m makmg preparations for resuming the contest. New dispositions 
had been formed. Ammen's brigade was placed on the extreme left, 
that of Bruce in the centre, that of Hazen on the right of Nelson's divi^ 
s.on. At seven o clock on Monday the action began, by a simultaneous 
advance on both sides ; for both sides seemed equally eager for the com- 
bat. General Lewis Wallace opened the engagement by shelling the 
enemy opposed to h.m. He was answered by a powerful Eebel baltery 
and a duel between artillery ensued. The result here was, that a body 
of Federal infantry having been sent across a ravine to attack the flank 
of tins portion of the enemy's line, the guns of the latter were soon lim- 
bered up and hastily withdrawn. General Nelson at the same time at- 
tacked the enemy opposed to him. His large mass of troops renewed the 
contest in all its fury; the action soon became general along the whole 
hne; and the rattle of small arms, and the louder, heavier tones of tt 
artdlery reverberated without intermission over the far-extendin-. scene 
o conflict. The Rebels attacked the Federal centre and right w°ith he 
utmost desperation. At half-past ten the Federals had regained nearly 
al the ground from which they had been driven on the preceding dav 
At that moment the enemy concentrated their efforts to make a grand 
assault. Suddenly, and with much concert, their generals huried their 
furious squadrons on the lines of the advancing Federals. Stunned by 
the shock, the latter reeled, and for a time gave way on the entire righ[ 
The ground there was fiercely contested, and the issue would have been 
doubtful, perhaps disastrous; but just at the critical moment General 
Buell arrived on that part of the field and assumed the command. He soon 
comprehended the relative positions of the combatants, and ordered a 
forward double-quick movement by brigades. The Eebel lines were 
then driven back for a quarter of a mile. Soon the deserted camps of the 
Federals were reached, and repossessed by their former owners By half- 
past two the entire right of the enemy was routed; they had lost all in 
tliat portion of the field which they had gained ; the captured guns of the 
Federals were retaken; and some additional tropliies were wrested from 
the retreating enemy. In that part of the Federal lines where the bri^^ades 
of Crittenden, McCook, Smith, and Boyle were posted, a contest of Lual 
intensity took place. At one time the Federal troops were overpowered 
and retreated. The day was recovered by a spirited cannonade poured 
into the Eebel masses by the batteries of Mendenhall and Bartlett After 
a long contest the enemy here also began to retire, and to leave the field 
in the possession of their antagonists. On the extreme right, where the 
gallant Hurlbut and McClernand commanded, the vicissitules of the day 
were equally varied, to be terminated at last by a result equally honor- 
able to the Federal arms. Four times McClernand lost and regained the 



ULTIMATE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS. 221 

position which he occupied at the commencement of the engagemant. 
The troops in the centre of the Federal army, commanded by General 
Sherman, overpowered by a terrific assault of artillery, in which "Watson's 
Louisiana battery was remarkable for its prodigious effects, were com- 
pelled at one time to give way. But after a long struggle they recovered 
their advantage, aided by the efficient batteries of Thurber and Thompson. 
By four o'clock, an hour and half later than the victory on the left, the 
enemy commenced to retire here also, before Sherman's advancing lines. 
Then the retreat became general, and the whole Eebel army, disheartened 
and essentially weakened by the immense though futile struggles of the 
day, withdrew in comparative order toward Corinth. The Federal forces 
then reoccupied their original camp, and took jDossession of almost every 
trophy which, on the preceding day, had fallen into the possession of the 
temporary victors. 

During the progress of this memorable engagement, Generals Grant, 
Buell, Sherman, Nelson, the Wallaces, Hurlbut, McClernand, and 
McCook, greatly distinguished themselves. They were present in every 
portion of the field, and exhibited the utmost skill and coolness in every 
emergency. Very many of the inferior commanders were equally valiant 
and equally worthy of commendation. But it must also be admitted, 
that some of the subaltern officers disgraced themselves during the combat 
by their cowardice. General Grant was compelled to order a number of 
these under arrest on the battle-field. The results of this great conflict 
were important. Their defeat greatly dispirited the Rebel leaders, while 
it covered the Federal arms with immortal renown. The loss of the 
enemy was seventeen hundred and twenty-eight killed, eight thousand 
and twelve wounded, nine hundred missing. Their chief misfortune was 
the death of Albert Sydney Johnston. The loss of the Federals was 
about two thousand killed, seven thousand four hundred wounded, and 
nearly three thousand missing.* 

The chief glory of this victory will be ascribed by posterity to the two 
generals who were highest in command. Generals Grant and Buell. The 
former we have already sketched. The latter was born in Ohio, in 1820. 
He entered the academy at West Point in 1837, and was breveted second 
lieutenant of infantry in 1841. He was appointed first lieutenant in June, 
1846, and in September of the same year was breveted captain, for his 
gallantry at the battle of Monterey. At the battle of Cherubusco he was 
severely wounded in the chest. In 1848 he was appointed assistant 
adjutant-general, with the full rank of captain. When the Eebellion 

* It is impossible to state the number of killed and wounded in this battle with pre- 
cise and perfect accuracy. All the accounts, even those which seem to be most reli- 
able and authoritative, essentially differ. All that can be done with the probability 
of truth is, to state those numbers which seem to possess the greatest preponderance 
of authority in their favor ; and those numbers I have given in the text. 



322 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

commenced he was stationed in California; but was at once appointed 
a brigadier-general by Congress, and in the autumn of 1861 succeeded 
General William T. Sherman, as commander of the Department of the 
Ohio. He addressed himself to the task of organizing an efficient army in 
his department, and in arranging some of the details of the campaign, which 
were afterward realized. The engagement in which Humphrey Marshall 
was defeated by General Garfield was planned by him. When General 
Halleck was placed in command of the Department of the Southwest, 
Buell was made his subordinate. At the same time he was promoted to 
the rank of major-general. The long list of valuable services which he 
had rendered to the cause of the Union was fitly crowned by his successful 
and skilful efforts at Pittsburg Landing, where he was instrumental in 
assisting to turn the tide of victory, and in wresting from the Eebel 
generals the laurels which were commencing, unworthily, to bloom 
around their brows. 



COLLISION AT HOWARD (JEEEK. 



CHAPTER XX. 

THE FEDERAL ARMY UNDER GENERAL MCCLELLAN APPROACH TORKTOWN — COLLISION ON 

HOWARD CREEK ATTACK ON DETACHED REBEL INTRE.VCHMENTS ESTABLISHMENT OF THE 

FEDERAL CAMP, *ND ERECTION OF FEDERAL BATTERIES — PREPARATIONS FOR A GREAT 
CONFLICT AT YORKTOWN — BRILLIANT OPERATIONS OP GENERAL MITCHELL IN ALABAMA — 

RESULTS OF HIS EAPID MOVEMENTS — SKETCH OP GENERAL MITCHELL EVENTS IN GEORGIA 

— CAPTURE OF FORT PULASKI — STRENGTH OF THE REBEL WORKS — INCIDENTS OP THE BOM- 
BARDMENT OF THAT FORT — RESULTS OF THE CAPTURE — THE CONQUEST OF NEW ORLEANS — 
FEDERAL ARMAMENT UNDER COMMODORE FARRAGUT — BOMBARDMENT OF FORTS JACKSON 
AND ST. PHILIP — AN ENGAGEMENT OF SIX DAYS — REDUCTION OP THESE FORTS — IMPRES- 
SION PRODUCED BY IT IN NEW ORLEANS — THE FEDERAL FLEET APPROACH THAT CITY — THE 
KEBEL TROOPS EVACUATE IT — THE SUMMONS TO SURRENDER — IMPERTINENCE OP MAYOR 
MONROE — NEW ORLEANS OCCUPIED BY FEDERAL TROOPS — SKETCH OF COMMODORE FARRA- 
GUT THE BOMBARDMENT OP FORT MACON — INCIDENTS OP THE ASSAULT — STRENGTH OF 

THAT FORT — RESULTS OP ITS CAPTURE BY THE FEDERAL TROOPS. 

On Friday, April 4tli, 1862, the army of the Potomac, which had halted 
temporarily at Fortress Monroe on its way toward Yorktown, resumed 
its march. Berdan's sharpshooters led the advance, with the fourth 
Michigan, the fourteenth New York, and the third Pennsylvania cavalry. 
The route lay through Great Bethel, on the direct road toward York- 
town. At that spot, already celebrated in the annals of the nation by 
the decisive victory gained by Washington over Lord Cornwallis, on the 
19th of October, 1781, the Rebels had concentrated an efBcient army, 
twenty thousand strong, commanded by General Magruder ; bad erected 
numerous breastworks, which extended across the isthmus or peninsula 
which separates the York and the James rivers ; and there they seemed 
resolved to contest, to the utmost of their ability, the further progress of 
the Federal forces toward their capital. 

The enemy had constructed a fort as an outwork on the banks of 
Howard Creek, near the village of Rosedown, which necessarily became 
the first object of attack. Allan's fifth Massachusetts battery was detailed 
to this service. Fifteen round of shell were thrown, after which the 
Rebels evacuated the fort with great precipitation. It was immediately 
occupied by the victors, and the stars and stripes were unfurled from the 
flag-staff. This conquest occupied but a brief period of time, and did not 
prevent the van of the Federal army from reaching the vicinity of 
Cocklestcwn, six miles distant from Yorktown, during the same day. 
On the morrow the march was resumed. The falling rain had rendered 
the road? extremely difficult, and the progress of the troops and guns 
was comparatively slow. At length the advance reached a point not 
more than three miles distant from Yorktown. From this position some 



224 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES, 

Rebel intrenchments were discovered to the right of the road, at the 
distance of a mile. General McClellan deemed it advisable not to leave 
these behind him to annoy his rear ; he therefore ordered a number of his 
batteries to attack them. The guns were immediately wheeled into posi 
tion in advance of the infantry by whom they were supported. A heavy 
bombardment was commenced, to which the guns of the enemy in the 
forts responded. Their shells were thrown indiscriminately over the 
entire area covered by the Federal army, and sometimes.bursting in the 
vicinity of the troops, were not harmless. The firing continued without 
intermission during the entire day. About noon it increased in fury and 
vigor. Then Morell's brigade on the left advanced within three-quarters 
of a mile of the intrenchments ; the sharpshooters approached still nearer, 
and picked off with an infallible aim the most of those who manned the 
Eebel guns. In vain their artillery directed their special attention to 
these dangerous assailants, and attempted to drive them beyond the range 
of their rifles. The heavy firing terminated with the close of the day, 
though skirmishing was continued between the pickets of both armies 
during the night. A number had been killed and wounded on both 
sides. Griffin's battery had silenced three of the guns of the Eebels. 
During the next day the enemy evacuated their intrenchments on the 
right, and concentrated their whole force in their main works before 
Yorktown. 

Immediately after the termination of this engagement, which was re- 
garded merely as preliminary to the much greater and more decisive 
operations which were expected soon to follow, the Federal army pro- 
ceeded to establish their encampment before Yorktown. General 
McClellan carefully reconuoitered the works of the enemy. They were 
found to be both extensive and formidable. The next duty, therefore, 
■\fras to commence the construction of counter works, preliminary to a 
grand and final assault upon the fortifications of the foe. The latter pro- 
ceeded with equal industry to strengthen those breastworks which they 
had already erected, and to add to their number. At the same time 
immense reinforcements were ordered to join the Rebel troops already 
assembled at Yorktown ; so that in a short time they increased to the 
number of sixty thousand men. Leaving the combatants here to execute 
their purpose, in anticipation of the occurrence of a world-renowned 
combat between them at that spot, which was destined never to take 
place, we will proceed to narrate the events which were transpiring in 
other portions of the scene of conflict. 

It was at this period that General Mitchel achieved one of the most 
brilliant and efiective episodes of the war. Starting from Louisville with 
a few thousand men, he commenced a rapid advance southward through 
Alabama, expecting to encounter the enemy upon his line of march. lie 
proceeded, however, without interruption as far as the city of Huntsville, 



OPERATIONS OP GENERAL MITCH EL IN ALABAMA. 225 

of which he took possession. Rebel forces oa the route thither, instead 
of confronting and resisting him, uniformly fled from him. Their only 
strategy consisted in burning the bridges. Having reached Huntsville, 
General Mitchel sent out two expeditions in the railroad cars which he 
had captured at that place. The one under Colonel Sill, with the thirty- 
third Ohio, proceeded eastward to Stevenson, where the junction of the 
Chattanooga, the Memphis and the Charleston railroads takes place. The 
other, under Colonel Tarchin, with the nineteenth Illinois, went westward, 
and having arrived at Decatur took charge of the railroad bridge at that 
place, fifteen hundred feet long, and saved it from the destruction which 
at that moment impended over it. The former of these expeditions was 
equally useful ; for it captured a large number of fugitive Rebel troops, 
five locomotives, and an immense amount of rolling stock. The results 
of this enterprise were important. General Mitchel thereby obtained pos- 
session of a hundred miles of the Memphis and Charleston railroad. He 
intercepted the communication between the Rebel army at Corinth and 
the Rebel authorities in Richmond. It enabled him to threaten Corinth 
itself in flank and rear; and to march upon it at any moment in concert 
with Generals Grant and Bueil. He obtained the supremacy of a hundred 
miles of territory in the very heart of Alabama, in the blooming centre 
of a magnificent cotton region ; and he was able to encourage and protect 
the friends of the Union in that portion of the Rebel Confederacy. By 
this achievement the stars and stripes again waved over ten towns 
within the limits of Alabama, on the railroad line between Decatur and 
Stevenson. 

Brigadier-General 0. M. Mitchel, the hero of this remarkable achieve- 
ment, is known to fame both as a soldier and as a savant. He was born 
in Union county, Kentucky, in 1810. He graduated at West Point in 
June, 1829, and having entered the artillery corps with the brevet rank 
of second lieutenant, became assistant professor of mathematics in that 
in.stitution. That position he held until September, 1832, when he re- 
signed his command with the army and engaged in civil engineering 
He then studied law, and was admitted to the 'bar in Cincinnati in 1833. 
In 1834 he was appointed professor of mathematics and astronomy in the 
Ohio University. That position he retained during ten years. In 1815 
he founded the Cincinnati Observatory, of which he became the director 
and also published the " Siderial Messenger." In 1848 he held the oifice 
of adjutant-general of the State of Ohio, and subsequently became chief 
engineer of the Ohio and Mississippi railroad. Previous to the commence- 
ment of the rebellion he had distinguished himself as an author and lec- 
turer on scientific subjects. Having tendered his services to the defenders 
of the Union in the hour of its peril, they were promptly accepted ; and 
the successful result of his bold and skilful expedition into Alabama, tes- 
* 15 



226 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tified to the high value of the abilities which he brought to the assistance 
of the government* 

On the 10th of April, 1862, victory crowned the Federul arms within 
the limits of the ancient State of Georgia. On that day the formal siege 
of Fort Pulaski began, which terminated, after a vigorous cannonading, 
in the surrender of the works to the Federal troops. 

This fort was the outpost of the defences of the city of Savannah, and 
was situated on the Savannah river at the narrowest part of its channel. 
Tt was a strong casemated work, mounting fifty-seven guns of heavy 
calibre. There was a supply of a hundred tons of powder in the maga- 
zines; and its full armament of men was five hundred. It was in shape 
an irregular pentagon, with the base line or curtain-face to the inland- 
Its other faces were casemated, and bore upon the outward approaches. 
It stood on Cockspur island, which is separated from Tybee island by a 
narrow arm of sea. The walls were constructed of hard gray brick ; 
were more than six feet in thickness, and were supposed to be able to 
resist all kinds of projectiles. It contained at the period of the attack, 
provisions and water for six months. It was provided with three furnaces 
for the purpose of heating shot. The curtain was covered by a redan, 
and the redan was surrounded by a ditch. General Viele and Captain 
Gilmore had been directed by General Ilunter, the Federal commander 
of that department, to erect a number of batteries in order to cut oft' the 
communication between the fort and the city of Savannah, and to con- 
struct others on the islands adjacent to the works, for the purpose of as- 
sailing and reducing it. The materials for executing this order were pro- 
cured at Port Royal, and consisted of a detachment of the third Rhode 
Island artillery, another detachment of volunteer engineers, a 'battalion of 
the eighth Maine regiment, the sixth Connecticut regiment, the forty-eighth 
Nev/ York, together with a full supply of heavy artillery and intrenching 
tools. By a reconnoissance which was made by Lieutenant J. A. Wilson, 
of the Topographical Engineers, it was ascertained that the Rebels had 
sunk the hulk of a brig in an artificial channel named Wall's Cut, con- 
necting Wright river, one of the outlets of the Savannah, with Bull river, 
which served as a thoroughfare between Port Royal and Savannah. It 
was of essential importance that this obstacle should be removed. The 
task was committed to Major Beard of the forty-eighth New York. After 
three weeks of unremitting labor during the night, by the use of ingenious 
mechanical contrivances, the work was accomplished. The expedition 

* It is a singular circumstance that not a few of the most eminent Federal generak 
in this war had previously distinguished themselves as authors, such as Hallcck, Fre- 
mont, McClcllan, Mitchel. The chief productions of the last were his "Planetary and 
Stellar Worlds," his " Popular Astronomy," and his "Astronomy of the Bible," all of 
which indicate profound scientific attainments and brilliant genius. 



THE CAPTURE OP PORT PULASKI. 22T 

against Fort Pulaski then commenced to move; and proceeding to the 
north end of Daufuskie Island, they established a camp and depot, and 
commenced operations. Eeconnoissances were immediately made for the 
selection of the most suitable positions for the erection of batteries. These 
naving been duly ascertained, twelve batteries were successively con- 
structed. Great difficulties attended and impeded the work. Eebel gun- 
boats continually sailed up and down the Savannah river; and to have 
attempted to float the Federal cannon across in flatboats, would have ex- 
posed them to certain capture. It became necessary to drag them by- 
night over Jones's Island on shifting tramways. The first of the batteries 
was thus placed in position during the night of the 11th of February. 
Three days afterward another battery was transported. Thus on Venus 
Point on Long Island, on Turtle Island, on Jones's, Bird's, and Tybee 
Islands, the batteries were eventually put into position, and breastworks 
were constructed which commanded the guns of Fort Pulaski. 

On the 10th of April all was ready, and the bombardment began at 
seven o'clock, after a flag of truce had been sent, demanding in vain the 
surrender of the fort. The batteries of Tybee Island commenced the 
assault. In a short time the Rebel flag-staff was cut in two, and the 
Rebel colors fell. But soon another staff was extemporised, and another 
standard unfurled from the parapet. The bombardment was continued 
without intermission through the whole day. The enemy responded 
promptly and vigorously ; but their shots produced much less execution 
than the shots of the Federal batteries. The Rebels seem to have Taeen 
ignorant of the positions of the Federal works, because their fire in- 
variably followed the successive openings of the different batteries. 
Their shells generally fell wide of the mark ; but the aim of the Federal 
gunners was accurate. Accordingly, during the entire day, the brick and 
mortar of the fort could be seen flying in all directions, and the Rebels 
were compelled to retire from one portion of their works to another. The 
number of Federal guns was thirty-six. 

At the end of the first day, the fire on both sides ceased. During the 
night a number of guns were tansferred to Goat's Island, being the point 
nearest the fort. On the morning of the 11th, two small breaches could 
be discovered in the southeast face of the fort, which gradually assumed 
more enlarged proportions. The shells of the Federal batteries were 
gradually working their way toward the magazines. It was evident also 
that a number of the Rebel guns had become disabled. One of the 
breaches soon became fifteen feet wide, the other ten. The fallino- debris 
from the walls filled the moat, and a storming party could easily have 
passed over. From twelve different points of the compass the deluge of 
shot and shell poured into the doomed fort, scattering destruction and 
ruin around. At length, at eighteen minutes past two, on the 11th, a 
white flag appeared on the parapet of Pulaski. General Gilmore imme- 



228 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

diately sent a boat to the fort to demand its unconditional surrender. 
The commandant replied that, as the magazines were now exposed to the 
shot of the Federals, and might at any moment explode, it was madness 
to continue the defence. He hud therefore, concluded to surrender. The 
same day the seventh Connecticut regiment was sent to take possession 
of the captured works, which, together with all the guns, ammunition, 
and provisions of the enemy, fell into the hands of the victors. Their 
sum total was forty-seven guns, seven thousand shot and shells, forty 
thousand pounds of powder, together with three hundred and sixty 
prisoners. The latter belonged to the first Georgia regiment of volun- 
teers, commanded by Colonel Charles H. Olmstead. The captive officers 
and prisoners were afterward sent iu the steamer Benjaviin Deford to the 
city of New York. This important success restored to the Federal Gov- 
ernment another of the fortresses which had been treacherously stolen 
from it by the Eebel authorities. It prepared the way for the future re- 
duction of the city of Savannah. Fort Jackson indeed intervened between 
it and the Federal troops ; but being inferior in size and in armament to 
Pulaski, it could ofi'er no serious obstacle to the triumphant advance, at 
the proper moment, of the forces of the Union. 

In February, 1862, a powerful Federal fleet, consisting of forty-six 
sail, carrying two hundred and eighty six guns and twenty-one mortars, 
was placed under the command of Flag-OfTicer D. S. Farragut, for the 
attack and conquest of New Orleans. Preliminary to the bombardment 
of the formidable forts which guarded the Crescent City, a reconnoissance 
was made on the 28th of March, by Captain Bell, under the orders of the 
commodore. He took the gunboats Kennebec and Wissahickon and pro- 
ceeded up the Mississippi. Having arrived in the vicinity of Forts 
Jackson and St. Pliilip, below New Orleans, sketches were taken of 
their construction, and other important information was obtained. During 
the process, both forts continued to throw their shells in the vicinity 
of the unwelcome and inquisitive visitors, but fortunately without any 
serious result. It was ascertained that a strong chain had been thrown 
across the river, which was supported by eight dismantled vessels and a 
large raft ; that both of the forts were well armed and fully garrisoned ; 
that fire-rafts had been prepared to drift toward the bombarding vessels 
to destroy them ; and that every other expedient bad been adopted to 
accomplish a desperate and protracted defence. 

On the 4th of April a portion of the Federal fleet pursued a number 
of Eebel vessels which approached their position in the river. The 
Kimeo closed with a steamer carrying a blue flag, which seemed to indi- 
cate that the Eebel commander was on board. A chase ensued up the 
stream, until the appearance in the di.stance of a much larger number of 
Eebel vessels, including the formidable ram Manassas, rendered it expe- 
dient for the Federal vessels to return to their anchorage. Preparations 



THE CONQUEST OP NEW ORLEANS. 229 

were tben made to attack the forts with the full power of the fleet, and, 
having silenced them, to advance to the subjugation of the crescent city 
which they defended. Accordingly, on the 18th of April, twenty-one 
mortar-boats and three gunboats, having approache'd within range of 
Forts Jackson and St. Philip, commenced a vigorous bombardment. The 
enemy in the fortifications replied with spirit ; and after six days' bom- 
bardment, finding them still unreduced, Flag-Olficer Farragut resolved to 
run past them, on the morning of the 24th of April. Their fire was 
heavy and constant, and the obstacles to the navigation of the river also 
caused some delay. The chain which had been thrown across the river 
was wrenched in twain by the vigorous blows of two gunboats. One of 
the fire-ships which the enemy had seat adrift unfortunately came in con- 
tact with the flag-ship Hartford, which was ignited ; but the conflagration 
was extinguished before any serious damage was done. Other casualties 
were more important. In an engagement which took place between the 
Union steam sloop Varuna,, of ten guns, and the Rebel steam iron-clad 
Morgan, the latter ran into the Varuna and injured her so severely that 
shei was soon in a sinking condition. But while in this state she dis- 
charged a full broadside into her antagonist, with such effect that she too 
began to sink, and both vessels went down together. On the other side, 
the Federal forces destroyed eleven Rebel gunboats and the floating bat- 
tering-ram Manassas. 

The engagement between the fleet and the forts was not only a pro- 
tracted, but also a desperate one. Some of the Federal soldiers fell dead 
from mere exhaustion at their guns. The names of these obscure heroes 
have indeed passed into oblivion ; but they deserve a renown equal to that 
which clusters around the exploits of their more famous and fortunate 
commanders. On the 27th of April, a flag of truce was sent to Commo- 
dore Porter, who commanded the mortar-flee.t, inquiring what terms of 
surrender would be accepted. The answer was, as usual with the Fede- 
ral victors during this war, that no terms except an unconditional and an 
immediate surrender would be entertained. On the 28th, after some 
delay, the transfer of the two forts, with all their guns, ammunition and 
stores, was made to the conquerors. Immediately afterward General 
Butler, who commanded the land forces of the expedition, placed a com- 
petent garrison of Federal troops in the several fortifications. The loss 
on the Union side was thirty-six killed, one hundred and twenty-three 
wounded. The number of prisoners taken was four hundred. The 
Rebels who were killed and wounded numbered about five hundred. 

Having passed Forts Jackson and St. Philip, the Union fleet resumed 
its triumphant progress up the Mississippi. Passing the Chalmette bat- 
teries, three miles below the city of New Orleans, on the morning of the 
25th, they opened fire, but were silenced in twenty minutes. On the 
morning of the 26th, Flag-Officer Farragut sent Fleet-Captain Bailey on 



230 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

• 

shore to demand a surrender. At first the Mayor proposed to submit the 
questioa to the Rebel General Mansfield Lovell, who was in command of 
the Rebel forces there, but General Lovell who was straining every nerve 
to get his troops away, replied that he would evacuate the city, and the 
Mayor could do as he pleased. This being reported to Flag-OfiBcer Far- 
ragut, he renewed his demand on Mayor Monroe. That personage re- 
sponded to the Federal commander in a letter characterized by a singular 
mixture of folly and impudence, in which he set forth that the Federal 
forces possessed the power to take the city by brute force, and they might 
do it; but that he never would voluntarily make the transfer. Without 
waiting for further negotiation. Commodore Farragut dispatched a num- 
ber of troops from the fleet, which took possession of the city on the 29th, 
occupied the Federal buildings, and displayed the stars and stripes from 
the positions which had so long been disgraced by the Rebel colors. 
General Butler's land forces having disembarked on the shore of Lake 
Ponchartrain, were posted a few miles from the city, and a small portion 
of them in the city itself; while the Federal fleet rode at anchor in the 
port, to overawe the inhabitants, and retain them in quiet, and to SQme 
extent unwilling obedience to the legitimate authority which had thus 
resumed its beneficent sway over them. 

The chief hero of the capture of New Orleans, and of the reduction of 
its protecting forts, Commodore David G. Farragut, was born in Tennes- 
see in 1801. He entered the navy as a midsiiipman in December, 1810. 
He then served under Commodore David Porter, and was the first to 
board the Essex. He afterward accompanied that gallant officer in his 
expedition around Cape Horn in 1813. He passed the ten succeeding 
years in various cruises, and on the 1st of January, 1821, was commis- 
sioned a lieutenant. In 1851 he was ordered to serve as assistant inspec- 
tor of ordnance, being second in command under Commodore Skinner. 
When a new navy yard was constructed on Mare's Island, near San 
Francisco, he was placed in command of that post, though then standing 
the nineteenth on the list. In 1858 he was promoted to the command of 
the steam sloop of war Brooklyn, which formed a part of the home 
squadron under Flag-Officer McCluney. He retained that position until 
the expedition destined for the capture of New Orleans was determined 
on, when he was chosen from among a host of brave and skilful men as 
its flag-officer, to lead it to victory. The eminent success with which he 
fulfilled his important n>ission proved the wisdom and prudence of the 
selection. 

Almost cotemporaneous with this important conquest, the value of 
which could scarcely be overrated, another brilliant triumph graced the 
Federal arms in a dift'erent direction. After a vigorous bombardment of 
ten hours. Fort Macon, situated on the coast of North Carolina, near 
Beaufort and Newbern, surrendered to the assailants. On the 25th of 



THE BOMBARDMENT OF FORT MACON. 231 

March, General Burnside, having completed his arrangements for the 
attack and conquest of this fort, ordered General Parke to occupy More- 
head city, and the railroad between that plaoe and Newborn, v.'ith the 
division under his command. The order was obeyed, and a few days 
afterward Bogue Island, opposite Carolina city, was also taken possession 
of. The latter position was most favorable for the commencement of 
operations against Fort Macon, and a camp was there established. On 
the 11th of April active operations began; the fifth Rhode Island regi- 
ment drove in the Rebel pickets, and Captain Williamson proceeded to 
select positions for the besieging batteries. These having been chosen 
with great skill, the troops were set to work to construct the intrench- 
ments. The enemy, having discovered the unwelcome activity of the 
Federal forces, continually annoyed them with their artillery. But as 
the precise position of the latter was somewhat screened from view, the 
execution produced by their salutes was unimportant. The troops em- 
ployed in this service were the fourth and fifth Rhode Island and the 
eighth Connecticut regiments. By the 24th of April, all the batteries 
were completed, and on the same day General Burnside arrived at the 
scene of conflict from Newbern. He brought with him two barges, the 
Grenade and Shrapnel, which had been fitted up as a floating battery, 
and had been armed with several thirty pound Parrott guns. The.se were 
placed at anchor about three miles from the fort. Before commencing 
the bombardment General Burnside sent a flag of truce to the enemy, 
with a final demand of surrender. On the next morning, the 25th, that 
demand was refused. 

On the 26th, after having given the Rebels a few hours to reconsider 
their answer, without a favorable result, the Federal batteries opened 
their fire. These consisted of three breastworks, situated within a mile 
of the fort, on Bogue beach. One of them mounted three thirty pound 
Parrott guns, and was cemmanded by Captain Morris, of the first United 
States artillery. The second was posted two hundred yards distant, con- 
taining four ten inch mortar batteries, commanded by Lieutenant Flagler, 
chief of ordnance on General Burnside's staff. The third mounted four 
eight inch mortar guns, was situated to the right of the first named bat- 
tery, and was commanded by Lieutenant Prouty. The bombardment 
began at six o'clock on the morning of the 26th and continued without 
intermission during the day. At first the larger guns failed to obtain 
the proper range of the fort, and their shells fell beyond the mark. Soon, 
however, this error was corrected, the signal corps of Lieutenants Andrews 
and Wait, who were posted at Beaufort, having discovered the defect and 
signaled to the batteries to lower their aim. Then the effect of the guns 
was decisive. Three or four shells would be seen exploding at the same 
moment within the fort or upon the parapets. At the same time the 
gunboats which accompanied the expedition assisted in the work. Four 



232 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of these bore up bravely toward the fort, and added their destructive 
salutes to those of the land batteries. During this interval the Rebel 
garrison were not inactive. They replied with energy, and with no in- 
considerable skill. A sixty-four pound ball struck the gunboat Daylight 
on her starboard quarter, passed through the engine room, the officer's 
mess room, the captain's state room, and at length lodged in the side of 
the vessel. A portion of the rigging of the Gemsbok was shot away ; and 
other minor casualties occurred. So terrible was the bombardment on 
both sides, that the buildings in Beaufort and Morehead city were shaken 
in a perceptible degree, and the reverberation of the guns was heard for 
many miles around. 

But in spite of their valiant resistance, it soon began to be evident that 
the strength and energy of the rebel garrison were diminishing. Some 
of their guns had been dismounted. Before twelve o'clock they were 
driven entirely from the external battery, on the .terrace on the outside 
of the walls, and were compelled to retire to their barbette guns. From 
this period their firing diminished in rapidity. They were evidently 
becoming exhausted, while the efforts of the besiegers constantly increased 
in vigor and determination. The shot and shell of the latter could be 
seen dashing through the broken walls of the fort, and exploding within 
and around it. At twenty minutes past four o'clock a flag of truce waved 
from the battlements, and the firing ceased on both sides. General Parke 
was sent for, for the purpose of holding an interview with Colonel White, 
commandant of Fort Macon ; between whom an armi.stice was agreed 
upon until the next day. Then the surrender of the fort and garrison 
was formally made to General Burnside. Twelve hundred shot and shell 
had been discharged by the three Federal batteries during the siege. 
Fifteen of the Rebel guns had been disabled. Their loss was seven killed 
and eighteen wounded ; the Federal loss was one killed and two wounded. 
The fort had mounted forty-eight guns of various sizes. By the terms of 
the capitulation, it was agreed that the fort, the armament, and the garri- 
son should be surrendered to the United States ; that the ofiicers and men 
should be released on their paroje of honor not again to take up arras 
against the United States until regularly exchanged ; and that they 
should carry with them their private effects, their arms excepted. The 
fort was then garrisoned by a detachment of Federal troops, the stars and 
stripes were unfurled to the breeze, and another conquest over the forces 
of the Rebel States was added to the triumphs of the defenders of the 
Union. 



BATTLE OF LEE'S MILLS. 233 



CHAPTER XXI. 

OPERATIONS OP GENERAL MCCLELLAN AT TORKTOWN — BATTLE OP LEe's MILL — DISASTER AND 

RETREAT OP THE FEDERAL TROOPS EVACUATION OF YORKTOWN BY THE REBELS MOTIVES 

OF THAT MOVEMENT PURSUIT BY THE FEDERALS — ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN CAVALRY NEAR 

WILLIAMSBURG SECOND CONFLICT NEAR WILLIAMSBURG INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE 

GENERAL hooker's DIVISION BRILLIANT CHARGE OF GENERAL HANCOCK FEDERAL 

VICTORY — SKETCH OF GENERAL HANCOCK — BATTLE AT WEST POINT — INCIDENTS OF THE 
CONTEST — EFFICIENCY OF THE FEDERAL ARTILLERY — ROOT OP THE REBELS — BOMBARD- 
MENT OF SEWELL's POINT — ITS RESULTS — EXPEDITION OP GENERAL WOOL AGAINST NORFOLK 

its surrender operations of general fremont in the mountain department 

Mcdowell's division at Fredericksburg — rout of colonel morgan in Tennessee — 

incidents op the chase — bombardment op port wright commenced engagement op 

the federal gunboats at fort darling, on james river its incidents and results 

— STEADY ADVANCE OF MCCLELLAN's ARMY TOWARD RICHMOND — IT CROSSES THE CHICKA- 
HOMINY — VARIOUS SKIRMISHES — -DECISIVE ENGAGEMENT ANTICIPATED — GENERAL HDNTER's 
ABOLITION PROCLAMATION — PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S POLICY RESPECTING IT 

While General Banks was driving the Rebel forces under Jacksoa 
through the valley of the Shenandoah toward Woodstock and Harrison- 
burg, General McDowell, with another corps of the divided army of the 
Potomac, was approaching Fredericksburg, which lay on a different route 
to Richmond. Cotemporaneous with these movements, and in concert 
with them, important operations were progressing under McClellan at 
Yorktown. The fortifications which the Rebels had constructed to defend 
that place were extensive and strong ; and it became the employment of 
the Federal army during some days to erect opposing works, which, by 
their superior formation and their greater strength, would command 
them. This laborious task had been progressing with vigor "under the 
direction of General McClellan ; the most skillful engineering had already 
produced the most formidable results; when, on the 16th of April, 1862, 
a collision took place between portions of the hostile armies. The Rebels 
had erected a fort at Lee's Mill, about eight miles south of Yorktown, on 
the Warwick river, which they had manned with a number of guns. 
The special purpose of this fort was to protect the road leading to this 
mill, which passed a few hundred yards in front of it. In advance of this 
fort there was a bog several hundred feet wide, and above the bog a large 
dam.' It was necessary to reduce this fort, and to expel the rebels from 
its possession. Accordingly, at nine o'clock on the morning of the 16th, 
Captain Mott placed his battery within range, and commenced the bom- 
bardment. The Rebels responded with spirit. The engagement con- 
tinued for an hour. During its progress three of the guns of the enemy 
were silenced. They then ceased to fire, and evacuated the fort. The 
Federal sharpshooters were immediately sent forward to reconnoitre, and 



234 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to ascertain what had become of the garrison. They had wholly withdrawn 
from the field; and all remained quiet until about four o'clock. At that 
time a body of Eebel troops appeared in possession of another breastwork 
at some distance, on which they had mounted several guns. Again 
Mott's battery was brought to bear upon them, and the firing during 
half an hour was continuous. Soon the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth 
Vermont regiments were ordered to advance against the Rebels, who were 
seen to be occupying the woods adjacent to the fort in large numbers. 
The Green Mountain boys rushed forward bravely to the charge, wading 
through a bog several hundred feet wide, sometimes to their knees, 
sometimes to their waists in mud and water. Having passed this obstruc- 
tion without flinching, they advanced, and suddenly encountered a line 
of concealed rifle-pits. They fired into these, and their occupants quickly 
fled. They then advanced again, and met another line of these concealed 
and deadly man-traps. The Vermonters sent a second volley among their 
occupants ; while Mott's battery, which had also reached the scene of 
action, delivered a number of shell and canister among them with 
immense effect. 

But at this stage of the action the retreating Rebels were reinforced by 
numerous accessions ; and the Federal troops, receiving no assistance, 
were compelled to fall back. During their advance the enemy had 
opened the dam, and had flooded the bog, by which means it had become 
covered with several additional feet of water. A number of the wounded, 
in passing through it, sank exhausted in the mud, and were strangled to 
death. Others, while slowly retreating, were shot by the pursuing 
Rebels, fell and expired in the swampy waste. In vain seven companies 
of the sixth Vermont turned heroically on the foe, and made every effort 
to cover the retreat of their comrades. Overwhelming numbers gave 
the enemy a resistless advantage. At length all except the wounded and 
the dying reached a position of safety, and the battle ended. The Federal 
loss in this disaster was forty-four killed, one hundred wounded and 
missing. The loss of the Rebels is unknown ; although appearances 
indicated that they paid dearly for their temporary and inconsiderable 
victory. 

Meanwhile preparations for the general assault of Yorktown proceeded 
with energy. To the astonishment, however, of the Federal troops, and 
eventually of the whole nation, the vast army which the Rebels had 
assembled at that place, suddenly evacuated all their works before day-- 
light on the 4th of May, 1862, and commenced their line of retreat toward 
Richmond. During the preceding night they had kept up a heavy firing 
till after midnight ; at that time it suddenly ceased ; they then comnienced 
to dismount their guns and prepare to retire. The first intimation which 
the Federal commanders received of the retreat of the enemy was when 
the Federal pickets reconnoitered their position on the morning of the 4th ; 



EVACUATION OP YORKTOWN BY THE REBELS. 235 

and, cautiously advancing, found the intrenchments entirely deserted. 
The news spread with rapidity along the whole Federal line. The regi- 
mental bands commenced to play, filling the air with sweet, exultant 
melodies. General McClellan issued an order to prepare to follow the 
enemy instantly, each man provided with two days' rations. About eight 
o'clock on the morning of the 4th all was ready, and the pursuit began 
toward Williamsburg, on the heels of the flying Rebels. The first and 
sixth cavalry, with four batteries of artillery, led the advance under the 
orders of General Stoneman. 

The evacuation of Yorktown by the Rebel army was one of the most im- 
portant and singular events of the war. It had evidently been the original 
intention of the Rebel chiefs to defend that position to the last extremity ; 
and they had assembled there for that purpose sixty or seventy thousand 
men, commanded by Generals Johnston, Lee, and Magruder. It is a 
probable conjecture that the most potent consideration which induced 
them to withdraw from a position which they had so carefully fortified, 
■was that they might encounter the Federal army at a safe distance from 
the Federal gunboats on the York river. The painful lesson taught 
them at Pittsburg Landing had not been forgotten. It is also probable 
that they hoped, by a single decisive victory nearer to the Rebel capital, 
to break the strength of the Federal army in the Peninsula. The trophies 
which they left behind them at Yorktown were not inconsiderable, con- 
sisting of seventy-one cannon of various calibre, with their carriages and 
implements complete, and several magazines. Without stopping in the 
deserted works, the Federal army pressed forward, through a desolated 
country, in the wake of the retreating Rebels. About two miles from 
Williamsburg, the Federal advance under General Stoneman encountered 
their rear guard, on the afternoon of the 4th of May, and a vigorous 
engagement ensued. Just as the Federal advance, emerging from the 
woods, obtained the first glimpse of Williamsburg, they also saw the Rebel 
rear guard. A regiment of cavalry was seen approaching in line of battle 
about a mile distant. Captain Gibson's battery was immediately ordered 
to the front, to open upon them as they advanced. At the same time a 
portion of the sixth United States cavalry were deployed as skirmishers 
to the right and left. Notwithstanding the havoc produced by the 
battery on the Confederate squadrons, they continued steadily to advance. 
As they did so, a fire was opened on the Federals from an earthwork to 
the right, which had seemed to be deserted. At that crisis portions of 
the first and sixth cavalry were ordered to charge upon the Rebel horse. 
The order was executed in an admirable manner. A desperate hand-to- 
hand fight ensued, during which the enemy broke and fled. The pursuit 
was not continued for any distance on account of the absence of the 
infantry. After the close of the action, the Rebel troops continued their 
line of retreat toward Williamsburg. General Hancock'^ brigade arrived 



236 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



at the scene of conflict soon afterward ; but further operations were post- 
poned for the present. The Federal loss in this engagement was two 
killed and twenty wounded. 

But a conflict of much greater importance and extent impended at 
"Williamsburg. The Rebels had determined not to permit the Federal 
troops to occupy that place without a struggle. Accordingly, on the 
morning of Monday, May 5th, as General Ilooker's division approached 
the breastworks which the enemy had erected in the vicinity of the town, 
their guns opened upon the Federal troops with great fury. The approach 
to these works lay through a series of ravines and swamps, which rendered 
the operations of the Union forces extremely difficult. The Rebel 
batteries were supported by a very numerous body of troops commanded 
by General Joseph E. Johnston. Nevertheless, their assailants marched 
forward to the combat with an admirable spirit, which gave the assurance 
of ultimate success. 

The battle began at seven o'clock in the morning, when three brigades 
of the enemy assailed a portion of the division of General Hooker. 
General Grover's brigade was the first which encountered them. It con- 
sisted of the first and eleventh Massachusetts, the second New Hampshire, 
the twenty-sixth Pennsylvania, with a regular battery. The remainder 
of General Hooker's division acted as a reserve. The contest continued 
during the entire day, and was marked by various and often painful 
vicissitudes. At one time the ammunition of the Federal troops became 
exhausted, and the enemy had nearly gained possession of their batteries 
before a fresh supply could be brought forward. At that crisis the Rebels 
succeeded in spiking several of the Federal guns, though these were after- 
ward retaken. The most important and decisive operation of the day was 
a brilliant and skilful movement of General Hancock, by which he suc- 
ceeded in turning the left of the line of the enemy. From that moment 
the resistance of the Rebels became less vigorous, and their ultimate 
defeat inevitable. Toward the close of the day the division of General 
Kearne}' reached the scene of conflict, and joined in the engagement. 
During its progress Generals Heintzelman, Hooker, and Frank Patterson 
had their horses shot under them. The Rebels fought on this occasion 
with a great preponderance of numbers and advantage of position over 
the Federals ; but the nature of the ground was such as to render it im- 
possible for a larger body of the latter to be brought into the action. 
The operations of Hancock's brigade, which decided the fortunes of the 
day, were specially worthy of admiration. The furious charges which 
they made on the enemy proved resistless. The havoc in their lines 
became terrible ; they at length broke and retired in a general and 
tumultuous retreat. They left nearly seven hundred of their dead upon 
the field. The Federal troops then pressed on and occupied their deserted 
position. The Toss of the Union forces was three hundred killed and 



SKETCH OF GENERAL HANCOCK. 237 

over eight hundred wounded. When darkness spread over the sangui- 
nary scene, the routed foe was hastening forward toward the banks of the 
Chickahominy, and the exultant victors in that hard contest were resting 
from the toils and achievements of the day. 

The chief hero of this engagement was General Winfield Scott Han- 
cock. This gallant officer was born in Pennsylvania, in 1824. He 
entered West Point in 1840, and graduated in that institution in June, 
1844. Among his classmates was Simou Bolivar Buckner, the Eebel 
general who held a command and was captured at Port Donelson. Han- 
Gock, on graduating, was appointed brevet second lieutenant in the fourth 
United States infantry ; and in June, 1846, he obtained his commission as 
full second lieutenant in the same regiment. He served with honor during 
the Mexican war, and distinguished himself at the battles of Contreras 
and Cherubusco. For his meritorious conduct on those occasions he was 
breveted first lieutenant, his brevet bearing date August 20th, 1847. 
Subsequently he became regimental-quartermaster and adjutant of the 
sixth United States infantry. The ranks of full first lieutenant and of 
captain were bestowed upon him in 1853 and 1855. The Eebellion, at 
its birth, found him assistant quartermaster-general, still with the rank 
of captain. He was then appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers, 
and served in the army of the Potomac under McClellan from the period 
of the elevation of that officer to its chief command. The brilliant vic- 
tory of Williamsburg afterward placed him among the prominent heroes 
of the war. 

Almost contemporaneous with the engagement at Williamsburg, was 
the attack and defeat of the Rebels at West Point on the York river. 
On the afternoon of the 6th of May, that division of the army of the 
Potomac which was under the command of General Franklin, arrived at 
West Point in transports, for the purpose of disembarking and forming 
a junction with the troops under General McClellan. During that day 
about twenty thousand men were transferred to the shore on the south 
side of the Pamunkey river, at the distance of half a mile from the town. 
The troops immediately pitched their tents and formed their camp. 
During the ensuing night, some of the Rebels pickets attacked the Fed- 
eral videttes ; which event gave evidence, or at least created a suspicion, 
that the enemy were posted somewhere in the vicinity. General Franklin, 
expecting an assault the next morning, ordered the troops to be under 
arms at break of day; but after standing in line-of- battle for some time 
and no foe appearing, the men were permitted to return to their camp. 
Soon, however, several regiments of Rebels appeared in the distance 
toward the west side of the river. Orders were then given to the six- 
teenth, the thirty-first, and the thirty-second New York, the ninety-fiflh 
and the ninety-sixth Pennsylvania regiments, to form and to advance 
against the foe. It soon appeared that the latter were posted and con-. 



238 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



oealed in large numbers in the woods in front ; and from every portion 
of the shady and tangled retreat of the enemy a destructive fire of mus- 
ketry was now discharged upon the approaching Federals. The fifth 
Maine regiment led the advance upon the left into the woods with superior 
steadiness and gallantry. The thirty-second New York achieved the 
same service upon the right. During three hours the engagement con- 
tinued with great spirit. It became evident however, at length, that the 
larger numbers of the Rebels were giving them the advantage ; when the 
Federal cannon were ojiportunely brought to bear upon them. These soon 
efiectually retrieved the fortunes of the day. The second United States 
artillery, under Captain Arnold, was ordered forward into position on 
the right ; the first Massachusetts battery, under Captain Porter, advanced 
and unlimbered on the left; and both commenced to shell the enemy. 
They discharged about ten shells per minute, which, bursting among the 
serried and partially-concealed ranks of the foe, scattered death on every 
side. The Rebels then transferred their troops further to the left of the 
Federal lines ; when the gunboats on the river, which were thus brought 
within range, unexpectedly opened their batteries upon them witli still 
more deadly results. Soon the enemy fled in confusion, totally broken 
and routed. The salutes of the artillery from these several directions 
were insupportable, and quickly terminated the engagement. In the 
battle of West Point the Federal loss was about eighty killed, three hun- 
dred wounded, and about five hundred prisoners. That of the enemy was 
about one thousand in all. 

After the conclusion of the engagement, General Franklin immediately 
sent a dispatch to General McClellan, informing him of the progress of 
events on the York river, and concerting measures with him for the union 
of their forces. This result was afterward successfully accomplished, and 
their united army then steadily advanced toward Richmond. 

On the 8th of May, a squadron of Federal war steamers, consisting of 
the Monitor, Naugatuck, Susquehanna, Dacotah, Seminole, the Stevens 
and San Jacinto, was placed by Commodore Goldsborough under tlie 
orders of Captain Lardner, for the purpose of bombarding the Rebel forts 
at Sewall's Point. The design of this attack was to ascertain the pos- 
sibility of landing a body of troops in that vicinity, as well as to reduce 
the forts. The orders given were that the wooden vessels should attack 
the Rebel works in enfilade, and that the iron Monitor, together with the 
Stevens, should advance nearer and operate against them in front. 
Accordingly, the vessels already named sailed toward Sewell's point, and 
having arrived within range opened their bj^tteries with shot and shell 
against the enemy. The position of the Monitor was in advance of the 
other vessels. The bombardment commenced about noon. For half an 
hour no response was made from the Rebel works; a number of shots 
"were then fired at the Federal vessels, not one of which reached its aim. 



BOMBARDMENT OF SEWELL'S POINT. 239 

At half-past two the Merrimac steamed out from Norfolk, with the appa- 
rent intention of attacking the Monitor. But no such result followed. 
During the day all the Federal vessels took part in the bombardment 
either of Sewell's point or of Craney Island. As often as the Monitor 
advanced to engage the Merrimac, she steamed away toward Norfolk. It 
was thus impossible to bring her within range or to engage her. During 
the day the flag-staff at Sewall's point was twice shot away ; and the 
Rebels could be distinctly seen from the Federal vessels carrying oft' their 
dead and wounded. At five o'clock Commodore Goldsborough signalled 
to the Union ships to return to Fortress Monroe. The chief purpose of 
the demonstration had been accomplished. It had elicited the fact that ^ 
the number of guns in the principal fort at Sewell's point had been re- 
duced to seventeen, and that the garrison stationed there was so small as 
to be quite unimportant. During the action, the barracks attached to the 
fort had been set on fire, and were considerably damaged. All the Rebel 
guns on Craney Island were silenced. So accurate was the firing from 
the Seminole and other vessels, that the breastworks were in some places 
levelled with the ground, and the sand and earth were seen flying in 
fragments over the tree-tops in the rear. On the 9th of May, the Rebels 
evacuated the forts at Sewell's point, and retired to Norfolk, as the ulti- 
mate result of the assault of the Federal fleet. 

Their abode in Norfolk was destined to be of short duration. On the 
10th of May General "Wool commenced his march from Fortress Monroe 
to operate against that city. He landed five thousand troops at Wil- 
loughby Point, and by five o'clock in the afternoon the Federal forces 
had reached the vicinity of Norfolk. A desperate defence was anticipated 
from General Huger, who commanded the Rebel troops in that city. 
This expectation was agreeably disappointed. Early on the 10th he 
evacuated the place, and soon after the Rebel Commodore Tatnall set on 
fire and blew up the famous battering ram Merrimac, that it might not 
fall into the hands of the victors. As General Wool approached Norfolk 
he was met by a deputation of citizens headed by the Mayor, who for- 
mally surrendered the city and the navy yard to the Federal authorities. 
General Viele was placed in command as military governor, and orders 
were given for the protection of persons and property. General Wool, 
who had been accompanied by Secretary Chase, returned to Fortress 
Monroe during the following night. The possession of Norfolk neces- 
sitated that also of Portsmouth, which was likewise returned to its legiti- 
mate masters. 

The recovery of these places, which had been seized and so long occu- 
pied by the forces of the Rebel government, was an important event in 
the progress of the war. Thus from day to day the rebellion was cur- 
tailed of its monstrous and hideous proportions, and thus the triumphs of 
the arms of the Union were enlarged and extended. 



240 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES . 

While these events were taking place in the vicinity of Hampton 
Roads, events of minor interest were occurring in other portions of the 
country. General Fremont, who was in command of the Mountain De- 
partment, occupied no sinecure, although his proceedings, from the 
nature of the case, glared less obtrusively upon the attention of the gene- 
ral public. ' The men under his command were required to engage the 
enemy from time to time in a novel kind of warfare, not inappropriately 
termed guerilla fighting. Roving bands of Rebels infested the rugged 
region over which his jurisdiction extended, who often attacked his men 
by stealth, and rendered their operations difficult and dangerous. On the 
^8th of Ma}' General Milroy was assailed near Petersburg by a portion of 
the Rebel troops under " Stonewall" Jackson. During the action Gene- 
ral Schenck fortunately reached the scene of conflict with his command, 
after a forced march of thirty-four miles, and the enemy were routed. 
The Federal loss was five killed and seventy wounded. About the same 
period General Kelley encountered the Rebels at Spencer, and after a 
spirited contest, in which a number of the enemy were killed and wounded, 
compelled them to retreat, and to disperse among the mountains. In 
Alabama the triumph of the Union arms, under the guidance of General 
Mitchel, continued with undiminished eclal. On the 13th of May he dis- 
patched Genei-al Negley, supported by Colonel Little's troops, from 
Pulaski to Rogersville, in northern Alabama, for the purpose of driving 
the enemy across the Tennessee river and destroying, their ferry boats. 
The Rebels fled at the approach of the Federal troops ; the latter obtained 
possession of the bridge across Shad Creek, and of the ferry below the 
mouth of that stream. The result of these operations was, that more than 
a thousand Rebel cavalry were enclosed on one side of the river, were cut 
off from all possibility of escape, and were so hemmed in as soon to fall 
inevitably into the power of the forces under General Mitchel. 

The triumphant progress of the Federals arms at this period was illus- 
trated with striking effect by a proclamation which was issued by Presi- 
dent Lincoln, in which he ordered the opening of the chief southern ports, 
which, since the commencement of the rebellion, had been sealed to the 
commerce and intercour.se of the world, by the presence and agency of the 
Union war-steamers. On the 12th of May the ports of Beaufort, Port 
Royal and New Orleans were thus thrown open, as evidence of the rein- 
stated supremacy of the Federal Government in those recent centres of 
Rebel power and treason. 

The important division of troops which was commanded by General 
McDowell, continued to advance, by steady marches, due south from 
Manassas, toward Richmond ; and having at length reached Fredericks- 
burg, permanently occupied it. On the 11th of May a skirmish took 
place between a small number of his cavalry, who were scouting at the 
distance of four miles from the town, and a body of Rebels who were 



ROUT OF COLONEL MORGAN LV TENNESSEE. 241 

stationed and concealed in the woods. General Patrick, being informed 
that these men were attacked by a superior force of the enemy, ordered 
his brigade to advance at a double quick pace to the scene of conflict. 
The arrival of this reinforcement was opportune; the Eebels then fled 
without offering any further resistance, losing eleven of their infantry and 
three of their cavalry as prisoners. 

Among minor engagements of the class to which we are now referring, 
none were more spirited, or exhibited the bravery of the Union troops to 
better advantage, than the battle between cavalry which took place at 
Lebanon, Tennessee, on the 7th of May. The Kebel Colonel Morgan had 
become notorious in that region of the country, as the commander of a 
desperate band of mounted rangers and brigands, by whose means he had 
committed many depredations on the property of loyal citizens, and on 
the baggage and provision trains of the Union forces. General Dumont, 
at Nashville, and Colonel Duffield, at Murfreesboro, were ordered to com- 
bine their troops and attack him. The crafty .Rebel attempted in various 
ways, and by numerous artifices, to elude the search of the Federal com- 
manders; and a protracted hunt took place before they found him. At 
length he intrenched himself in the town of Lebanon, with eight hundred 
cavalry ; and there he was attacked by them. A desperate street fight en- 
sued. Morgan and his men were driven from the town. A running battle 
then commenced, which continued for nearly twenty miles. A hundred 
and sixty Eebel prisoners were taken. Many were killed and wounded 
during the pursuit. At last Morgan, his band being reduced to only fifteen 
men, succeeded in crossing the Cumberland river on a flatboat. Not 
till then did the chase terminate. A more complete and thorough rout 
had not taken place since the commencement of the Rebellion. 

During the occurrance of these events a great naval assault had been pro- 
gressing against Fort Wright, on the Mississippi river, in Tennessee. A 
large number of Federal gunboats, under the orders of the gallant Flag- 
Officer Foote, had been directed to attack that fortress. He was assisted 
in the command by Captain C. .H. Davis, of the United States navy. 
The bombardment had been progressing with various incidents and vicis- 
situdes from th-e 8th of May. The Rebel works were protected by a 
formidable force of gunboats and battering rams, commanded by Com- 
modore HoUins, which attacked the Federal vessels with marvelous 
ferocity and frequency. It was not till a later period, and after a very 
protracted bombardment, that the contest was ended by the complete 
evacuation of the fort, and its surrender to the Federal commander and 
his heroic troops. 

It was on the James river, at Fort Darling, situated eight miles below 

Richmond, that, on the 15th of May, the Federal cause received the first 

reverse which it had. suffered for a considerable period of time. On that 

day the gunboats Monitor, Galena, Aroostook, Port Royal and Naugatuck, 

16 



242 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

having reached the position already named, on their way toward the Rebel 

.capital, for the purpose of co-operating with the army of tlie Potomac, 
suddenly encountered a fierce and formidable assault from the Rebel 
batteries which had been erected upon Ward's Bluff. At this point the 
stream makes an abrupt turn, and contracts its proportions. It thus ren- 
dered the batteries placed upon its banks more effective. At tiie foot of 
the bluff obstructions had been placed in the river, consisting of sunken 
vessels secured by chains, which effectually terminated the further advance 
of the gunboats. The fortifications on the shore were placed on ground 
two hundred feet above the surface of the river, and a body of Rebel troops 
were posted in the vicinity, to assist the attack on the gunboats. The 
latter having been anchored about a thousand yards from the batteries, a 
desperate engagement immediately commenced. The guns of the enemy 
poured down an incessant hailstorm of shot upon, the decks of the Federal 
vessels, and seriously damaged them. The latter responded with great 
spirit, but it soon became evident that the disadvantages of their situation 
were quite insurmountable. It was found impossible to elevate the guns of 
the Monitor to the unusual range required by the high position of the batter- 
ies, and therefore she was very nearly rendered useless. She was struck 
three times on her turret and twice upon her sides. The only effect produced 
by the balls was to bend the iron plates of the vessel. The Naugatuck suf- 
fered a much more serious disaster. After delivering several effective shots, 
her immense one hundred pound rifled Parrotfgun burst, killing the gunner 
and wounding two men. The rest of her armament consisted of two board- 
ing howitzers, which in such a contest, were of little consequence. The casu- 
alities on the Galena were still more serious. The shots of the Rebel 
batteries riddled her deck with ea-se, and several of their balls penetrated 
her side. Fourteen of her crew were killed and thirteen wounded. The 
narrowness of the channel at this point, which prevented this vessel from 
turning, so as to work to advantage, rendered her a helpless mark for the 
enemy. The other gunboats were not seriously injured. The action con- 
tinued nearly five hours ; after which time the uselessness of further effort 
being apparent, the boats dropped down the river to their former anchorage. 
The entire Federal loss was then fifteen killed and sixteen wounded. 

This check did not delay for a moment the steady progress of the 
Federal forces under General McClellan toward Richmond. On the 20th 
of May the advance under Stoneman reached New bridge, eight miles 
distant from that^city, driving the pickets of the enemy before them. 
The Rebels were no longer found in force on that side of the Chickahominy 
creek, which there becomes an insignificant stream. On the 21st a large 
portion of the troops cros.sed it at Bottom's bridge and at the railroad 
bridge, and occupied a position a mile and a half beyond. On the 23d 
several skirmishes took place between portions of the two armies, in one 
of which the Rebels were driven from Mechanicsville, six miles from 



GENERAL HUNTER'S ABOLITION PROCLAMATION. 243 

New bridge ; and ia another, the famous Louisiana Tigers were dreadfully 
cut up by the fourth Michigan regiment. Other skirmishes subsequently 
occurred at different points along the hostile lines, in which the Federal 
forces usually gained the ad.vantage. These comparatively insignificant 
operations were viewed as merely preliminary to the colossal and decisive 
engagements which were expected to take place between the rival hosts, 
in the vicinity of the Rebel capital; which, with some probability of 
truth and reason, were regarded as the final arbiters of the fate of the 
Confederate government, and were expected to prove mortal blows to their 
already exhausted and expiring empire. 

A few days previous to the events which have just been narrated, the 
attention of the nation was temporarily diverted from the exclusive scrutiny 
of scenes of blood and conflict, by a proclamation which was issued by 
Major General David Hunter, then commanding the Department of the 
South, by which he assumed the responsibility of declaring the States of 
Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina under martial law; at the same time 
affirming that, as slavery and martial law were incompatible, he pronounced 
all those persons who had formerly been held to slavery in those States 
thenceforth forever free. This bold and sweeping proclamation elicited 
different judgments from the public, according to their previously enter, 
tained opinions ; some commending it while others censured it. What- 
ever might have been the abstract merit and virtue of the measure, it did 
not harmonize with the more conservative and moderate sentiments of 
President Lincoln; who, on the 19th of May, issued a counter proclama- 
tion repudating the act of General Ilunter as unauthorized, and setting 
forth that he, the President, by virtue of the authority vested in him, 
reserved to hiftiself the right to determine whether he possessed the 
power to declare the slaves in any of the States free; and whether, provi- 
ded he possessed that power, it would ever become necessary to the main- 
tenance and preservation of the Federal Goverment, for him to exercise it 
At the same time the Chief Executive set forth that he had on a previous 
occasion recommended that Congress should pass a joint resolution by 
which the United States would be obliged to assist any State which 
might, -of its own accord, resolve to abolish slavery within its limits; 
giving it such pecuniary aid as might be necessary to enable it to execute 
such a purpose. That recommendation had been accepted and approved 
by the Federal Congress; and it stood recorded in their proceedings as a 
solemn and authentic proposal from the nation to the slave States. Thus 
far, and no farther, did he deem it prudent and equitable then to determine 
or to legislate on the subject. The position thus assumed and maintained 
by Mr. Lincoln received the approval of the majority of the inhabitants of 
the loyal States, who were not at that period in favor of any more radical 
or decisive measure in reference to the enfranchisement of the victims of 
southern bondage. 



244 



THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

THE CORPS D'aRMKE OF GENERAL BANKS — IMPRUDENT REDUCTION OP ITS NUMBERS— TOR 
REBELS UNDER JACKSON ATTACK THE ADVANCE AT FRONT ROYAL — DESIGN OP THE REBELS 
TO OVERPOWER BANKS's DIVISION — THE LATTER ORDERS A GENERAL RETREAT TOWARD 
WINCHESTER — VARIOUS ENGAGEMENTS ON THE ROUTE — BATTLE OF MIDDLETOWN — ACTION 
ON THE MARCH TO WINCHESTER — BATTLE AT NEWTOWN — THE BATTLE OF WINCHESTER — 
ITS RESULTS — CONTINUANCE OP THE RETREAT TO WILLIAMSPORT — ADVENTURES OF THE 
ZOUAVES d'aFRIQUE — FEDERAL LOSSES DURING THE RETREAT — SKETCH OP GENERAL 
BANKS — ATTITUDE OF THE FEDERAL AND REBEL ARMIES AT CORINTH — A GREAT BATTI.B 

ANTICIPATED COMMENCEMENT OF THE ATTACK BY GENERAL HALLECK — ITS RESULTS — 

EVACUATION OF CORINTH BY THE REBELS — CAUSES OF THIS EVENT — AN EXTRAORDINARY 
SPECTACLE — PURSUIT OF THE RETREATING FOE — A RECONNOISSANCE ON THE CHICKA- 
HOMINY — SKIRMISH AT THE PINES — THE BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT HOUSE — DESTRUCTION 
OF THE RICHMOND AND FREDERICKSBURG RAILROAD — GALLANT EXPLOIT Or LIEUTENANT 
DAVIS. 



That portion of the Federal forces which had been placed under the 
command of General Bank.s, had pursued the Rebels under General Jack- 
son through the valley of the Shenandoah with steady and unvarying 
success as far as Strasburg, when, on the 23d of May, 1862, a sudden 
reverse overtook the victors. The division of General Banks was 
originally an efficient body of troops, comprising three large brigades. 
These had been reduced from time to time to less than half of their first 
proportions, through the occult iufluence of various causes, by sending 
large detachments to other commanders in the field. The result of this 
policy was, that General Banks was eventually placed in a critical po- 
sition, in the heart of a hostile country, and liable to be attacked at any 
moment by an enraged enemy with an overwhelming preponderance of 
numbers. The commander of the Rebels in that region was too shrewd 
and vigilant an officer not to discover the immense advantages which 
were thus unfortunately placed within his reach ; and be soon gave the 
friends of the Union ample cause to regret the energy and skill with 
which he improved the opportunity of revenge and conquest which this 
indiscretion tendered him. 

On the 2bd of May, the advance guard of General Banks, which was 
stationed under Colonel Kenley at Front Royal, consisting of the first 
Maryland regiment, was suddenly attacked by the Rebels with great fury 
and with an immense superiority of numbers. As soon as information 
of this event reached the' headquarters at Strasburg, General Banks or- 
dered a detachment of cavalry and a portion of his artillery forward to 
the support of Colonel Kenley; but when it was ascertained, soon after- 
ward, that the troops of that officer bad been wholly scattered by the 



REBEL DESIGN TO OVERPOWER BANKS' DIVISION. 245 

avalanche which had descended upon them, and that the enemy, twenty- 
five thousand strong, were rushing on like a deluge for the purpose of 
surrounding and crushing the comparatively weak force of General Banks, 
the reinforcements thus ordered forward were recalled. That commander 
quickly discerned the full extent of his danger, and the novel and peril- 
ous crisis summoned all his rare powers of discrimination into immediate 
action. He perceived that, under the circumstances, only one of three 
lines of conduct was possible for him : He might advance with his whole 
force from Strasburg toward Front Royal, and attack the enemy on the 
flank ; he might retire across Little North Mountain, and thus reach the 
Potomac on the west ; he might retreat to Winchester, there preserve his 
communications with his original base of operations, wait for reinforce- 
ments, engage the advancing enemy if necessary, or retreat to Williams- 
port, as the event might demand. The objection to the first plan was 
fatal ; his troops were too few to attack the augmented and greatly supe- 
rior force which the Rebels had suddenly brought together at Front Royal. 
The argument against the second plan was equally potent : by it General 
Banks would have been compelled to abandon his whole train, consisting 
of five hundred wagons of ammunition and stores. The third expedient 
alone was prudent and feasible; for by a skillful retreat toward Winches- 
ter, and thence to the Potomac, the army might be saved from capture, 
his stores from total loss, and the cause of the Union from a greater dis- 
aster than any which had occurred since the commencement of the war. 

Accordingly, at three o'clock on the morning of the 24:111 of May, the 
hurried dispositions for the retreat were made. Colonel Donnelly's brig- 
ade wa.s ordered forward in the advance with the wagon trains. Colonel 
Gordon was placed in command of the bulk of the infantry in the centre. 
General Hatch, with nearly the whole of the cavalry, and six pieces of 
artillery, was charged with the protection of the rear. By nine o'clock 
all the arrangements were completed ; every man was at his post ; General 
Banks was ubiquitous over the whole line ; the last orders to march 
were given ; and then began one of the most masterly retreats which can 
be found recorded on the checkered pages of history. Soon the • Rebel 
forces came rushing on in full pursuit. The long line of troops and 
wagons was winding its tedious way, like an immense anaconda, stretching 
between Strasburg and Middletown, when the enemy, passing the Federal 
troops by a circuitous route, reached the front of the column and made 
an attack upon the heavy trains and the troops which guarded them. 
The enemy had obtained possession of the road at Middletown, for the 
purpose of intercepting the retreat ; and now the fugitives from tlie front 
came running toward the rear in wild confusion, bringing the first tidings 
of the assault. The position and immediate purpose of the Rebels being 
thus ascertained, Colonel Donnelly was instantly ordered forward with a 
body of troops to support the advance. He encountered the enemy in 



246 THE CIVIL WAR. IN THE UNITED STATES. 

full force at Middletown, thirteen miles from Winchester. Colonel Knipe 
was directed, with the forty-sixth Pennsylvania, to attack the enemy 
posted in the woods on, the riglit. lie was supported by a portion of 
Cochran's New York battery and the twenty-eighth New York regiment. 
After a short, though spirited contest, the Rebels broke and fled. They 
were then pursued for more than two miles from the scene of action ; but 
as there seemed to be no visible end to the chase, the victors returned to 
the main column. As it was the purpose of General Banks to effect his 
return to Winchester, and not to win battles, except in so far as it was 
necessary to accomplish that result, he reftised to waste valuable time in 
useless conquests. Thus Middletown was passed, and the heroic march 
was continued toward Winchester. 

It was now ascertained that the Rebels had taken another position, for 
the purpose of intercepting the Federal forces before they reached that 
city. General Hatch, who still commanded the rear, was then ordered 
to advance with the greater part of his troops, leaving Colonel Dc Forrest 
to protect the rear. Hatch in vain attempted to join the Federal troops 
in front, being intercepted by the greater masses of 'the enemy ; he then 
movid'to the left, and advanced by a parallel road toward Winchester. 
He found Colonel Gorden at Newtown, where he effected a junction with 
the main column. But six companies of the New York fifth under Colonel 
De Forrest, in the rear, were cut off by the enemy from the rest of the 
troops, and compelled to retreat to Strasburg. At Newtown a spirited 
contest took place between a large body of the Rebels and a portion of 
the Federal troops commanded by Colonel Gordon, consisting of the 
second Massachusetts, the twenty-seventh Indiana, and the twenty-eighth 
New York. These troops attacked the Rebels with fury, drove them 
from the town, and the guns of the enemy were silenced by the federal 
battery; but they found it impossible tq^^ect a junction with the cavalry 
under General Hatch, or to recover the rear of the train which had been 
cut off. It was here that, as the Federal column continued their line of 
march, they were surrounded by numerous masses of the Rebel horde.", 
who repeatedly charged on them with cavalry, but were as often repulsed 
in solid squares, with all the gallantry and firmness of veterans. During 
these operations, the wagons which became disabled were burned from 
time to time, to prevent their contents from falling into the hands of 
the enemy ; while after each assault and each repulse, the line of march 
was quietly resumed. Many were wounded and slain on both sides; and 
thus by slow stages the Federal forces approached, and finally reached 
Winchester. It was at this place that the most tragical scenes con- 
nected with this memorable and masterly retreat were destined to occur. 

The Rebels having concentrated twenty-five thousand men around the 
Federal forces as they lay in the vicinity of Winchester, commenced the 
attack at break of day on the 25th of May. The latter reposed upon 



THE BATTLE OP WINCHESTER. 241 

their arms during their halt, and were ready at a moment's notice to 
receive the enemy. The right wing, commanded by Colonel Gordon, com 
prised the third brigade, and tlie men were protected to some extent from 
the fire of the foe by stone walls in the vicinity. Colonel Donnelly com- 
manded the remainder of the infantry, which was posted on the left. 
General Hatch and the cavalry occupied the centre. The enemy com- 
menced the engagement by an attack on the left of the Federal line_ 
Here they suffered severely, and the advantage remained with the Federals. 
On the right the enemy were more numerously posted, and were more 
successful in their operations. They attempted to turn the flank of the 
Federal troops upon the Berryville road. A portion of, the latter then 
retreated, the Rebels pursued, and a confused flight through Winchester 
took place. The right wing followed in better order, and covered the 
retreat through the town. On the opposite side of Winchester order was 
again restored, and the line of march resumed. This battle continued 
during five hours. In it about five thousand men, of all arms, had con- 
fronted and encountered with honor twenty-five thousand. The Rebels 
gained few laurels by the combat. The retreat was then continued 
toward Martinsburg, the Federal troops marching in three parallel columns. 
Each of these columns was protected by a rear guard, which repeatedly 
and defiantly skirmished with the Rebels. At Martinsburg the. Federal 
troops halted two hours and a half, thus demonstrating that they were 
not making a panic-stricken or precipitate retreat. After that interval 
the march was resumed ; and at six o'clock on the same day, they reached 
the banks of the Potomac at Williamsport. They had traveled fifty-three 
miles in forty -eight hours. A small number of the wearied troops crossed 
the river during the night; the remainder followed on the ensuing day. 

The Federal loss in this "retreat was, under the circumstances a very 
small one. It was thirty-eight killed, one hundred and fifty-five wounded, 
seven hundred missing. All the Federal guns, sixteen in number, were 
saved. Out of a train of nearly five hundred wagons, only fifty -five were 
lost. Most of these were burn%d upon the road, because they ht^d become 
wrecked, and not because they were abandoned to the enemy. Among 
the officers who especially distinguished themselves on this occasion was 
General A. S. Williams, commanding the division; Colonels Donnelly 
and Gordon, commanding the two brigades ; and General Hatch, the chief 
of cavalry. In the several engagements which took place during the 
retreat, not a few episodes occurred in which particular corps and single 
companies displayed the best and noblest qualities of the soldier. Our 
space forbids us to enumerate all of these. One of the most remarkable, 
which deserves special mention, was the escape of the Zouaves cCAfrique, who 
had been the body guard of the commander-in-chief.. These men were 
selected to perform the dangerous duty of burning the bridges in the rear 
of the retreating column. They were commanded by Captain Collis. 



248 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

When the overwhelming numbers of the enemy became evident, and it 
remained uncertain whether the Federal troops might not themselves need 
the bridges by wliich to return, they abandoned their task, pressed forward 
toward Winchester, and reached Middletown during the progress of the 
battle at that place. They there joined in the combat; but being only 
seventy in number, were overwhelmed by a vastly superior force, and 
compelled to retreat. They then pursued their march toward Winchester 
by a different route. In the vicinity of that town they again encountered 
the enemy, and were compelled to turn back. Unable to unite with the 
main column in consequence of this obstacle, they took an obscure path 
over the mountains, intending to cross the Potomac at Pan-Pan tunnel. 
At Bloomery Gap they learned that a numerous body of the enemy were 
posted ten miles in ailvancc, directly on their route. They therefore 
turned to the right, and marched to Hancock, on the Potomac, a distance 
of thirty miles ; escaping many perils, exhausted by excessive labors 
which would liave overtasked the strongest frames, and yet safely bringing 
with them thirty-five wagons loaded with valuable stores, which had been 
abandoned by the army near Middletown. 

As Xenophon, in a former and distant age, derived the chief glory of a 
life not otherwise undistinguished from the skill and valor with which he 
conducted the retreat of the Ten Thousand Greeks, after tlie death of the 
younger Cyrus at the battle of Cunaxa, through Asia Minor to the wel- 
come shores of the Eu.xine Sea; so the greatest renown of General Banks 
will hereafter probably be derived from the ability with which he effected 
the escape of his division from the Kebel hordes at Strasburg, and led it 
in safety to Williamsport. This Federal hero was born in Massachusetts, in 
January, 1816. His early education was limited to the meagre routine of 
the common school ; and his earliest industry was expended in the labors 
of a cotton factory at Waltham. He afterward aspired to the craft and 
mastered the mysteries of a machinist. While engaged in this pursuit, he 
gratified his desire for intellectual improvement, and occasionally de- 
livered popular addresses before tempera#ce meetings, literary lyceums, 
and political assemblies. He afterward assumed the editorship of a rural 
newspaper, and engaged zealously in the political contests of the day. In 
1848 he was elected a member of the Massachusetts House of Representa- 
tives. In 1851 he was chosen the speaker of that body. In 1853 he was 
promoted to a seat in the Federal Congress. In 1855 he was re-elected to 
that position ; and was chosen, after a spirited contest of nearly two months 
duration, to preside over the deliberations of the House. In 1857 he was 
elected Governor of Massachusetts; and he performed the duties of that 
important ofSce with eminent ability and success. The high reputation 
which he had gained for capacity, energy and integrity, turned the special 
regard of the administration upon him when the Eebeiiion broke forth; 
and when a selection was to be made of some of the wisest and best men in 



ATTITUDE OF THE TWO ARMIES AT CORINTH. 249 

the nation, to fill the offices of greatest responsibility in the military service 
of the country, the once obscure machinist of Waltham was invested with 
the dignity and rank of major-general in the Federal army. He was placed 
in command of a portion of the troops on the Potomac, and during many 
months evinced his fitness for his new sphere, by guarding a part of that 
river and the territory lying adjacent from the inroads of the Rebels. 
When at last the nation was gratified by the announcement that the march 
toward Richmond was about to commence, General Banks led his forces 
into the bowels of the hostile land. We have elsewhere recorded the sub- 
sequent success which attended his movements in this important enterprise 

We turn from the successful retreat of the Federal troops from Strasburg, 
to notice the mysterious flight of the Rebel forces from Corinth. 

Immediately after the battle of Shiloh, rfear Pittsburg Landing, the im- 
mense army which had conquered under General Albert Sydney Johnston, 
and had been defeated on the next day under his successor in command, 
General Beauregard, retreated to Corinth, and entrenched themselves 
within the limits and in the vicinity of that town. Their future operations 
were unknown ; it was uncertain whether they would again advance, and 
try the fortunes of war in' the open field, or whether they would await the 
attack of the Federal troops in their fortified position. The Union forces, 
were soon afterward placed under the orders of General Halleck, an officer 
whom though not yet the victor in any great battle, the public unani- 
mously agreed to applaud, as the ablest, or as one of the ablest, of the 
Federal commanders. By a combination of the troops under Generals 
Grant, Buell, Pope and Thomas, his army was augmented to the formida- 
ble number of over a hundred thousand m_en. An intense degree of interest 
centered around the struggle which, it was anticipated, would occur at 
that place. During some weeks it was regarded by the popular mind, as 
equal in magnitude, importance, and the decisiveness of its results, to the 
final contest which was expected to occur at Richmond. It was thought 
that, at Corinth, General Beauregard would attempt to revive and freshen 
the laurals which were withered at Shiloh ; to recover the crown which 
he had gained at Manassas, but which had been wrested from his brow at 
Pittsburg Landing. All these prognostications were destined to a sudden 
and complete disappointment. « 

General Halleck had been slowly approaching Corinth during some 
days, feeling his way cautiously and prudently, when, on the 27th of May 
he ordered General Sherman to advance toward the outer pickets of the 
enemy, select a position as near as possible to their entrenchments, and 
defend himself in it. Six or eight brigades were detailed to this service, 
and early in the morning of the day just named the operations began. 
At the first attack upon them the Rebels were taken by surprise ; but they 
quickly rallied, and their outposts being reinforced, an engagement of 
some severity ensued. This contest occupied a large portion of the day, 



250 THE CIVIL WAR IK THE UNITED STATES. 

but .at tlirec o'clock in the afternoon the whole line of the enemy broke 
and fled before the vigorous assaults of the Federal infantry and aitillery. 
The latter advanced, and at the close of the day occupied the position de- 
serted by the enemy. This position was about thirteen liudred yards 
distant from the main entrenchments of the Eebel army, upon which they 
had expended so much labor. General Sherman commenced at once to 
entrench his troops in their new post; the lines were laid out after night- 
fall ; and so industriously did the Federal soldiers work, that before the 
dawn of the morning of the 29th their breast- works were completed. By 
nine o'clock of tliat day the siege trains were brought forward, and the 
artillery were placed in position. The Federal forces, consisting of a whole 
division, now occupied an immense curve around Corinth, facing south- 
ward; the right wing resting o'n the Mobile and Ohio railroad, the left on 
the main road to Corinth. The two armies were in such close proximity 
to each other, that the sound of the drums and the voices of those in com- 
mand, could be distinctly heard from the opposite camps. On the 30th of 
May it was expected that the last and greatest combat would commence. 

The attention of the Federal commanders had been attracted, and their 
suspicions arou.sed, during several previous days and nights, by the fre- 
quent noise of railroad cars arriving and departing in a direction opposite to 
their own position. At six o'clock in the morning of the 30lh, a succession 
of loud explosions which took place within the enemy's works, increased 
the mystery nor was that mystery solved until, after the order to advance 
bad been given by General Sherman, it was discovered that the entrench- 
ments of the Rebels where wholly deserted. The bigade of General M. L. 
Smith was the first to reach and to enter the redoubts of the fugitive foe_ 
ne then advanced into the town of Corinth, which he also found entirely 
evacuated by the Rebels. General Denver followed ; and by eight o'clock 
the entire division of General Sherman occupied the deserted town. An 
extraordinary spectacle now presented itself to the view of the Federal 
troops. Far and wide on every hand could be seen the remains of the aban- 
doned camps. 

Numerous warehouses, in which the explosions referred to had taken 
place, were in flames or were smouldering in ruins. Immense quantities 
ofc flour and provisions, ammunition and clothing, lay scattered in the 
wildest confusion ; and it was evident that the Rebels had evacuated their 
boasted stronghold by a rapid and disorderly retreat. Then it was ascer- 
tained from the remaining citizens of the town that, during several days 
and nights, the immense army of General Beauregard had been trans- 
ported over two railroads from Corinth ; although a portion of tliem had 
been compelled at last to leave in hot haste on foot, in order to escape the 
impending assault of the Federal troops under General Halleck. 

The stars and stripes were soon unfurled over the recent fortifications 
of the enemy ; and in a few hours the victors occupied the various en- 



A RECONNOISSANCB ON THE CHICKAHOMINY. 251 

trenchments which they had evacuated. That evacuation, so unexpected 
and so significant, excited the utmost astonishment throughout the nation ; 
and conjecture was busy in assigning the probable causes which might 
have produced it. The most prevalent and plausible supposition waf, 
that the Eebel commander was afraid to encounter the formidable host 
mustered under the banners of General Halleck ; and thatthey wisely averted 
the horrors and the disgrace of an overwhelming defeat, by a prudent and 
clandestine flight. This result was more acceptable _and propitious to the 
Federal cause than a great though sanguinary victory would have been.* 
A vast amount of stores and ammunition, several thousand stand of arms, 
and twenty-five hundred prisoners, afterward fell into the hands of the 
troops of the Union. Subsequent to the occupation of Corinth a pursuit 
of the enemy was ordered ; and General Pope's division was dispatched 
after that portion of them who had fled westward. He soon overtook 
their rear, six miles southwest of the town ; and an engagement ensued 
in which a number were slain on both sides, and some Eebel prisoners 
were taken. 

. During the progress of these events, the Federal army in the Peninsula 
were steadily approaching Richmond. Its advance was marked from day 
to day by futile opposition on the part of the enemy, aiid by several im- 
portant and sanguinary contests between the opposing forces. On the 
23d of May a reconnoissance was ordered by General McClellan, for the 
"purpose of ascertaining whether the right wing of his army could cross 
the Chickahominy immediately, with safety and advantage. The troops 
detailed for this service proceeded up the left bank of the stream about 
three miles. The sixth Pennsylvania cavalry, who were in the advance, 
suddenly came in sight of the new bridge which spanned it ; and before 
the Rebel pickets in the vicinity could apply the torch they dashed forward 
and took possession of it. They immediately crossed over, together with 
Robinson's battery, and proceeded a short distance beyond the stream. 
As soon as these troops had ascended a hill, a few hundred yards distant 
from the bridge, the Rebels, who were concealed in a dense wood, opened 
a fire upon them from several batteries. Robinson immediately responded 
with four guns, Titbull with six guns, which they had quickly placed in 
a favorable position ; a"nd a vigorous cannonade ensued. The Rebel artil- 
lery was supported by a regiment of infantry, and by some squadrons of 
cavalry, who in a short time endeavored to outflank their assailants. But 
this purpose was defeated by the latter, and they were in t\irn driven 
back. The action lasted nearly an hour, after which the Rebels aban- 
doned the attack, and the Federal troops encamped fgr the night on the 



* The real motive for the evacuation of Corinth was, that the larger portion of the 
Eebel forces might be transferred thence to Richmond, and be united with those which 
afterward repulsed General McClellan from that capital. 



252 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

battle-field. On the following morning the action was renewed. The 
Rebels assailed the Federals with a battery of four guns. But they eS'ected 
little damage, in consequence of the inaccuracy of their aim. At length 
Wheeler's battery and Davidson's brigade were ordered forward to. attack 
and capture the guns of the enemy, which were supported by several 
regiments of infantry, and by several squadrons of cavalry. The Federal 
troops advanced with great spirit, filling the air with their defiant shouts, 
and sending a hail-stprm of balls into the ranks of the foe as they ap- 
proached them. The latter did not wait for a nearer or closer contact ; 
but as soon as the order to charge bayonets had been given they broke 
and fled. They were pursued a short distance, after which the chase 
terminated and the Federal troops were recalled to their former position. 
The Federal loss in this action was two killed and ten wounded. That 
of the enemy is unknown ; a partial yet plausible conjecture would estimate 
it at a much largej number. 

A similar operation, attended by a similar result, was effectel <a the 
le/l wing of the Federal army on the 2-lth of May. A reconnoissaiice was 
ordered on that day, to ascertain the strength of the Rebels in a position 
called the Pines ; and a considerable force, consisting of infantry and 
cavalry, was placed under the command of General Naglee for that 
purpose. At ten o'clock these troops reached the spot where the enemy 
had planted two batteries, from which they immediately began to salute 
the Federals. The guns of the latter were quickly made to respond. 
The Rebel force consisted of these two batteries, containing eight guns, 
one regiment of infantry, and five hundred cavalry. During the progress 
of the contest which ensued, the eighth Pennsylvania cavalry attacked the 
horse of the enemy and completely routed them. The inliintry also came 
into collision. But the chief execution was effected on both sides by the 
artillery. The batteries of the Rebels were shifted several times from 
their positions, and were driven in every instance from them with heavy 
loss. At length, after an engagement of two hours' duration, the enemy 
retreated, and were concealed from the view of the victors by the foliage 
of a dense and shady forest. Skirmishers were then thrown forward to 
ascertain their location ; but as they could not be found within the compass 
of several miles, the pursuit was abandoned. They had retreated toward 
the right, in the direction of the Richmond railroad, in the vicinity of 
which, it was conjectured, a much larger force was then concentrated. 
The Federal loss in this action was five killed, sixteen wounded. That 
of the Rebels was probably much greater, as not a few of their cavalry 
were seen to fall from their horses, and were afterward conveyed from 
the battle-field by the retreating enemy. 

These skirmishes and several others of less importance which took 
place at this period along the banks of the Chickahominy, were followed 
on the 27th of May by the more decisive battle of Hanover Court House. 




/r-eus^Eft ^^^"-^^'^^^^^^^ 



THE BATTLE OF HANOVER COURT HOUSE. 253 

General McClellan readily discerned the necessity of cutting ofif the con- 
nection between the Eebel authorities at Richmond with those at Fred- 
ericksburg, which was preserved and maintained by the railroo.d running 
between those two cities. The tasli of destroying this road, and of rout- 
ing the Rebel forces which might attempt to prevent the execution of the 
enterprise, was entrusted to the troops commanded by General Fitz John 
Porter. Accordingly, at four o'clock in the morning of the 27th, these 
troops were under arms, and the march began from the Federal camp. 
The sixth Pennsylvania cavalry were in the advance of the column, com- 
manded by Major Williams. The line of march was along the New 
Bridge road, thence over the Hanover turnpike. The first glimpse of the 
enemy was obtained at McKinsey's Cross Roads, where their mounted 
pickets were encountered. This place was six miles distant from Hanover 
Court House, and at noon the vicinity of that spot was reached. During 
the progress of the day three separate contests took place with the Eebel 
forces, in each of which they were routed. 

The first of these occurred at a locality known as Kinney's House. A 
number of Rebel troops had been concealed in and around this mansion ; 
and as the twenty-fifth New York regiment, who were then in the ad- 
vance, approached it, a heavy fire was opened upon them. Their volleys 
were quickly returned while the J"ederals advanced. They then com- 
menced to fire with a number of field pieces, which they had posted on a 
road in front of the house. The Federal artillery were now placed in 
position, and responded to the guns of the enemy, while, at the same time, 
Berdan's sharpshooters were distributed to the right and to the left, for 
the purpose of picking off the Rebel gunners. These famous marksmen, 
lying flat upon the ground, according to their usual custom, took deadly 
and infallible aim at the foe ; and soon, one of the Rebel guns being 
wholly unmanned, they rushed forward and took possession of it. During 
this interval the Federal regiments in the rear were approaching the scene 
of action. Generals Butterfield and Martindale, and Colonel McQuade, 
brought their several brigades successively within range. A spirited 
contest of nearly two hours' duration then ensued between the Federal 
troops and the whole strength of the enemy collected at that point. At 
the expiration of that time the latter were driven from their position, and 
fled with precipitation through the woods. General Porter immediately 
ordered a pursuit ; and for three miles a chase followed, over boggy 
marshes, through dense forests, and among waving grain-fields. The 
Rebels clearly demonstrated their superiority, if in nothing else, in their 
fleetness of locomotion ; and the best efforts of the Federals were defeated 
in the vain attempt to overtake the fugitives. While a portion of the 
Union forces were employed in this service. General Martindale's brigade 
was ordered to hasten to the Virginia Central Railroad, and commence 
the work of its demolition. The order was obeyed with alacrity. In a 



254 



THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 



short space of time forty rods of the road were destroyed, a bridge was 
burned, the telegraph was intercepted, and the communication of the 
enemy between Richmond and Fredericksburg completely ruined. 

After this success an interval of several hours' duration ensued, during 
which the Federal troops rested upon their arms, and the Rebels were 
quietly receiving reinforcements from Richmond. At the end of that 
period the latter again appeared, and began to fire upon a house which 
had been occupied by the Federals as a hospital, and upon the troops who 
were in the vicinity. This attack quickly brought the forty-fourth New 
York regiment forward to the assistance of the assailed ; and soon the 
entire brigade of General Martindale was formed into line of battle. 
Thus the second engagement of the day began, during which the Rebels 
fought concealed in the woods. The firing on both sides from cannon 
and musketry was rapid and continuous. Griffin and Benson's batteries 
scattered shot and shell over the whole position of the enemy ; and after 
the lapse of an hour, the latter began to break and retreat. In a short 
time all those who had taken part in the action disappeared from view 
and the Federal troops again remained masters of the field. But the 
labors and triumphs of the day were not yet terminated. At this crisis 
a more numerous body of Rebels took their position in the rear of Kin- 
ney's House, and recommenced the contest with great spirit. It is proba- 
ble that they mustered fifteen thousand men, in this last effort to dislodge 
the Federal forces from -the possession of the railroad. General Porter, 
perceiving the importance of this final struggle, ordered his artillery to 
be brought forward and placed on both sides of the front of the enemy, 
so that he might shell them by diagonal fires, while the infantry made the 
attack in the centre, commanded by General Butterfield. These orders 
were executed with admirable skill and firmness. The troops advanced 
to the assault with hearty cheers which were suggestive of the inevitable 
victory which was to follow. Hard fighting again took place. The 
enemy remained for the most part concealed in the woods ; but as the 
darkness of night approached, their fire slackened, and before the close 
of the day they had evacuated their entire position. These two additional 
hours of fighting ended with the complete discomfiture and flight of the 
Rebel forces. A number of prisoners were taken. The victors slept on 
their arms, without any shelter, and occupied the field which they had 
signalized by their valor. The Federal loss during the entire day was 
fifty-three killed, three hundred and twenty-six wounded. It was evident, 
from a subsequent examination of the woods in which the enemy had 
chiefly fought, and which they had evacuated, that their loss must have 
been much greater; for the mangled bodies of their dead and wounded 
covered the ground both far and near. 

The various operations of an army so numerous as that then posted 
before Richmond, would necessarily include many minor episodes and 



GALLANT EXPLOIT OP LIEUTENANT DAVIS. 255 

individual achievements which will never be recorded on the historic 
page, ia which the actors exhibited as much heroism as could be dis- 
played on the most extensive and renowned battle-field. Our space per- 
mits us here to aUude to but one of these. General McClellan having 
formed the determination to open communication with the Federal gun- 
boats on the James river, then fifteen miles distant from his camp, ordered 
Lieutenant Frank C. Davis, of the third Pennsylvania cavalry, to per- 
form the task with an escort of ten picked men. It was a service of con- 
siderable difficulty and danger, from the fact that the intervening country 
was filled with the pickets of the enemy. The danger of capture or of 
death was imminent. A rare combination of prudence, tact and boldness 
was necessary to accomplish the feat. On the morning of Sunday, the 
25th of May, the lieutenant started from the Federal camp. Scarcely 
had he traveled four miles when he encountered the pickets of the enemy 
posted in a wood. He avoided these by a sudden detour and "pursued his 
journey. The same incident occurred several times when his escape from 
the impending peril was marvelous. At length he came within view of 
the James river, three miles distant, and beheld the Union gunboats 
riding at anchor upon its tranquil bosom. He hid his men in the woods 
and rode forward alone. Eeaching the banks of the river, he obtained 
a small boat, and hired two negroes to row him to the Galena. He was 
met when half way by a cutter from the ship. The message with which 
he had been entrusted, though a very important one, had not been com- 
mitted to writing, in order to avoid the possibility of its becoming known 
to the enemy by the capture of the messenger. The lieutenant havino- 
delivered that message and received his answer, commenced his return. 
He then encountered the same perils, and evaded them with the same 
success. He traveled with his escort during the whole night, and reached 
the camp in safety at eleven o'clock on Monday morning. General Mc- 
Clellan directed his chief of staff to express to Lieutenant Davis his ap- 
probation of the prompt, discreet and satisfactory manner in which ho 
and his men had performed the duty assigned them, in communicating 
with Captain Eodgers, the commander of the fleet of Federal gunboats in 
James river. 



256 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

APPROACH OF THE FEDERAL ARMY TO RICHMOND — THE CORPS OF GENERAL KETES CROSS 
THE CHICKAHOMINY — THEIR ESPOSF.D POSITION — HOSTILE PURPOSE OF THE REBEL LEADERS 
— THE BATTLE OF SEVEN PINES — POSITION OF THE FEDERAL TROOPS — COMMENCEMENT OF 
THE ATTACK — DISPOSITION OF TROOPS MADE BY GENERAL CASEY — INCIDENTS OF TUB 
BATTLE — ROUT OP CASEY's DIVISION — GENERAL COUCH's TROOPS BECOME ENGAGED — DES- 
PERATE FIGHTING VICTORY OP THE REBELS — THE FEDERALS REINFORCED THE ENGAGE- 
MENT OF JCNE FIRST, GENERAL HEINTZELMAN IN CHIEF COMMAND— INCIDENTS OF THIS 
BATTLE — HEROISM OF THE IRISH REOIMENTS AND OF SICKLEs' EXCELSIOR BRIGADE — THE 
VICTORY OF FAIR OAKS — ITS RESULTS — POPULAR IMPATIENCE FOR THE OCCUPATION OP 
RICHMOND — REBEL FORCES IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHENANDOAH — THEIR BRIEF OCCUPA- 
TION OP IT — GENERAL FREMONT ORDERED TO EXPEL THEM — THEY ABANDON WINCHESTER 

THEIR RETREAT THROUGH STRASBURO AND WOODSTOCK — BATTLE OF CROSS KEYS — 

GALLANTRY OF THE BUCKTAILS — RESULTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT— BATTLE OF PORT REPUBLIC 
— INCIDENTS OF THIS ENGAGEMENT — ITS RESULTS — RETREAT OF GENERAL JACKSON TOWARD 
RICHMOND — APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL POPE AS COMMANDER OF THE DEPARTMENT — WITH- 
DRAWAL OF GENERAL FREMONT — HIS MILITARY ACHIEVEMENTS — HIS TRUE RENOWN. 

The history of past ages demonstrates that in every great struggle 
between contending nations, the contest will ultimately culminate in a 
few particular localities ; that there the chief resources of the combatants 
will be concentrated ; that the engagements which take place at these 
points will be more colossal in their proportions, more obstinate and 
desperate in their spirit, than those which preceded them, and that they 
will produce a decisive effect on the issue of the contest one way or the 
other. This maxim holds true with regard to the war against the South- 
ern Rebellion. It was in the vicinity of Richmond that some of the 
most terrible battles were destined to occur. There the chief military 
strength of the Rebels had been concentrated. Thither their ablest 
generals had been summoned. At that place they had evidently resolved, 
with a heroism not destitute of grandeur and dignity, but sadly perverted 
to an ignoble end, to conquer or to perish. We have now arrived, in the 
progress of this history, at the most sanguinary scenes which ever occurred 
on the American Continent; and we will proceed, in this chapter, to 
describe a portion of them as they transpired at the spot which every 
patriot fondly hoped would prove the Arbela, the Pharsalia, the Waterloo, 
of the Rebel Confederacy. 

The corps of General Keyes, which formed a part of the army of General 
McClellan, comprised the two divisions of Casey and Couch. These 
troops were about twenty thousand in number. They first crossed the 
Chickahominy, as the pioneers of the grand army in the Peninsula, 
passing over by a single bridge ; and they were thus placed in the advance 
in an isolated position. The camp of General Casey, whose troops led 



GENERAL KEYS CROSSES THE CHICKAnOMINY. 25T 

the van, was pitched in the vicinity of a spot designated by the name of 
Seven Pines. It was located about eight miles east of Richmond, near 
the highway which runs between that city and Williamsburg. The 
first brigade was placed on the right, the second in the centre, the third 
on the left of the line. A number of breastworks bad been thrown up 
immediately after the occupation of the camp ; and a line of rifle-pits had 
been dug. The troops who composed this division, were for the most 
part new' and raw levies, whose discipline was lax, and whose military 
experience was extremely limited. Many of them, unaccustomed to the 
hardships and privations of a soldier's life, were sick ; and although the 
men were individually as brave as their comrades, no corps of the entire 
army was less fitted than they to repulse the first and sudden attack of 
an infuriated enemy. The division of General Couch consisted of twelve 
regiments. He had dug two lines of rifle-pits in front of his position, 
which was located in the interval between the camp of General Casey 
and Fair Oaks station. His troops were more ' familiar with the service, 
and were more numerous than those of General Casey. 

The Rebel commanders had conceived the plan of attacking these troops, 
with an overwhelming superiority of numbers, in their exposed position 
while cut off from the rest of the Federal army ; and having destroyed 
them, to press on, break through the lines in the rear, and eventually 
intercept the communication of the army with the depot at White House, 
through which its supplies of ammunition and subsistence were obtained. 
On Friday, May 30th, the enemy made a reconnoissance in force for the 
purpose of ascertaining the precise position and strength of these troops, 
and the location of their camps. The Federal pickets, who were a mile 
in advance of the Federal lines, observed on that day, and on themornino' 
of the following, an unusual commotion in the camp of the Rebels, which 
was within their view ; but no apprehension was entertained of the mo- 
mentous events which, were about to follow. It was on Saturday, May 
31st, that the first battle in the vicinity of Richmond took place. On 
that day the Rebels, having obtained accurate information respecting the 
exposed position of Generals Casey and Couch, made the attack. In the 
rear of the Federal troops the swollen waters of the Chickahominy rolled, ef- 
fectually preventing their retreat m case they were overpowered. The plans 
of the Rebels were well laid ; their time of action was opportunely chosen ; 
their assault was commenced and continued with energy and determina- 
tion. At one o'clock in the day they advanced down the Williamsburg 
road, toward the Federal camp.* They fired three shells as a signal to 

* The position of the diiferent brigades of General Casey's division before the en- 
gagement was as follows : General Naglee's brigade, consisting of the one hundred and 
fourth Pennsylvania, Colonel W. W. H. Davis ; eleventh Maine, Lieutenant-Colonel 
Palmstead ; fifty-sixth New York, Colonel C. H. Van Wyck ; fifty-second Pennsyl- 
vania, Colonel J. C. Dodge ; one hundredth New York, Colonel J. M. Brown, were on 
17 



858 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the rest of their forces that all was ready; and they then came upon the 
Federal pickets suddenly and unexpecteuly. The pickets discharged 
their p eces, fell back, and coramunicated the intelligence that the enemy 
were advancing in considerable force. The one hundred and third Penn- 
.'sylvania regiment was immediately ordered forward to support the pickets. 
So sudden was the attack, and so rapid the approach of the enemy, that 
before this regiment could load their pieces they received a volley of 
musketry. That volley was so effective that it disabled the regiment, 
not only by the loss of a fifth of its number, but also by completely de- 
moralizing the rest; who, overcome and bewildered by the suddenness 
of the surprise, broke and fled toward the rear in complete confusion. 
T'hey carried with them to their comrades exaggerated reports of the vast 
numbers and the ferocious spirit of their assailants; and announced the 
fact that their own regiment had been cut to pieces. This information, 
in itself so false, had the unfortunate effect of extending the panic to 
some extent among the remainder of the division, whose duty it now 
became to march against the exultant foe, and stem their advancing tide. 
For this purpose preparations were hastily made by General Casey. 
Spratt's battery was posted on the right, near the edge of the wood which 
skirted that extremity of the camp. Eegau's battery was placed next to 
it. These were supported by the one hundredth New York, the eleventh 
Maine, the one hundred and fourth Pennsylvania, and the ninety -second 
New York regiments. The first salute the enemy received was from tliese 
batteries; but they continued to advance with the steadiness of veterans. 
As they came within range of the musketry of the Federals, they re- 
turned the fire with such effect, and still approached with such rapidity, 
that they compelled their opponents to retire a short distance. But now 
their progress was checked by an obstacle, undignified, indeed, and un- 
heroic, bat quite unwelcome and considerable under the circumstances. 
Four hundred yards in front of the spot where the Federal batteries had 
been posted a rail fence ran, which it was necessary for the Rebels to 
cross or to remove. As often as they attempted to accomplish this feat, 
the Federal guns played upon them with grape and canister so destruc- 
tively, that their progress was arrested, and huge gaps were ploughed 
through their serried masses. It was not until the ammunition of these 

tl»e rif^ht of the Williamsburg and Richmond stage road, and e.xtcnded across the 
ruil track for some distance. The second brigade, under command of General Wessels. 
consisting of Die cighty-fiftn Pennsylvania,. Colonel T. B. IT. Howell ; one hundred and 
first Pennsylvania, Colonel S. II. Wilson; one hundred and third Pennsylvania, 
Colonel M. H. Lenman ; ninety-sixth New York, Colonel J. Fairman, occupied the 
centre and guarded the turnpike. The third brigade, General J. N. Palmer command- 
ing, consisting of the ei;,'hty-first New York, Lieutenant-Colonel De Forest ; fifty-fifth 
New York, Colonel T. S. Belknap ; ninety-second New York, Lientenant-Colonel 
Anderson ; ninety-eiglith New York, Lieutenant-Colonel Durkee, were on the left of 
the road, and connected with the pickets of General Couch's division. 



KOUT OF CASEY'S DIVISION. 259 

guns was exhausted, and the wagons being still beyond the Chiclcahominy, 
it was impossible to bring forward a fresh supply, that the enemy were 
able to surmount and overcome the obstruction. 

A closer combat then ensued. In vain did General Casey, with the 
coolness and valor of a veteran, ride along his shattered lines and en- 
deavor to steady them, staggered and wavering as they were, from the 
fury of the assault made upon them by vastly superior numbers. He 
ordered a bayonet charge to be made, which was executed with as much 
force and eSect as the strength and spirit of the men permitted. But 
fresh and heavy masses of Eebels still rolled forward from their rear, to 
the front, so that the Federal troops were at length overpowered. They 
then retreated within their first line of defence. Here Bates' battery of 
six pieces was posted in a redoubt on the left, and Fitch's battery on the 
right. These guns now opened on the advancing foe. Four Rebel bat- 
teries which had been brought forward responded to them, while the 
firing between the infantry was resumed with intense fury. They soon 
reached the redoubts and the rifle-pits, where the cannon of Bates and 
Spratt'had been placed. It became impossible to save all of these, and 
in the end some of them were spiked and abandoned. The Federal troops 
vainly attempted to resist the immense masses which now swelled forward, 
and swarmed like a countless host around them. Almost every regiment 
of Casey's division had by this time been effectually broken and routed. 
It was now half-past four. For three hours and a half those raw and in- 
experienced troops had stemmed the tide ; eight thousand mep had resisted 
thrice their number; and during all that period not more than half a mile 
had been yielded to the enemy in retreat. During this period General 
Casey had exhibited extraordinary courage, coolness and skill; but this 
brave commander was unable to perform impossibilities. He had lost 
one fourth of his division, and many of his best officers. He had, how- 
ever, rendered one essential service, by holding the Rebels in check until 
the Federal forces in his rear had time to prepare for their onset. 

A brief pause intervened between the retreat of Casey's division and 
the renewed advance of the enemy against the division of General Couch. 
The troops of the latter were drawn up obliquely toward the foe, so that 
when they pressed forward, his right wing became first engaged. Here 
the twenty-third Pennsylvania regiment was posted, commanded by 
Colonel Neill. They reserved their fire until the enemy were close ujion 
them ; a sheet of lurid flame and iron hail then flew into their ranks, and 
completely staggered them. A bayonet charge by the gallant Pennsyl- 
vanians ensued, which added to their repulse, and to the extent of the 
slaughter which thinned their den.se masses. Here a triumph was obtained 
which, had the Federal success been equal in other portions of the field, 
might have reversed the fortunes of the day. But soon the heavy fire of 
the enemy on their flank compelled them to recoil. The whole line was 



260 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



now engaged, and a disaster which occurred at this crisis on the left, pro- 
duced a pernicious effect. There the tenth Massachu-setts regiment occu- 
pied a post near the rifle-pits, but being ordered further to the left, was 
accidentally placed in an isolated position. When the enemy advanced 
the tenth engaged them heroically in front ; but during this action a por- 
tion of the Rebels succeeded in passing unobserved through the adjacent 
woods to the rear of that regiment. They then attacked the tenth from 
that point with great fury. The result was that the men, surrounded by 
destruction on both sides, broke and fled. They were afterward rallied, 
and subsequently took an honorable part in the engagement. 

Notwithstanding the heavy losses which the Rebels had already suffered, 
their endless masses still rushed forward into the conflict. Their batteries 
also were very effective. Accordingly, after a long and desperate strug- 
gle, the Federal lines began to give way. The first to retreat was the 
first Long Island regiment. In vain the fifty-seventh and sixty-third 
Pennsylvania endeavored to stop the flight. Their steady ranks crumbled 
like frost-work before the terrific and well sustained fire of the enemy. 
Scarcely an oHTicer remained on horseback. Slowly and reluctantly those 
heroic troops, which had hurled back the deluge of the Rebel hosts, 
three times their own number, were compelled to recede toward the 
Chickahominy, not "unaccountably and discreditably," as was a.sserted, 
but simply because human strength and valor, when placed in a desperate 
and helpless position, could not achieve miracles, or reverse the laws ot 
physical nature. 

General Couch now fell back with his shattered column in the direction 
of the Williamsburg road. Here he again arrayed his men in line of 
battle. At half past four o'clock. General S«mner arrived on the field 
with Sedgwick's division. These troops were disposed of as rapidly and 
judiciously as the occasion permitted ; but not too soon to meet the ad- 
vancing enemy. The thirty-first Pennsylvania, the first Minnesota, and 
the first chasseurs, were ordered to lie upon their faces, and were thus 
concealed from their view. As the Rebels emerged from the woods, they 
delivered a volley at the Anderson Zouaves, who were posted in the rear. 
Then at the word of command the prostrate troops bounded to their feet 
and poured a deadly deluge of shot into the serried masses of the foe. 
Their ranks were mowed down like grain before the scythe of the reaper. 
The ground where they stood was covered with piles of dead and wounded. 
That discharge was the virtual end of the battle. Among the Rebel dead 
was General Davis ; among the wounded and prisoners was General 
Pettigrew. The troops of Sumner aided in stemming the victorious 
march of the enemy, and in saving the Federal forces engaged from total 
rout and destruction. Thus closed the battle of the Seven Pines. Both 
armies, exhausted, yet undismayed, pnssed the ensuing night upon the 
gory field, or near it, surrounded by the multitudes of the dying and the 



THE ENGAGEMENT OF JUNE FIRST. 261 

dead, and anxiously awaited, during its solemn silence, the dawn of tho 
next day for the renewal of the fight and the decision of the struggle. 
The enemy had captured every thing which belonged to General Casey's 
camp, except the baggage wagons which had been sent to the rear several 
days before ; and they occupied the ground at the close of the day which 
had been Casey's position at its commeQcement. 

On Sunday, June 1st, the Federal troops promptly stood to their arms 
in the dim aud misty light of the early dawn. Important reinforcement3 
had arrived during the night. On the right wing, the divisions of Rich- 
ardson and Sedgwick were posted, their left resting on Hooker's right. 
These divisions comprised the brigades of Burns, French and Meagher. 
Hooker's division occupied the centre of the line. The left wing was 
composed of the remains of the divisions of Generals Casey and Couch, 
whose futile valor had performed its thankless prodigies on the day be- 
fore. At six o'clock General Heintzelman, who had received the chief 
command of the forces engaged, ordered a reconnoissance to be made on 
the left and on the right, by which it was soon ascertained that the Rebels 
were posted in great strength in front of the Federal right and left flanks. 
It was nearly seven o'clock when the firing between the pickets gave 
evidence that the enemy had begun their advance, and were about to 
renew the engagement. Heintzelman immediately ordered Hooker to 
attack the Rebels in front, and drive them back through the woods, from 
which they were then emerging. Hooker's division comprised the Ex- 
celsior brigade of Sickles, with the fifth and sixth New Jersey regiments. 
These troops advanced gallantly to the attack. They were warmly re- 
ceived by the enemy; but as they approached, they loaded and fired re- 
peatedly with the rapidity and regularity of trained soldiers. After an 
exchange of shots for some time. General Sickles ordered the second 
regiment of his brigade to clear the woods at the point of the bayonet. 
This order was executed with splendid effect. Colonel Hall led the 
charge in person. The front of the enemy was not a hundred yards dis- 
tant, and as the Federal troops approached, the Rebels fired a tremendous 
volley into their ranks ; but not a single man faltered. Onward rushed 
the bristling line of glittering steel. Then the shock came, 'and soon the 
foe, shattered and broken, gave way and fled. Among the prisoners 
taken at this point was Major Herbert, of the eighth Alabama regiment. 

During the progress of this achievement, the division of General Richardson 
was gradually coming into action on the right. Here the ground was ex- 
ceedingly dificult ; but the Irish regiments were fortunately in this part of 
the fight ; and their powers of endurance and their pugnacious spirit were 
well adapted to the emergency. As the brigades of French, Meagher and 
Howard combatted the foe, the men were sometimes up to their knees in 
the swampy and boggy soil. This unusual disadvantage would have dis- 
gusted or disheartened any other soldiers ; but it could not retard the im- 



262 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



petuoug sons of Erin, who rushed forward to the deadly encounter with 
jocular yells, and with all the mingled glee and furor of a " free fight." 
The enemy received them with a terrible discharge of musketry. General 
Howard had two horses shot under him, and was also wounded. A des- 
perate struggle ensued. The superior numbers of the Eebels rendered the 
issue at one time extremely doubtful. At that moment the fourth and 
fifth Excelsior regiments of Sickles, who had already gained their share of 
the victory in another part of the field, were despatched to the support of 
Richardson's men. The battle now spread around to the New Jersey 
brigade, who stood manfully to the enemy. At length the Rebels began 
to recede ; yet slowly and steadily. The Federal troops then pu.shed for- 
ward, crowding upon the yielding lines of the foe, as they floundered over 
the swampy ground. Two hundred of these were captured here. By 
eleven o'clock the firing ceased, the battle was over, the victory was won. 
The enemy were driven from every position which they had gained on the 
preceding day. Their main column rested a mile beyond the point which 
they held at the commencement of the engagement. Such was the battle, 
and such the victory of Fair Oaks, by which the misfortune and defeat of 
the Seven Pines were compensated for by brilliant success. The Rebels 
were commanded on this occasion by Generals Joseph E. Johnston, Long- 
street, Pryor, pobb and Huger. The guns and ammunition which they 
had captured on Saturday were not recovered, they having been trans- 
ported with prudent and thrifty haste to Richmond, immediately after the 
close of the engagement on that day. On Monday the Federal forces were 
ordered forward to occupy their first position, from which they had been 
driven on Saturday. The loss of the Rebel troops was very heavy, as the 
ground was covered thickly in many places with the slain and the woun- 
ded, whom they were unable to remove. The Federal loss during tho. 
battles of Seven Pines and Fair Oaks was eight hundred and ninety killed, 
three thousand six hundred and twenty-seven wounded, twelve hundred 
and twenty-two missing; making a total who were hors du combat of five 
thousand seven hundred and thirty-nine.* 

After the battle of Fair Oaks, the loyal community of the United States 
generaly expected that an immediate advance would be made by the 
Federal army again.st Richmond; and it is quite probable, that if such a 
movement had taken place without delay, and no further time had been 
allowed the enemy to concentrate their troops in colossal masses around 
the Rebel capital, as they afterward did with extraordinary promptitude 
and energy, the city might have been captured and occupied with little 



* The loss of the Rebels, according to the official report subsequently made by 
General J. E. Johnston, was six thousand six hundred and ninety-seven, including 
killed, wounded, and missing. He also claimed to have captured ten pieces of 
artillery, six thousand stand of arms, five colors, beside a large amount of camp 
equipage. 



POPULAR IMPATIENCE FOR THE CAPTURE OF RICHMOND. 263 

difficulty. But such an advance of the Federal army at that moment was 
probably a physical impossibility. A small proportion of McClellan's troops 
had as yet crossed the Chickahominy ; and these had been greatly weak- 
ened by two days' hard fighting. Only two or three bridges had been 
constructed over the stream, and these were swept away by the violent 
storm and freshet which ensued the day after the battle of Fair Oaks. The 
Rebels had fought with heroism — with a desperation and firmness unsur- 
passed by any troops in modern times — -filling up enormous chasms in their 
columns, when ploughed and shivered to pieces by the Federal guns, with 
the most wonderful determinatiou and readiness. To attack such troops 
with sudden and imprudent haste, with inferior numbers, or at a serious 
disadvantage of position, would have insured the inevitable defeat and de- 
struction of the Federal army. Richmond was defended even then "by 
eight immense fortifications, supported by about fifty thousand effective 
troops ; and the operations intended to vanquish such formidable arma- 
ments and such resolute champions, must be executed with great deliber- 
ation and skill. Hence it was alleged that the impatience for the imme- 
diate capture of the Rebel capital, which at this period prevaded the loyal 
community, <and the censure which followed its disappointment, were based 
upon an ignorance of the real facts of the case, and were therefore unrea- 
sonable and unjust. 

In accordance with the maxims which controlled the conduct of General 
McOlellan, he proceeded immediately after the victory of Fair Oaks, to 
select his camp, form his lines, and erect his breastworks, for the purpose 
of making his regular approaches to Richmond. His intrenchments, after 
his position had been fully taken, presented a front of about fifteen miles, 
extending from Mechanicsville, on the extreme right, to a position at 
White Oak Swamp, on the extreme left. Nearly a month was destined to 
elapse before any further military operations of importance took place near 
the Rebel capital ; during which interval the Federal troops were employed 
in the completion of their breastworks, and the Rebels in concentrating 
all their available forces in the vicinity. In the meantime events of im- 
portance and interest were transpiring in other portions of the Union, to 
which we will now direct our attention. 

The sudden and brilliant expedition of the Rebel General Jackson, by 
which he expelled General Banks from Virginia, and restored the supre- 
macy of their arms in the valley of the Shenandoah, produced results of 
a transient and inconsiderable character. The occupation of Front Royal 
by the victors was very brief. They took possession of it on Saturday, 
the 24th of May, and on the ensuing 30th they evacuated it. This move- 
ment was the commencement of a general desertion of the valley, and of 
the entire expulsion of the forces of Jackson from the scene of his late 
remarkable successes. 

After the arrival of General Banks at Williamsport, General Fremont 



S64 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

was ordered to descend from his mountaia department, and bring his 
troops to bear upon the enemy. Accordingly he sent forward a brigade, 
preceded by four companies of the Rhode Island cavalry, commanded by 
Major Nelson, with instructions to attack the Rebels, who held possession 
of Front Royal. These forces consisted of the eighth Louisiana, a portion 
of the twelfth Georgia regiments, and a body of cavalry. A spirited 
action ensued before the Rebels evacuated the place. The Federal loss 
was eight killed and six wounded. Eighteen Federal soldiers were 
retaken, who had been captured by the enemy a week previous, together 
with two engines, and eight cars, loaded with ammunition. The loss of 
the Rebels in killed and wounded was severe. Then began the masterly 
retreat of Jackson, and the well-conducted pursuit of Fremont, through 
the valley of the Shenandoah. The latter left Franklin with the maia 
body of his troops, and by rapid marches cro.ssed the intervening moun- 
tains, toiling over a hundred miles of difficult roads, with very limited 
means of transportation and subsistence. About the same period, General 
Jackson withdrew from Winchester. Fremont pressed on toward Stras- 
burg, which the Rebels were approaching in their full strength. Colonel 
Cluseret, who commanded the advance of Fremont's forces, first encoun- 
tered the enemy, five miles from Strasburg, on the Winchester road. 
The Federals were assailed by a spirited cannonading; but when General 
Fremont proceeded to draw out his trooj)s in line of battle, in anticipation 
of a general engagement, Jackson declined the challenge, and retreated, 
in the meantime holding the Federal advance in check. The Rebel 
general continued his retreat through Strasburg toward Woodstock, 
losing twenty-five prisoners in the chase which ensued. Strasburg was 
then occupied by General Fremont without opposition. For the purpose 
of ascertaining the route and posifion of the enemy, he ordered Colonel 
Figzelmesi', with a number of men, to make a reconnoissance at midnight 
near that town. By this movement it was ascertained that Jackson's 
rear guard was lying in ambush a few miles beyond Strasburg, waiting 
for the advance of the Federal forces. They fired upon the Federal 
scouts as they approached, wounding three of them. The next day the 
pursuit was continued by the cavalry brigade, under General Bayard. 
Constant skirmishing took place between the pickets of both armies. 
The Rebels passed through Woodstock without halting. The town 
was then occupied by General Fremont, the Rebel army lying three 
miles beyond it. During this portion of the chase, though no engage- 
ment of impoitance occurred, several hundred Rebel prisoners were 
captured. 

The retreat and the pursuit through the valley of the Shenandoah con- 
tinued without further incident of importance until the 8th of June. On 
that day the Rebels reached a position in the vicinity of Ilarrisonburg 
called Cross Keys, where an engagement took place. Colonel Wyudham 



GALLANTRY OF THE BUCKTAILS. 265 

had been ordered to advance four miles beyond that town, for the purpose 
of making a reconnoissance. The first New Jersey cavalry were detailed 
to this service. The colonel imprudently extended his march three miles 
further than the distance specified in his orders, and thus fell into an 
ambuscade which had been placed in the woods. The Eebels being 
^posted in strong force, attacked him. A severe contest ensued. The 
Eebel General Ashby was conspicuous in this fight for his superior skill 
and daring. The Federal troops were driven back, and Colonel Wynd- 
ham was taken prisoner. The enemy were driving the New Jersey 
troops before them, when General Bayard was ordered to the rescue with 
the Bucktail regiment, the first Pennsylvania cavalry, the eighth and six- 
teenth Virginia regiments. The contest was then renewed, and was 
, maintained with great spirit on both sides. The enemy were expelled 
from their position, with the loss of a portion of their camp equipage. 
The struggle was still continued with an uncertain issue. Night was 
approaching, when General Bayard ordered Colonel Kane to proceed 
with the Bucktail rifles to explore the dense forest of pines to the left. 
This brave cdinpany, numbering about a hundred and thirty men, at once 
advanced toward the almost invisible enemy. They suddenly found 
themselves surrounded, both in front and on the flank, by a numerous 
body of Eebels, consisting of four regiments of cavalry, together with 
artillery. But the Bucktails did not flinch in this emergency, and opened 
their fire with deadly effect upon the serried masses around them. Their 
valor was vain and fruitless against such overwhelming numbers. Their 
ranks were quickly thinned by the destructive attack of the foe. Their 
gallant commander was wounded and captured. Nothing now remained 
but to retreat with the wreck of their corps. This feat they performed 
leisurely and without precipitation, halting from time to time to return 
the shots of the pursuing Eebels. The loss of the Bucktails was about 
six killed, thirty-sis wounded, ten missing ; that of the remaining Federal 
troops was one hundred and eighteen killed, four hundred and fifty 
wounded, thirty missing. The loss of the Eebels was also severe. As 
General Fremont did not wish at that unpropitious time to court a general 
engagement, his troops were withdrawn, when, darkness overspread the 
scene. In this battle General Ashby, the bold and chivalrous commander 
of the Eebel cavalry, was slain. 

On the next day, the 9th of June, the pursuit of the enemy was con- 
tinued. The Eebels were then in full retreat toward Port Eepublic, 
General Blenker commanded the left wing, General Milroy the right, 
General Schenck the centre of Fremont's forces. The reserve consisted 
of the brigades of Stahl and Bayard. The advance of the Federals was 
BO close upon the rear guard of Jackson that the latter had scarcely time 
to cross the Shenandoah to avoid capture. 

General Tyler commanded the advance of Shields' division, which after- 
ward engaged the enemy. The action which, ensued took place at Port 



266 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Republic, seven miles beyond Harrisonburg, on tbe route toward Staunton. 
The number of Federal troops engaged was about three thousand; that 
of the enemy was at least eight thousand. General Jackson had posted 
the latter in the woods so as to outflank the Federals on the left. The 
batteries of Captains Clark and Robinson were first brought forward, and 
were made to bear upon them with effect. Several companies of skir-^ 
misliers were then ordered to penetrate into the woods, to feel the enemy. 
The Rebels soon advanced from their retreat, and prepared to attack the 
Federals by a combined front and flank movement. The seventh Indiana 
infantry, under Colonel Gavin, were sent to the right to counteract the 
operations of the Rebels at that point. They were there assailed by two 
regiments advantageously posted under cover of the banks of the 
" Shenandoah. So destructive was the fire of the Rebels here, that Colonel , 
Gavin was compelled to retire. The twenty-ninth Ohio was then sent 
forward to support him, while the seventh Ohio was despatched to the 
aid of Clarke's battery, and the fifth Ohio to the help of Huntingdon's 
battery. The first Virginia regiment was posted on the extreme right 
and the whole of the Federal troops of General Tyler's brigade being at 
length in position, the battle became general. The artillery of the Rebels 
was served with, great energy and skill. During the progress of the 
^ engagement on the right wing, the Rebel commander placed additional 
troops in such a position as to attack the Federal batteries posted there 
with immense vigor, and eventually to capture them. The seventh and 
fifth Ohio were afterward brought to bear upon the foe with such success 
that these batteries were retaken. For a short interval the heroism of 
the Federal troops, though fighting against a much superior force, 
rendered the issue of the day doubtful, and almost wrested a triumph 
from tlie inevitable victors in so unequal a struggle. But at this crisis 
immense reinforcements were seen crossing the river from the town of 
Port Republic to the aid of the Rebels and to have encountered these 
also would have been to invite destruction. General Tyler therefore 
gave the order to retreat. Unfortunately, it was found impossible to 
remove the heavy guns, the horses being nearly all either killed or 
disabled, and they fell into the hands of the enemy. The Federals, how- 
ever, captured one gun and sixty-seven prisoners. They retreated, and 
the Rebels pursued, until the former approached the main body of 
General Shields' division, when the R.-bels fled in their turn. The 
Federal loss on this occasion was sixty-two killed, one hundred and sixty- 
one wounded, one hundred missing. The loss of the Rebels, though its 
exact number is unknown to us, was also heavy. On the advance of 
Fremont after the battle, two hundred of their dead were counted on the 
field, and many had already been buried. A number of valuable Federal 
officers had been slain. One of the companies of the Bucktail regiment 
lost all its officers, both commissioned and non-commissioned. The 
battle of Port Republic, though desperately contested during five hours, 



WITHDRAWAL OP GENERAL FREMONT. 



2«Y 



was in reality a repulse to the Federal arms. The exposed and isolated 
position of the advance of General Shields, rendered the troops who 
belonged to it an easy prey to the overwhelming and concentrated masses 
of the enemy, and invited their assault under circumstances extremely 
unfavorable to the Union forces. 

After this engagement the retreat of Jackson was continued toward 
Staunton, and eventually to Eichmond. No engagement of any impor- 
tance took place between him and the troops of General Fremont subse- 
quent to the battle of Port Republic. On the 25th of June the armies of 
Fremont, McDowell, and Banks, were consolidated by the President into 
one body, to be designated by the title of the Army of Virginia ; and the 
chief command of it was conferred on General John Pope, the hero of 
New Madrid, and of Island Number Ten. By this arrangement the 
forces of Fremont constituted the first army corps; those of Banks, the 
second; those of McDowell, the third. General McCall's division, ten 
thousand strong, which had formed part of McDowell's corps, was trans- 
ferred at once to the army under McClellan. This new arrangement, 
which the President had adopted for the purpose of giving greater energy 
and efficacy to the movements of the troops in the valley of the Shenan- 
doah, was readily acquiesced in by Generals McDowell and Banks ; but it 
did not meet the approbation of General Fremont. He regarded it as an 
act of injustice to him; as calculated to diminish his personal consequence 
in the service, and to injure his reputation with the community. General 
Pope had been under his command in Missouri, and the relations of the 
two generals toward each other were not pleasant. He therefore resolved 
to withdraw from the command of the corps, and notified the Secretary 
of War of his intention to that effect. Thus ended the brief campaign 
of General Fremont in the valley of the Shenandoah. It cannot be 
affirmed that the spirit which marked the abandonment of his command 
in Virginia, was characterized by the same rare degree of patriotism, 
dignity, and self-denial, which had adorned his conduct when removed 
from his administration in Missouri. From the camp and the battle-field 
he retired to the repose of private life, to observe in his retreat the mar- 
velous vicissitudes of a contest in which he had enacted, if not the first, 
yet an honorable part. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that the chief 
glory of the career of this eminent man will always be associated with hi^ 
adventures and achievements as an explorer of the untrodden solitudes 
of the remotest West, where he became the pioneer to discover the way 
to new realms, in which a youthful but mighty people could find one of 
the most profitable and ajjpropriate arenas for the exercise and develop- 
ment of their gigantic energies. As the heroic and resolute " Pathfinder" 
to the golden climes of the modern Eldorado, across the frozen precipices, 
and through the abysmal gorges of the Rocky Mountains, his name will 
live, and will be justly honored on the pages of American history through 
many generations to come. 



868 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

PROMINENCE OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IN THE EVENTS OF TEE WAR — FLEET OF GUNBOATS 
COMMANDED BY COMHODORE DAVIS — EVACUATION OF FORT PILLOW — THE NAVAL BATTLE 
BEFORE MEMPHIS — RELATIVE STRENGTH OF THE COMBATANTS — INCIDENTS OF THE ENOAGEJ- 
MENT — DEFEAT OF THE REBEL FLEET — COLONEL ELLET — RESULTS OF THE VICTORY — GEN- 
, ERAL NEGLEV'S EXPEDITION AGAINST CHATTANOOGA — COLONEL BAMBRIGUT — INCIDENTS 
OF THE EXPEDITION — ITS RESULTS — GENERAL MORGAN EXPELS THE REBELS FROM CUM- 
BERLAND GAP — DISASTER TO THE FEDERAL ARMS AT JAMES ISLAND — DESCRIPTION OF 
THE REBEL WORKS — ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE ATTACK — INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — 
ULTIMATE DEFEAT OF THE FEDERALTROOPS — THEIR RETREAT — FEDERAL LOSS — GALLANTRY 
OF THE REBEL COMMANDER LAMAR — EXPEDrtlON OF COLONEL FITCH UP THE WHITE 
RIVER — THE ENGAGEMENT AT ST. CHARLES — HORRIBLE ACCIDENT TO THE MOUND CITY — 
EXECRABLE CRUELTY OF CAPTAIN FRY — CAPTURE OF THE REBEL FORTS — FINAL SUCCESS 
OP THE EXPEDITION — EXCURSION OF COLONEL HOWARD PROM NEWBERN TO SWIFT CREEK — 
ITS RESULTS — BOMBARDMENT OF VICKSBURO COMMENCED — PERILOUS PASSAGE OP COM- 
MODORE FARRAOUT's FLEET — NEW CHANNEL OF THE MISSISSIPPL 

One of tbe most brilliant pages in the history of the war against Seces- 
sion, is that which records the achievements of the champion of the Union 
on the Mississippi river. On the great "Father of Waters" defeats and 
disasters, though not wholly unknown, were unfamiliar things; triumphs 
and supremacy were the prevalent features which- marked the scene. On 
the 6th of June, 1862, the fleet of Federal gunboats and rams commanded 
by Flag-Officer C. H. Davis, comprising eight vessels, approached Fort 
Pillow, located on the banks of the Mississippi, in the vicinity of 
Memphis. It was the intention of the commodore to bombard the Rebel 
works, which were of considerable strength, mounting six one hundred- 
and-twenty-eight pounders and fifteen sixty -four pounders. But the 
enemy evacuated the place, together with Forts Randolph and Wright, 
rendering an attack unnecessary. These places were then occupied by a 
requisite number of Federal troops. 

Commodore Davis then proceeded with his fleet toward Memphis. A 
formidable Rebel flotilla awaited his approach. It consisted of eight gun- 
boats, which respectively bore the names of the General Bragg, the 
Lovell, the Jeff. Thompson, the Beauregard, General Van Dorn, the 
Sumter, General Price, and the Little Rebel. They were commanded by 
Commodore Edward Montgomery. They had previously been river 
steamers, and had been converted into gunboats; They carried from two 
to twelve guas each, wliich were worked e« barhcltc on carriages. In the 
action which ensued the gunboats of Commodore Davis which were brought 
into action were the flag-ship Benton, the Louisville, Cairo, St. Louis, 
and Carondelet. In addition to these there were four steam rams, com- 



THE NAVAL BATTLE BEFORE MEMPHIS. 269 

manded by Colonel Cbarles Ellet, named the Queen of the West, Monarch, 
Lancaster, and Switzerland. During the night preceding the battle, the 
Rebel fleet moved down the river toward Memphis. At that time Com- 
modore Davis lay at anchor two miles above the city. When the morn 
ing of the 6th dawned, the Rebel fleet was seen steaming up in line of 
battle. They were soon met by the Federal vessels in gallant style oppo- 
site Memphis. The inhabitants of that city swarmed in multitudes upon 
the levee, the bluff, and the roofs of the houses adjacent to the river. The 
stores were closed, and all business suspended, during a day which was 
destined to witness one of the most complete defeats to the Rebel arms 
which had yet overtaken them. 

The engagement began at half-past five in the morning. While the 
vessels were approaching each other, Colonel Ellet ordered two rams, the 
Queen and the Monarch, to proceed down the river, and pass between the 
Rebel boats and the shore. The current was strong, the river was narrow, 
and the enemy, from their position in fighting up stream, possessed the 
advantage of the steerage-way. The two rams having reached the de- 
sired position, ronnded to and commenced the engagement. The Queen 
drove with prodigious force into the General Price, one of the Rebel rams, 
taking her wheel completely off; and after a short exchange of shots the 
latter sank. Soon afterward the Queen was herself run into by the Beau- 
regard, and being struck on the wheel-house with tremendous violence, 
was severely disabled. The Monarch then approached the Beauregard, 
and saluted her with a ferocious butt in the bow, which completely dis- 
abled her. She subsequently sank, though her crew were rescued by 
the timely interposition of the Little Rebel. The Benton and the Lovell 
then came into action. The fifty-pound Parrott guns of the former pro- 
duced an immense effect on her antagonist. She was raked fore and aft, 
some of the shots penetrating her sides. In five minutes her boilers 
exploded, and the most horrible spectacle was presented to view. Her 
crew, scalded, suffocated, and suffering the intensest agonies, rushed upon 
deck, and filled the air with their frantic screams, praying for help. The 
vessel immediately began to sink, and it was with difficulty that a yawl 
sent from the Benton was able to take off a few of the sufferers before 
she went down in a hundred feet of water. Nearly all her crew were 
drowned, and their last exclamations of terror and despair mingled with 
the seething and bubbling sound of the waves, as she descended forever 
from view. 

The remainder of the Rebel flotilla had thus far been engaged at long 
range. The Beauregard had been completely riddled with shot; was 
rapidly becoming unmanageable ; was filling with water ; and was drifting 
helplessly toward the shore. She eventually sank upon a shoal to her 
decks. The Little Rebel was struck by two shots upon her upper works • 
she was then run ashore by her commander, abreast of President's island. 



fet« THE CIVIL WAR IN TUE UNITED STATES. 

and was eventually abandoned by her crew. Disasters now came thickly 
upon .the rest of the vessels of the enemy. By this time the Jeff. Thomp- 
son was on fire, and the flames soon gained such headway that it was 
impossible to extinguish thom. The fieny tongues of the destroying 
element ran hither and thither over her whole extent, enveloping every 
portion of it. Soon her wheel-houses disappeared, then her chimney fell 
overboard, tearing with it a portion of her deck ; at length her magazine 
exploded. The concussion shook the earth, uprolled the tranquil bosom 
of the Mississippi in multitudinous billows, and filled the air with hundreds 
of flying shells. At last nothing remained of the once formidable vessel 
except a few blackened and charred timbers, which leisurely floated away 
in fragments on the surface of the river. The Sumter now became disa- 
bled by the steady and destructive shots of the Federal boats, and was 
drifted ashore at the foot of President's island. There she was abandoned. 
The General Bragg,'^ unable any longer to continue the contest, retreated 
down the river, and was run ashore about three miles below Memphis. 
She was also abandoned by the Rebels. When the Federal victors from 
the Benton boarded her, they found twice the ordinary pressure of steam 
upon her boiler, thus proving the evident intention, on the part of her 
late occupants, when leaving, to blow her to atoms. A prize crew was 
then placed on board, the stars and stripes were unfurled, and .she was 
towed to an anchorage at Memphis. About the same time, a shot pene- 
trated the boiler of the active and dauntless Little Rebel. It exploded, 
and she was at once completely di.sabled. She started to reach the 
Arkansas shore, but was overhauled and taken. Thus the entire fleet of 
the enemy was either captured or destroyed, in an engagement which did 
not continue longer than an hour and a-half, with the single exception of 
the flag-ship Van Dorn. This vessel, in consequence of her superior speed, 
being fleeter than the Federal gunboats, made her escape. She was pup 
sued eight miles below Memphis, where the futile chase was relinquished. 
A more complete and wholesale defeat could scarcely be imagined than 
that which had thus overtaken this famous Mississippi flotilla. Its com- 
mander. Commodore Montgomery, with most of his officers and some of 
his men, succeeded in making their escape to the forests on the Arkansas 
shore. Their loss in killed and wounded was heavy, probably not less 
than a hundred. The Federal loss was comparatively light. Commodore 
Ellet, the brave commander of the Union rams, was wounded during the 
action by a pistol shot in the leg. It was a singular fact that he alone, of 
all the Union soldiers in this engagement, should have been struck by the 
enemy, and that he should afterward expire from the combined effect of 
the wound, general exhaustion, and unskillful treatment. Among the 
Federal vessels the Queen of the West had been the most severely disa- 
bled. Her machinery was so terribly jarred by the vigorous butting of 



RESULTS OF THE VICTORY. 3Yi 

<i 
the Eebel rams, as to be unable to move, and she was towed to hfer 
anchorage after the termination of the battle. 

Immediately after the engagement the victorious fleet steamed up to 
the landing at Memphis. Commodore Davis then despatched a messenger 
to John Parke, the Mayor of the city, informing him that he had taken 
possession of the place, that he would put it under military authority, and 
that he desired his co-operation in the preservation of order. To this 
communication Mayor Parke responded that the municipal authorities of 
Memphis possessed no means of resistance, and, that he would be happy 
to comply with the request of Commodore Davis, and assist him in the 
preservation of peace and order. A portion of the Federal troops were 
subsequently quartered in the city, the national colors were unfurled from 
the public buildings, and the supremacy of the Federal Government again 
established in one of the chief marts of Tennessee. The ultimate conse- 
quences of this victory were very important. It assisted materially in 
clearing the Mississippi of the presence and the power of the Rebel gun- 
boats. With the single exception of Yicksburg, every other stronghold 
of the foe on that great river had now been removed ; the conquest of 
Vicksburg alone was necessary to complete the triumph ; and by this 
means one of the chief arteries of the body of the Eebel Confederacy 
would be effectually severed. It was confidently expected that that desi- 
rable result would be accomplished at an early period. 

Other triumphs to the Federal asms occurred, nearly at the same time, 
on the soil of Tennessee. The Rebels had erected strong batteries at 
Chattanooga, a flourishing town in Hamilton county, a hundred and forty 
miles southeast of Nashville. It was the eastern terminus of the railroad 
from the capital of the State, and the point of connection with the railways 
of Georgia. It was also a valuable shipping point for Middle and Eastern 
Tennessee. General Mitchel, appreciating the importance of the position, 
determined to attack it with one of those brilliant and sudden assaults by 
which he had already distinguished himself. He entrusted the execution 
of his enterprise on this occasion to General Negley. Chattanooga being 
situated on the Tenneesee river, at the head of the light draught naviga- 
tion, commanding the mountain region in East Tennessee, being also a 
great railway centre, and being directly connected by them with Western 
Virginia, and even with Richmond, fully justified the risks which were 
run to attain its possession, and to wrest it from the occupancy of the 
enemy. 

Starting forth from the camp of General Mitchel at Huntsville, in Ala- 
bama, Colonel Hambright, under the orders of General Negley, rapidly 
approached Chattanooga, routing and dispersing on his way a body of 
Rebel cavalry commanded by General Adams. On the 7th of June he 
commenced an attack on the batteries of the enemy at that place. After 
a vigorous cannonading of three hours' duration, they were silenced and 



2T2 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

evicuatt'd. On the next clay the town was shelled. In six hours the 
Rebels were driven from all their works, and were forced to evacuate the 
place entirely. As they retired they burned the railroad bridges, in 
order to prevent the pursuit of the Federal victors. Eighty prisoners 
were taken. A large number of horses and cattle, intended for the Rebel 
service, were also captured. The Rebel works were completely destroyed, 
and the place unfitted for future hostile operations. This conquest re- 
lieved the loyal citizens of that vicinity from the heavy yoke of the Rebel 
authorities which had so long galled them, and confirmed their attach- 
ment to their legitimate government. It wrested from the enemy all the 
advantages which the possession of the town had given them, from its 
peculiar position as the great railroad centre, to which we have already 
referred. After this achievement General Negley returned to camp with 
the trophies of his victory. His loss was two killed, seven wounded, three 
missing. 

The advantages thus gained were increased in Tennessee on the 17th of 
June, when General Morgan advanced toward Cumberland Gap for the 
purpose of attacking and expelling the Rebel Generals Stevenson and 
Smith, who occupied it with thirteen thousand men. This gap is a cleft 
in the Cumberland Mountains, which run from the northeast to the south- 
west through the State; and it is so deep and narrow that there is room 
through the gap for only a single roadway. The Rebels had fortified it 
with great assiduity. Its importance as an entrance to Eastern Tennessee 
justified their efforts in reference to it. It was expected that they would 
defend its possession with the utmost tenacity. No such result followed. 
When the Rebel leaders were informed of the approach of the Union force 
under General Morgan, they evacuated the place. They left several 
hundred tents standing, and they threw vast quantities of their projectiles 
over the cliffs into the yawning ravines below. Their mortar guns were 
spiked, and their carriages mutilated. After thus rendering what they 
left behind them as useless as possible, the whole force retreated. The 
gap was then occupied by the Federal troops, another avenue of commu- 
nication was opened between the loyal citizens of Eastern and Western 
Tennessee, and another stronghold of the Rebels destroyed. 

From these successes in the interior of the country, we turn to view 
the operations of the Federal arms on the Atlantic seaboard. There the 
tide of fortune turned against the Federal arms, and a disastrous defeat 
overtook them in the vicinity of the renowned hotbed of rebellion. 

On the 16th of June, General Benham, the second in command under 
General Hunter in the Department of the South, attacked the works 
which the Rebels had erected on James island, in the neighborhood of 
Charleston, and was ignominiously repulsed with heavy losses. The enemy 
had constructed a line of defences running across this island, together with 
a fort and an observatory, in such a position as to enable them to over 



DISASTER TO THE FEDERAL ARMS AT JAMES ISLAND. 273 

look the operation of the Federal commanders. The purpose of General 
Benham was also to destroy a floating battery which had been anchored 
near Secessionville, and which, together with the works already named, 
presented serious obstacles to the further advance of the Federal forces 
toward Charleston and Fort Johnson. Secessionville was a small village, 
the summer resort of a few of the planters who resided on James island. 
Its location is on the eastern side of the island, on a high bank of a creek 
which passes through the marshes of James and Morris islands, and 
empties into the Stono river near its mouth. Five hundred yards south 
of Secessionville, Colonel Lamar bad erected a battery, flanked on its sides 
by the marsh and the creek. The Rebel troops posted here consisted of 
several companies of the Charleston Light Infantry, and of the Charleston 
Battalion, with large detachments of the South Carolina volunteers, 
making in all about five thousand men. The Federal force selected to 
assault the works consisted of three brigades, commanded by Generals 
Stevens, Wright, and Williams, comprising about three thousand five 
hundred men. The attack was commenced by General Stevens, whose 
troops consisted of the Michigan eighth, the Connecticut sixth and seventh, 
and the Massachusetts twenty-eighth regiments, supported by a battery 
of four guns. The Michigan eighth led the van, and suffered more severely 
than any of their associates. The assault began at break of day. The 
Eebel pickets were driven in ; and a rapid advance was then made toward 
the fort. In effecting this movement the Federals encountered an open 
battery of three guns, which were posted about a hundred yards in front 
of the intrenchments. The Kebels were driven from these pieces, which 
were captured. It was evident that the occupants of the intrenchments 
had beea taken completely by surprise, but they were quickly aroused 
from their slumbers, and received the assailants with the utmost resolu- 
tion. 

In the engagement which ensued. General Wright's brigade supported 
General Stevens ou the left, while General Williams was ordered to make 
a flank movement to the right, and from that quarter to join in the attack. 
As it was suspected that masked batteries were concealed in the woods 
in this direction. General Williams was advised to execute the movement 
with caution, but he ordered his men to advance rapidly without taking 
any measures against surprise. The result was that as soon as his forces 
reached their desired position at the side of the fort, a powerful battery 
opened upon them from an opposite direction, which, together with the 
fire in their front produced a deadly effect. The fighting on both sides 
now became fierce and desperate. The works were surrounded by deep 
ditches, and surmounted by high parapets. The eighth Michigan and 
New York seventy-ninth assailed the fortifications in front with dauntless 
heroism. They succeeded in filling the ditch, and constructed a causeway 
at one point, under the close and heavy firing of the enemy. Eepeated 
18 



874 THE CIVAL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES 

onsets were then made, and determined struggles took place to storm the 
works ; but though often on the verge of success, the Federals were as 
often repulsed and driven back by the indomitable resistance of the enemy. 
It is probable, indeed, that if, at one time during the contest in front, a 
judicious and vigorous co-operative movement had been made on the flank, 
the assault might have been successful ; but such was not the case. The 
Rebels were effectually aided in their defence by the firing from Fort 
Johnson, which was located at some distance to the right. Many of the 
gunners in the fort were killed ; especially when, after being repulsed 
from the attack in front, the Federal troops drew off and renewed the 
assault on the right flank. There three regiments deployed in line of 
battle, and being partially protected by a growth of underbush, poured 
into the fort a continuous and deadly fire, at a distance of a hundred and 
fifty yards. Some of the gun-carriages in the intrenchments were per- 
forated by their balls. This assault might have proved more successful, 
had not the Louisiana battalion, commanded by McEIenry, come to the 
rescue, formed on the right facing the marsh, and opened their fire upon 
the assailants with such eflect that the latter were compelled to recede 
after suffering heavy losses. Another desperate attempt was made to 
carry the works by passing further out to the westward, and attacking 
the fort directly in the rear. But this intention was also defeated by the 
stubborn and resolute resistance made by the Eutaw regiment. 

At length it became evident that the assault was a total failure, and a 
general retreat was ordered. The third New Hampshire troops were the 
last to leave the disastrous field; and narrowly escaped being captured by 
several regiments of South Carolina. Two Federal gunboats which then 
lay in the Stono river were unable to render much assistance, in conse- 
quence of their remote position; but during the retreat, in attempting to 
shell the pursuing Rebels, they did nearly as much damage to their aliie-s 
as to their foes. The entire enterprise was a most miserable disaster. 
Scarcely so great a military abortion had been perpetrated by any other 
Federal commander during the entire war. General Benham was after- 
ward summoned to Washington to explain and justify his conduct. The 
total loss of the Federal forces in killed, wounded, and missing, was six 
hundred and sixty-eight. This large number demonstrated that the Fed- 
eral soldiers had fought with the courage and determination which usually 
characterized them, and that their defeat was the result of causes which 
they could not possibly control, and for which they were not in tiie least 
degree responsible. In this action the Rebel Colonel Lamar was wounded. 
He had exhibited a degree of valor and skill which would have conferred 
honor upon a much nobler cause than that in defence of which he had 
expended it. The effect of this misfortune on the minds of the loyal com- 
munity was extremely discouraging, inasmuch as they regarded Charles- 
ton and the Rebel works in its vicinity with peculiar repugnance, as 



EXPEDITION OF COLONEL FITCH UP WHITE RIVER. 2T5 

being tlie real centre and effective source of a rebellion which had inflicted 
so many and such great calamities on the nation. 

On the 12th of June an expedition vras sent from Memphis under the 
orders of Colonel Fitch, for the purpose of sailing up the White river as 
far as Jacksonport, and conveying supplies and ammunition to the army 
of General Curtis. It was understood that the Rebels had placed ob- 
structions in the stream, and that they had erected fortifications at St. 
Charles, an insignificant village about eighty-two miles above its junction 
with the Mississippi. The expedition consisted of four iron-clad gun- 
boats, namely : the flag-ship Mound City, the St. Louis, Lexington, and 
Conestoga, with the armed tug Spitfire, and three transports. The land 
force on board consisted of the forty-sixth Indiana regiment. The first 
success of the expedition was the capture of a new and valuable Rebel 
steamer, the Clara Dolsen. The second and more important achievement 
was the attack and reduction of the works which had been constructed at 
St. Charles. 

It was on the 17th of June that the fleet, having proceeded slowly 
about eighty miles up the White river, suddenly encountered the bat- 
teries which the enemy had erected. These were so concealed in the 
thick forest and brushwood on the Arkansas shore, that their position 
nnnld only be conjectured from the direction of their shot. As the 
Union fleet approached, the Rebels commenced to fire upon them. Their 
guns were not very heavy, but they were aimed with more than ordinary 
precision. Two shots struck the casemates of the St. Louis. The Mound 
City being in the lead up the stream, which at this point is narrow, 
though deep, immediately returned the fire. She was soon followed by 
the St. Louis and Conestoga. As the works of the Rebels consisted of 
two distinct batteries, the Mound City proceeded past the first toward 
the second, half a mile distant. Both were situated on a high bluff. As 
the Mound City advanced the second battery opened its fire upon her, to 
which she promptly responded. While the engagement was progressing 
between the gunboats and the forts, Colonel Fitch landed about five hun- 
dred men from the transports on the southern shore of the river, for the 
purpose of attacking the works in the rear. Having reached the proper 
position, he signalled to the gunboats to suspend their fire, as it might 
injure his own men, and he felt able to take the forts by a land assault. 
At that moment one of the most horrible catastrophes occurred which the 
mind of man can conceive, and to which few parallels can be found in the 
bloody annals of war. A ball from the enemy, cylindrical in shape, 
armed with iron flanges on each side, known as a "pigeon-shot,"' struck 
the Mound City on the casemate on her port side, near the first gun. It 
came at an angle of ninety degrees. It passed through the casemate, and 
severed the connecting pipe of the boilers. Instantly the steam rushed 
with the rapidity of lightning into every part of the vessel below, which 



276 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

was crowded with the crew, a hundred and seventy-f.ve in number, who 
had descended from the deck to avoid the shells of the enemy. The 
horrors of the scene which immediately ensued transcended all powers of 
description. The hot vapor burnt and withered in a moment the mass 
of living victims, inflicting instant death upon some, and upon the rest, 
agonies far more terrible than death. Forty-five expired instantly. The 
remainder, scalded to a crimson hue, screamed and groaned, writhing 
with intense suffering. They rushed simultaneously toward the port-holes. 
Maddened and frantic with their insupportable torments, they threw them- 
selves into the river. Soon seventy or eighty persons were struggling in 
the water. At that awful moment, when common humanity would have 
dictated even among savages a cessation of the contest, the Rebels con- 
tinued to fire upon the drowning wretches, as with desperation thcj 
strove to reach the land. Very few succeeded in doing so. Out of a 
hundred and seventy-five, who but a few moments before were in vigorous 
life, scarcely thirty escaped. Captain Fry, the commander of the Rebels, 
ordered his sharpshooters to distribute themselves along the shore, and to 
pick off the exhausted fugitives as they approached. This diabolical 
command was obeyed with an eagerness of cruelty such as would have 
disgraced a Fejee islander. The chief officer of the Conestoga promptly 
lowered his boats, and endeavored to rescue those who were yet alive. 
As soon as these emissaries of mercy came within range, they were also 
fired upon by the enemy. Both the gigs were struck, but fortunately 
were not sunk, and they succeeded in saving some from a watery grave. 

In the meantime the Federal troops on shore had reached the Rebel 
works, and having witnessed the scene enacted upon the river, assaulted 
the enemy with a commendable and intensified degree of enthusiasm. 
They soon charged upon them with the bayonet. A brief but desperate 
resistance was made. In a short time, however, the two forts were 
carried and occupied by the Federals. The enemy then fled toward St. 
Charles. Their entire force consisted of five hundred men. Of these 
fifty were captured ; about a hundred were killed and wounded ; the rest 
escaped. Among the prisoners was Captain Fry, the commander of the 
Rebels. He had formerly been an oflScer in the Federal service. The 
indignation of the Union troops against him was so intense, that it was 
with difficulty that Colonel Fitch could preserve his life from their 
assaults, by extending to him a clemency and a protection which he did 
not deserve. Except for the calamity on the Mound City, the expedi- 
tion would have had unmixed success. In the end, nearly a hundred 
persons died in consequence of the terrible accident which had occurred. 
In a few days the Federal fleet resumed its progress up the White river; 
the obstructions in the stream were removed; and it eventually reached 
its destination without any further opposition or casualty. 

Among the minor movements which took place in different portiooa 



EXCURSION OP COLONEL HOWARD TO SWIFT CREEK. 277 

of tbe field of conflict, to which a brief allusion may be made, was one 
which, about this period, set forth from Newbem under Colonel Howard, 
for the purpose of expelling the roving bands of the Rebels from the 
peninsula which intervenes between the Neuse and the Pamlico rivers. 
The expedition consisted of the seventeenth Massachusetts, part of the third 
New York cavalry, and a detachment of the Marine Artillery, with eight 
guns. These troops were placed on board the' steamers Union, Allison, 
the Highland Light, and the gunboat Picket. Scarcely had these vessels 
sailed four miles up the Neuse, when they grounded on a bar, and their 
progress was stopped. General Foster was then informed by a messenger 
of the disaster which had occurred. He immediately sent the steamers 
Pilot Boy and Alice Price to the rescue. After some delay the vessels 
were relieved, and proceeded up the stream as far as Swift creek, at which 
point the enemy were reported to have erected some breastworks, and to 
have made it the centre of their raids in the vicinity. The troops were 
disembarked, and so completely were the Rebels taken by surprise, that 
several of them were captured. The seventeenth Massachusetts, com- 
manded by Colonel Fellows, then led the advance, and occupied Swift 
Creek village. Colonel Howard took possesion of the bridge, and shelled 
the Rebels, whose breastworks of shingle lay on the opposite side of the 
stream. A few shots were returned by the foe, when the order was 
given to the Federal forces to charge. The enemy did not await the 
onset. As the Union troops approached they abandoned their intrench- 
ments in dismay, and fled through the woods in all directions. Their 
running was so much better than their fighting, that only two prisoners 
were taken, although a vigorous pursuit was made. On examination the 
works were found to be insignificant, and they could have presented little 
resistance to the Federal guns. After this easy conquest the troops re- 
turned to Newbern. The effect produced by the expedition upon the 
Rebels in the vicinity was beneficial, as their excursions in that portion 
of the country, in small detached companies, thenceforth terminated. 

The Federal commanders on the Mississippi continued their operations 
for the purpose of opening the navigation of that great commercial artery 
with the most commendaljle energy and ability. Vicksburg now alone 
remained, throughout its whole extent, in the possession of the enemy. 
The situation of this city was remarkable. It i.s built on the eastern bank 
of the river, on a considerable elevation. Steep bluffs exist both above 
and below it, whose height above the IqvcI of the stream is nearly a hundred 
feet. The Rebels had erected strong batteries in the vicinity of the town, 
and their position was such that the guns of the besieging vessels could 
not be brought to bear with much effect upon them, while they, from their 
superior elevation, possessed every advantage. In other respects, also, the 
situation of the place was peculiar. At this point the Mississippi makes 
an abrupt bend, in shape not unlike a horse-shoe, inclosing within its 



2^8 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

embrace a strip of land little more than half a mile in width. At the ex- 
tremity of this bend the city is built. These topographical oddities sug- 
gested to the minds of the Federal commanders, at a later period, the ex- 
pedient of cutting a canal across this peninsula, thus opening a new chan- 
nel lor the river, and setting back the city several miles from the margin 
of the stream which was the source of its opulence, the avenue of its com- 
merce, and chief implement of its resistance to the Federal Government. 
On the 2lst of June Captain Porter, belonging to the fleet of Commodore 
Davis, who was then above Vicksburg, made a reconuoissance in the 
Octorara, for the purpose of ascertaining the best position at which his 
flotilla might be anchored. General Van Dorn commanded the Rebel 
forces at this place. These numbered eighteen thousand men. llaving 
accomplished his purpose Captain Porter returned to his station. Com- 
modore Davis then prepared to approach the city and commence the bom- 
bardment. On Thursday, the 26th of June, a formidable fleet, consisting 
of about forty vessels of all descriptions, including transports, appeared 
before Vicksburg.* An attack was immediately commenced, which was 
chiefly directed against the Ibrtificatiuus on the blufl' below the town. The 
Eebel batterie-s responded with spirit. The firing continued during the 
whole day, and ceased only at the approach of night. On the next day it 
was resumed. In the afternoon the order was given to shell the town. Then 
the water batteries of the enemy responded, and the contest was kept up 
during the rest of the day. At night all the Federal captains of divisions 
were summoned to meet the commander on his flag-ship. They there re- 
ceived directions to resume the fire upon the city during that night, from 
all their mortars; and to continue the bombardment until further orders. 
Accordingly, at the appointed moment, the entire fleet of mortars, twenty 
in number, commenced tiie deadly music of tlieir assault. The scene which 
ensued was extremely grand and imposing. The sound of the guns re- 
sembled a continuous peal of thunder, and the loud reverberations seemed 
to emulate the most furious discharges of heaven's artillery. The repeated 
explosions of the shells illuminated the midnight heavens far and near 
with incessant flashes of lurid light. The earth and river shook with the 
terrible concussions. 'J'he enormous shells, as they descended upon the 
doomed city, appeared like messengers of destruction from some distant 

* The fleet of Commodore Porter consisted of the following vessels of war: Octorara, 
flag-ship, Geo. Brown, E.xecutive Officer; Westfield, Commander W. B. Bcnham ; 
Harriet Lane, J. M. Wainwri>;ht; Clifton, C. H. Baldwin; Miami, A. D. Uarr<'l; 
Owasco, John Guest; J. P. Jackson, S. E. Woodworth. Commanding divisions of the 
mortar flotilla were Lieutenant Watson Smith, commanding first division ; Lieutenant 
W. W. Green, commanding second division; Lieutenant R. R. Breese, commanding 
tliird division. The vessels composing the squadron of Commodore Davis were tlie 
Benton, Carondelet, Cincinnati, and Louisville. Those of Commodore Farragut were 
the Hartford, Brooklyn, Sciota, Oneida, Piuola, and the gunboats. 



NEW CHANNEL OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 219 

and hostile sphere. Soon the city was ia flames in various places ; and 
after the lapse of an hour the order was given to suspend the bombardment. 
On the next day Commodore Farragut, who lay five miles below Vicks- 
burg with his fleet of wooden vessels, sent word to the commander of the 
mortars above, that if he would engage the forts on the following morning 
before daylight, he would attempt to pass the batteries on the bluff, and 
unite their fleets. The suggestion was complied with, and his entire flotilla, 
consisting of three men-of-war, two sloops-of-war, and three gunboats, suc- 
ceeded in making the passage during the bombardment. The flag-ship of 
the commodore was struck twice in the hull, suffering some damage. 
The other vessels escaped serious injury. This action lasted an hour and 
thirty minutes. Its result convinced the Federal commanders that how- 
ever much their shot might injure the town, it would be impossible to cap. 
ture or destroy the batteries which lined the bluffs, without the assistance 
of a land force. The entire fleet then proceeded a short distance above 
Vicksburg and anchored. The mere destruction of the town alone would 
have been barren of results. Commodore Farragut therefore resolved to 
reopen the navigation of the Mississippi, which was the chief matter in dis- 
pute, by digging a new channel across the peninsula already described, 
named Cross-bend, thereby leaving Vicksburg at a harmless and impotent 
distance from the passing stream. Hundreds of negroes were immediately 
impressed from the adjoining plantations, and set to work in digging. 
This novel undertaking would require to be half a mile in length, about 
fifty feet in width, and eight feet below the water level. The chief disad- 
vantage which attended the enterprise was the fact that at that period 
the water of the river was falling instead of rising. During the engage- 
ment before the town, and in the passage of the fleet of Commodore 
Farragut, the Federal loss was fifteen killed and thirty wounded. That 
of the Eebels was severe among the troops of Van Dorn, who then occu- 
pied Vicksburg. Leaving the Federal commanders and their dif&cult 
enterprise at that city, which was still in an inchoate condition, we will 
turn our attention to the more important but not very felicitous events 
which at this period transpired in the vicinity of the Eebel capital. 



280 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

IHB INTBENCHMBNTS OF THE FEDERAL ARMY BF.FORR RirHMOND — THEIR KXTENT — INACTIVITY 
OF THE FEDERAL FORCES — CONCENTRATION OF REBEL TROOPS IN RICHMOND — GLOWING EX- 
PECTATIONS OP THE LOi'AL COMMUNITY THEIR DISAPPOINTMENT — THE TRANSFER OF 

MCCLELLAN's base OF SUPPLIES AND OPERATIONS TO HARRISON'S LANDING — FIRST ATTACK 
OF THE REBELS ON HIS TROOPS AT MECHANICSVILLE — INCIDENTS OP THE BATTLE — COM- 
MENCEMENT OF THE MARCH TOWARD THE JAMES RIVER — BATTLE OP OAINES' MILLS — DES- 
PERATE FIGHTING — HEROISM AND VALOR ON BOTH SIDES — VICISSITUDES OF THE STRUGGLE — 
THE RETREAT CONTINUED TOWARD JAMES RIVER — DISPOSAL OF THE SICK AND WOUNDED — 
PERTINACIOUS PURSUIT BY THE REBELS — SINGULAR CARAVAN OF WAGONS, CATTLE, AND 

FUGITIVES BATTLE OF PEACH ORCHARD ITS RESULTS BATTLE AT SAVAOe's STATION 

RESOLUTE ASSAULTS OF THEENEMY — APPALLING SCENES — IMPORTANT RESULTS — THE RACE 
TO WHITE OAK SWAMP — THE FEDERAL TROOPS WIN THE RACE. 

After the battle of Fair Oak.s, which occurred on the first of June, 
1862, the Federal army under General MoClellan proceeded to as.suine its 
position before Richmond, to dig trenches and erect breastworks, and to 
prepare for a final assault upon the city. This magnificent army con- 
sisted, when it first arrived before Yorktown, of a liundred and twenty 
thousand men. Subsequently the divisions of General Franklin, contain- 
ing twelve thousand, of General McCall, numbering ten thousand, and a 
detachment from Baltimore and Fortress Monroe, including eleven thou- 
sand, were added to it. Thus the entire number of Federal troops who 
had marched to the conquest of Richmond, formed a magnificent array 
of about a hundred and fifty thousand men. The line of redoubts and 
intrenchments which they erected and occupied as they lay before the 
city, extended nearly fifteen miles, in the form of a colossal crescent, the 
right extremity reaching to the Meadow bridge at Hanover, the left rest- 
ing upon Long bridge at Henrico. Portions of this immense line were 
within view of Richmond, whose tapering spires and swelling domes were 
visible in the distance. The most efficient and numerous array of the 
nation, its pride and hope, after many months of assiduous preparation 
and of mysterious delay, had at length reached the goal of their aspira- 
tions. The heart of this pestilent Rebellion lay directly before them. 
The last deadly blow at its pernicious life was anxiously expected from 
day to day by millions of patriots, when suddenly all was deranged by 
the new exigencies of the occasion, and by the unquestionable vigor, valor, 
and skill of the Rebel commanders who defended the city. 

During the long interval which elapsed between the battle of Fair Oaks 
and the first attack made on the Federal troops on the 26th of June, a 
large portion of the army which General Beauregard had unaccountably 
withdrawn from Corinth, was transferred to Richmond. General Jack- 



TRANSFER OP MOCLELLAN'S BASE OF SUPPLIES. 281 

son's force in the valley of the Shenandoah hid also been summoned 
thither. It is probable, therefore, that at length about a hundred thou- 
sand Rebel troops had been concentrated in the vicinity of that city. 
These were the chief strength and glory of the apostate community whom 
they represented ; and thus two nations were in reality to be the contest- 
ants on that far extending and sanguinary field. One of the decisive 
battles of the world, at the occurrence of which the great horologe of 
time tolls out the extinction of an expiring age, and the birth of a new 
and a more glorious era, seemed now to be impending. 

Unfortunately for the interests of the Federal cause, it became neces- 
sary, just at that period, for General McClellan to change the entire base 
of his operations, in consequence of the unfitness and insecurity of his 
source or avenue of supplies at White House. This place was located on 
the Pamunkey, a tributary stream of the York river, some fifteen miles 
in the rear of the Federal position. Its remote and isolated situation ren- 
dered it possible for the enemy at any time to intercept General McClel- 
lan's communications with it, which were maintained by means of the 
Richmond and YorK river railroad. It was constantly necessary to em- 
ploy nearly a whole division of troops in guarding this road from the 
assaults of the Rebels, which had recently become more frequent and de- 
termined. The large number of Federal soldiers who had either died or 
had become unfit for duty, from diseases contracted in the swamps of the 
Chickahominy, through which a portion of their camps and intrenchments 
lay, and the increased superiority in numbers of the Rebel forces, ren 
dered the continual defence of this line of communication both difficult 
and perilous. These consideratiotis eventually convinced General McClel- 
lan of the necessity of receding from his position before Richmond, to a 
more secure and convenient one at Harrison's Landing, on James river. 
Preliminary to commencing this retrograde movement, he made the 
proper arrangements for re-shipping the vast stores of subsistence and am- 
munition which had been accumulated at White House, and transferring 
them by means of the fleet of Federal transports to his newly selected 
depot. The order for the removal was issued about the 24th of June. It 
was executed between that date and the 28th. It was doubtless the novel 
and mysterious movement which was thu? commenced, of which the 
Rebels obtained early intelligence, which induced them to venture on 
offensive operations, and to begin that extraordinary series of engagements 
which, during a whole week, raged with such destructive fury near the 
Rebel capital. 

It was about ten o'clock on the 26th of June that the Rebel forces 
issued in vast multitudes from their camps before Richmond, and com- 
menced their bold and desperate assaults upon the Federal army. Their 
first demonstration was an attack on the cavalry commanded by General 
Stoneman, which were posted in the vicinity of Hanover Court House, on 



282 THE CIVIL WAR IN THK UMTEU oTATES. 

the extreme right. While tliis operation was pi-ogressing, they extended 
their assault to the troops stationed nearest to these, which were posted in 
the vicinity of Wechaaicsville. Tliey crossed the Chickahominy at 
Meadow bridge, above that town, with the evident intention of turning 
the riglit wing of the Federal forces. The troops placed here were the 
eighth Illinois cavalry, six companies of the Bucktail regiment, and five 
companies of the I'enusylvania iieserves. These were protected by rifle- 
pits and breastworks. As soon as the assault of the enemy began, their 
vast uuinbeis, which appeared to swarm inexhaustibly in front and around 
the Federal lines, clearly proved that an attempt at resistance by so small 
a corps would be wholly useless. General iieynolds immediately des- 
patched a messenger to General McGalJ lor reinlbreements. During the 
interval which occurred before these could arrive, the Federals made a 
firm resistance, and the Bucktails maintained their position with such 
obstinacy that a large number of them were captured. About two 
o'clock ihe engagement became more general and more desperate. While 
advancing down by the rear of Mechanicsville, through low, swampy 
ground, the enemy were attacked by the Federals fr^.ji the cover of their 
rifle-pits and earthworks with immense effect. A scene of great carnage 
and tumult ensued. Many of their men and horses sank in the mire, and 
became helpless targets lor the Federal sharpshooters. By this time the 
action had spread along the line toward the left, and the troops of General 
McCall having been attacked, now engaged the enemy. 

A vigorous contest theu took place, which occupied the remainder of 
the aiteruoou of the 26th. lu vain the Rebels, advancing repeatedly with 
great resolution, endeavored to drive the Federals from their position. 
The latter remained immovable. At six o'clock, apparently becoming 
desperate at the want of success, the Rebels brought fresh toops to bear 
upon the assault, and the battle perceptibly increased in fury. At that 
period General Morrell's divisiou arrived ojiportunely on the field as a 
reinforcement. The second brigade of this divisiou was called into imme- 
diate action. It was ordered to relieve the centre of General McCall'a 
column. The fourth Michigan, the fourteenth New York volunteers, the 
sixty-second Pennsylvania, and the ninth Massachusetts, together with a 
battalion of Berdan's sharpshooters, were drawn up in line of battle. The 
struggle which followed was well-sustaiued and desperate on both sides. 
It continued without any advantage to either party till half-past nine 
o'clock. The loss of the eaem/ during this period must have been very 
heavy, as they were confronted by the Federal forces while protected in 
a great measure by their rifle-pits and breastworks. All their efforts to 
dislodge the latter proved fruitless. Late in the day they made a furious 
charge with cavalry. They were met by a squadron of Federal horse, 
and driven back, many of their horses sticking fast in the marsh, and 
being abandoned by their riders. General Fitz John Porter, who com- 



BATTLE OF GAINES' MILL. 



283 



manded tbe entire corps to which the division engaged on this day 
belonged, was present in every part of the field, and was ably assisted by 
Generals McCall, Morrell, and Griffin. During the whole battle the 
artillery on both sides did the chief execution. Easton's Pennsylvania 
battery was particularly effective. At some periods the firing shook the 
earth, and the rapidity of the discharges indicated a most furious combat. 
At seven o'clock the enemy made a special effort to break the centre of 
the Federal troops engaged. This effort was confronted and defeated with 
great gallantry by General Griffin. The Pennsylvania Reserves on the 
left, commanded by Seymour and Reynolds, also fought with much heroism, 
and succeeded in defeating the attempts of the Rebels to cross the bridge 
over the Chickahominy. Thus, when the close of the first day's fight 
arrived, the enemy had really gained nothing and had lost heavily. But 
they were not disheartened. They had merely made a beginning of the 
gigantic enterprise which they had conceived, and were resolute in its 
prosecution to a successful issue. 

During the night which ensued, orders were given to commence the 
removal of the camp equipage, the stores, and the ammunition of the 
Federal army toward the James river. Soon, long trains of wagons, 
several thousand in number, began their slow line of march, extending 
four miles in the direction indicated. The sick and wounded were also 
conveyed, some toward the White Hourfe, some toward Harrison's Landing. 
General Porter had been ordered to withdraw his forces- from their recent 
position, nearer to the river. While these movements were progressing 
in the Federal camp, the Rebels were not idle. Immense reinforcements 
were promptly brought forward. The early dawn of the next day, the 
27th of June, beheld sixty thousand Rebels under arms, ready to renew 
the assault. The Federals had gained some slight repose during the night, 
and though wearied, and about to be assailed by superior numbers, were 
undaunted by the impending terrors of their situation. General Porter 
had received orders to fall back to a position two miles beyond Gaines' 
Mills. In obeying this order, General Sykes' division led the retreating 
column. Next came the division of General Morrell. During the march 
perfect order was maintained; but the enemy, mistaking the movement 
for a hasty flight, pressed forward in enormous masses, overtook the Fed- 
erals near Gaines' Mill, and there resumed the assault upon them. Their 
advance had been temporarily impeded by the destruction of the bridge 
at the mill. But soon they constructed a temporary causeway, by which 
their artillery was conveyed over, and the pursuit of the Federals was 
renewed. As their retreat was made at an unhurried and leisurely pace, 
it was not long before they were overtaken by the eager enemy. 

Then ensued the bloody action of Gaines' Mill. The scene of this con- 
flict was an extensive area, about two miles in length, and one mile in 
breadth. This space was made up of green meadows, waving grain fields 



284 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tliick woo'ls, bof^gy marshes, and rude ravines. Several farm houses ex- 
isted within its limits, which were afterward used as hospitals. General 
Porter had been ordered to engage the advancing foe, if he were attacked 
in this position. Accordingly at eleven o'clock all was ready to receive 
them ; each division, each brigade, each regiment, and each gun had then 
been placed in its proper position. Along the far extending lines at 
proper intervals the immortal banners of the Republic appeared in view, 
waving majestically and gracefully in the breeze, and bidding defiance to 
the approaching host. Bright guns in endless succession flashed in the 
morning light. The long ranks of Federal troops presented a firm and 
dauntless front. Generals with their staffs were seen riding rapidly from 
regiment to regiment, giving orders and perfecting their positions. After 
a short interval of silence and expectation, the sudden roar of the enemy's 
artillery, and the falling and bursting of their shells; gave evidence that 
they had recommenced the contest. 

The first firing came from the woods and from the roads on the right. 
The Federal cannon instantly thundered in reply at the still invisible 
enemy. At length, after a considerable period of time had been expended 
in this manner, masses of the Rebels emerged from the woods, deployed 
into positions in front of the Federal lines, and the engagement became 
general. It was fiercely contested on both sides. Several desperate 
attempts were made by the enemy to^break through the Federal lines on 
the right and on the left; but they were met in every instance with the 
unflinching firmness of veterans, and were invariably repulsed with heavy 
losses to the assailants. 

The battle continued to rage during the whole day, with the usual 
vicissitudes which characterize engagements in which brave men contend 
for the ma.stcry with equal degrees of resolution and obstinacy. As even- 
ing approached, the energy of the attack of the Rebels diminished, and a 
sudden lull occurred ; but after a short respite the contest was renewed 
by them with greater fury than before. It then became evident that 
during this mysterious interval the enemy had been largely reinforced. 
Their troops now rushed forward in overwhelming masses with savage 
and frantic yells. "With answering shouts the two armies approached each 
other, and dealt their death-blows upon their opposing ranks with in- 
creased ferocity. The combat now became most desperate and sanguinary. 
The Federals performed many deeds of the noblest daring and fortitude ; 
but soon the superior energy and vigor which portions of the Confederate 
columns exhibited, demonstrated that they had the advantage not merely 
of a preponderance of numbers, but also of physical freshness. It was 
well that at this critical moment the Federals received some reinforce- 
ments from the other side of the Chickahominy. They consisted of the 
brigades of Generals Palmer, French, and Meagher, with some cavalry. 
These Irish regiments, as was their usual custom, went into the fight with 



DESTERATE FIGHTING. 285 

their coats off, and their sleeves rolled up, and fouglit the exultant 
traitors with the fury and ferocity of tigers. Hundreds of Rebels then bit 
the du.st, laid low forever by the stalwart blows of the gallant and pugna- 
cious sons of Erin. 

The carnage was still progressing all over the widespread field, when 
the sun disappeared in the western heavens, and the shadows of night 
were about to descend upon the tumultuous and sanguinary scene. The 
enemy had repeatedly endeavored to force the Federals into the low, 
marshy tract lying between Gaines' Mill and the bridge. To have been 
driven into that perilous position would have insured the destruction of 
a large number of troops, for it was impassable ground, and would have 
proved the weltering grave of thousands. At one time the Rebels had 
nearly succeeded in this undertaking. It was when the danger here was 
most imminent, that the wild rush and determined assault of the Iri.sh 
regiments saved that portion of the army from destruction. During the 
progress of the day several partial panics had occurred, and some rapid 
and frantic running to the rear had been achieved, by frightened frag- 
ments of the Federal forces. But the vast majority of them fought 
nobly and well. About twenty-seven thousand Union troops took part 
in this battle. In addition to those composing the corps of General Fitz 
John Porter, the divisions of Generals Hooker, Kearney, and Sumner 
were also engaged. The number of Rebels who figured in the contest 
was at least sixty thousand, as has already been stated ; and a large por- 
tion of these were fresh troops, who were substituted from time to time 
for those who had become wearied during the proarress of the stiuffsle. 
Notwithstanding this disparity of numbers, at the close of the day the 
Federals had not been driven from their position. The main body were 
still in their first lines near Gaines' Mill. The losses on both sides were 
very heavy. Many valuable Federal officers were slain, among whom 
was Colonel Black, of the sixty-second Pennsylvania regiment. The field 
was covered in many places with heaps of the dead and the dying. The 
plaintive groans of the wounded, after the roar of the conflict ceased, 
burdened the midnight air, and added to the horrors of the scene. Tlie 
combatants on both sides slept upon their arms, except those who were 
detailed to bury the dead, to convey the wounded from the field, and to 
perform picket duty. 

While these operations were progressing on the right wing of the Fed- 
eral army, an engagement took place on the left, where General Smith 
held a position consisting of breastworks and two redoubts. He was at- 
tacked on Friday evening at seven o'clock, by the Georgia brigade, com- 
manded by General Toombs. The latter were encountered by Hancock's 
brigade, consisting of the sixth Maine, fifth Wisconsin, forty-third New 
York, and forty-ninth Pennsylvania regiments, and by Brooks's fifth Ver- 
mont regiment. The guns in the redoubts assisted in the engagement, 



286 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

which was brief but desperate. After losing a hundred killed, whom they 
left on the field, the Georgians retired in disorder before the deadly and con- 
tinuous fire of the Federal troops. This was the first battle at Golding's 
Farm. The second ensued on the following morning. Mortified at their 
defeat, the chivalrous Georgians determined to renew the contest. At eight 
o'clock they again advanced toward the redoubts, and resumed the attack. 
The Federal troops were either protected by the breastworks, or were 
concealed by lying on the grass. They gave the Georgians a deadly re- 
ception. Colonel Lamar was mortally wounded in the commencement of 
the engagement, and his lieutenant-colonel was taken prisoner. The 
result of the contest was the same as before, the Rebels being compelled 
to retire, after suffering very severe losses. 

During the following night the removal of the baggage trains, of the 
sick, and the disabled, toward James river and the White House, was con- 
tinued. The enemy had thus far gained but little advantage, and had 
been very severely punished. Still, however, deluded by the absurd and 
fantastic conceit that the retrograde movement of the Federal army was a 
mere flight before their invincible forces, they were determined to con- 
tinue the contest. In the afternoon of the 27th the headquarters of Gen- 
eral McClellan were removed across the Chickahominy, to the vicinity of 
Savage's Station. Thither va.st masses of stores and ammunition had 
been transported, on their way to their new depot on James river. 
Throughout this whole route the houses were converted into hospitals, 
and were occupied by the wounded of the Federal army. During Friday 
night the larger portion of the Federal forces crossed the Chickahominy, 
and thus obtained some advantage over the pursuing enemy. It should 
oe observed here, that the battles of Mechanicsville and Gaines' Mill took 
place on the left side of that stream. Those which afterward ensued were 
fought on the right side. This arrangement will be understood when it 
is remembered that the Chickahominy flows southward into James river; 
that in describing the events connected with it, the observer is supposed 
to be facing the mouth of the stream, and that the points of the compass 
are to be taken accordingly. Notwithstanding the enormous losses which 
the Rebels had suffered, and although they had not as yet driven their 
opponents from a single one of their cliosen positions, they persisted in 
claiming continual victories. Under this pleasing delusion they prepared, 
after the interval of a day, to renew the contest, and to endure additional 
and still more sanguinary slaughters, in the pursuit of a favorite and fan- 
ciful chimera. 

No attack was made on the main body of the Federal army on Satur- 
day, the' 28th of June. Early in the morning of that day the entire force 
which had so valiantly confronted the Rebel hosts had crossed the Chicka- 
hominy by four bridges. These were then blown up or burnt, to inter- 
cept the pursuit of the enemy. Later in the day it was ascertained that 



CARAVAN OF WAGONS, CATTLE, AND FUGITIVES. 



287 



they were crossing the stream at New bridge, with the apparent intention 
of moving round toward Bottom bridge, to cut off the communication of 
the Federals with their railroad and telegraph. But Saturday wore away 
without any hostile operations on the part of the Eebels. The reason of 
this apparent inactivity was that a large number of their troops were 
busily engaged in burying their dead, and in conveying their wounded 
from the scenes of the late sanguinary engagements into Eichmond. 
Many of the wounded Federal soldiers also fell into their hands. During 
this day the Union army was withdrawn as far as Savage's Station. 
From that point several separate trains of cars, filled with the wounded, 
were sent down to White House. A third trip was about to be made 
when it was ascertained that the enemy had cut the telegraph wires, and 
had gained possession of Despatch Station. A large proportion of the 
sick and wounded who were at Savage's Station were on this day placed 
in ambulances, and their removal to Harrison's Landing was commenced. 
But a sufficient number of these conveyances were not to be oVjtained ; 
and except those who were able to walk, or even to crawl toward a place 
of safety, the remainder ultimately fell into the hands of the enemy. 
During Saturday night a vast amount of commissary stores, ammunition, 
and hospital supplies, for which there were no means of removal at com- 
mand, were destroyed by orders of General McClellan. Four car-loads of 
ammunition, which had arrived from the White House during the pre- 
vious week, were replaced in the cars, and the entire train, headed by an 
engine, was let loose, sent down the railroad, and run into the Chicka- 
hominy at the bridge which had been burnt, to prevent it from falling 
into the possession of the Rebels. This train rushed forward on its path- 
way to destruction with fearful velocity, and at length plunged into the 
tranquil stream with a prodigious crash. Strange spectacles were ex- 
hibited by the multitudes of the wounded, and by the long lines of ambu- 
lances and wagons which, during this day, were toiling on their way 
toward James river. Hundreds of men went limping along, some with 
their arms in slings, some hobbling on crutches. The ambulances were 
all filled, and often the wounded would be seen sitting in the end of the 
wagons, their broken legs or crushed ankles hanging out, and the blood 
dripping from them upon the ground beneath. The heavy siege guns 
formed a conspicuous part of this singular and melancholy cortege. These, 
together with droves of cattle, crowds of negroes, teamsters, sutlers, and 
frightened fugitives of every kind, together with the noise and tumult, the 
swearing and screaming, which inevitably attended such a throng, at such 
a time, presented a most extraordinary combination of contrasts. Some- 
times a sudden terror pervaded the mass, for then a report had arrived 
that the enemy were interposing a powerful column between them and the 
James river, thereby cutting off their only means of escape. Then again 
when the falsity of this rumor was ascertained by the return of messen- 



r 



288 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



gers wlio hail been sent to the front, hope would revive, and a gayer tone 
would animate the volatile and motley assemblage. 

Meanwhile, orders had been sent to White House to hasten {he depar 
ture of the Federal troops from that station. These orders were obeyed 
with all possible despatch, and the place was finally abandoned by the 
assembled transports and steamers at four o'clock on Saturday afternoon, 
June 28th. All the stores, ammunition, and wounded had been previously 
embarked and safely removed. About seven o'clock in the evening the 
pickets of the enemy began to make their appearance in the vicinity, but 
they found only desolation and solitude. Even the insignificant building 
which had given a name and some celebrity to this locality, had been 
burned, although the author of the superfluous and barbarous deed re- 
mained unknown. 

At three o'clock on Sunday morning, June 29tl), General ^fcClellan, 
attended by his staff and body-guard, left the scene of his night's repose, 
and rode forward toward Charles City. He had directed his generals to 
abandon their intrenchments, to follow with their several divisions until 
intercepted by the enemy, and then to give them battle. At daylight on 
Sunday morning General Smith liegan to retire. Generals Sumner, 
Heintzelman, Key.s, and Franklin soon followed with their respective 
forces. Then came McCall's division, and la.st of all, those of Hooker 
and Kearney, who brought up the rear. As soon as the Rebel com- 
manders observed that the Federal army was again in motion, they com- 
menced to close in upon them ; but it was not till later in the day that a 
regular engagement took place between them. Then ensued the battle of 
Peach Orchard. The enemy approached the Federal troops by the Wil- 
liamsburg road, and had reached a position three hundred yards from the 
Federals, when the latter opened upon tliem with their powerful guns. 
The effect of the discharge upon the serried lines of the enemy was ter- 
rific. Their ranks wavered and staggered like drunken men before the 
continuous hailstorm of shot and shell which was poured upon them. 
The battle lasted from eight in the morning until noon. During this 
period the Rebels endeavored to outflank the Federals on th^ left, and 
intercept them on the Williamsburg road, but without effect. They 
charged several times on the brigades of Burns, Gorman, and Dana, with 
the evident intention of crusliing them in detail, but with no better suc- 
cess. The troops of Richardson, HeirTtzelman, Sedgwick, Sumner, and 
Meagher, fought with distinguished gallantry. All the efforts made by 
the Rebels to drive the Federals into a retreat from their position, were 
absolute failures; and it was not until the Federal generals had become 
assured that the caravan of wagons, ambulances, and cattle of their army 
had crossed the White Oak swamp, and were safe from the immediate 
pursuit of the enemy, that they gave the order to fall back. This order 



BATTLE OP SAVAGE'S STATION. 



was executed leisurely ; and having reached Savage's Station, they again 
drew up in' line of battle, to receive the advancing foe. 

The contest which ensued at Savage's Station on the same day, was 
still more fierce and sanguinary. It commeueed about five o'clock in the 
afternoon, and did not terminate until eleven o'clock at night. Before 
the attack began, the Rebels had been largely reinforced ; their next 
assault therefore was much more vigorous and destructive. They ap- 
proached through a dense wood, which concealed them from view until 
they were within a short distance of the Federal lines. They then sud- 
denly emerged from the edges of the forest, ran out three or four batteries 
to commanding positions, and opened a rapid fire of shot and shell. This 
salute they kept up with such skill and resolution, that a portion of the 
Federals were overpowered and gave way. The one hundred and sixth 
Pennsylvania regiment broke, and then fled in a panic, after losing a hun- 
dred men in killed and wounded. The Federal artillery could not for a 
time be served, all the men being either picked oft" or driven away from 
their guns. Never had the Rebels fought with more desperate courage. 
During the progress of the battle the Federal forces were, on several oc- 
casions, in a very critical position. At one time an entire brigade of the 
enemy were observed to be moving stealthily down to the right, with the 
design of making an attack upon the flank. This intention was defeated 
by the promptitude with which Captain Pettit placed a battery in such a 
position as to sweep the entire column with grape and canister, which 
eventually compelled them to recoil, and to relinquish their purpose. 
During the progress of the fight the Irish brigades greatly distinguished 
themselves, charging in some cases up to the very cannon of the enemy. 
One of the Rebel batteries they hauled off, spiked the guns, demolished 
the carriages, and then abandoned them. 

At length the shades of 'darkness descended upon this mortal combat, 
but they brought no termination to its horrors. The roar of the cannon, 
and the sharper, shriller sound of the musketry, continued to be deafen- 
ing and incessant. The night was made as light as noonday at rapid in- 
tervals, by the lurid flashes of the artillery, and each discharge enabled 
the combatants to ascertain the position of their foes with more distinct- 
ness. To add to the terrors of the scene, the adjacent woods were set on 
fire by the bursting shells, and soon the conflagration rolled vast heaving 
volumes of smoke and flame far up into the vault of heaven, giving to the 
battle-field the appearance of a pandemonium. Thus the carnage and the 
contest raged until midnight. The losses on both sides were very heavy. 
The Rebels had done much damage by firing into the hospitals in which 
many of the wounded had been placed ; and they perpet/ated this bar- 
barity in spite of the significant white and red flags which were placed 
upon them. At twelve o'clock the Federal commanders received orders 

from General McClellan to fall back rapidly from Savage's Station 
19 f J b 



290 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

across White Oak swamp, inasmuch as the Eebels were endeavoring to 
intercept them. A desperate race ensued to determine who should first 
gain possession of that position. The Federals were compelled to leave 
all their wounded at Savage's Station in the hands of the enemy. And 
now the movement toward James river, which had begun in a leisurely 
and voluntary march thither, unavoidably degenerated into a flight on the 
part of the Federals, and into a pursuit on the part of the enemy. The 
Federal soldiers knew this fact, and the resolution, not of hope, but of 
despair, now actuated them. That wearied, overworked, but heroic band, 
who had engaged the enemy so often and so bravely, were compelled to 
exhaust the last powers of human endurance, in order to escape complete 
destruction. The race to reach the swamp was one of desperate energy, 
accompanied by equally desperate fighting; for the superiority of num- 
bers which the Eebels possessed enabled them to keep up an attack on 
the rear of the Union army, while their main body strained every nerve 
to overreach and intercept the front. The divisions of Heintzelman, 
Sumner, and Franklin, were compelled to keep continually in line of bat- 
tle across the country, during this part of the retreat, in order to beat off 
the hordes of the enemy, as from time to time they renewed the assault. 
At length the last wagon and the last cannons plashed through the waters 
of White Oak creek. It was eight o'clock on Monday morning, June the 
30th. The day was bright and hot. The fugitives were exhausted with 
their superhuman efforts in fighting and retreating. After crossing the 
creek, hundreds threw themselves upon the ground to rest, or crawling to 
the green margin of the limpid stream, leaned over, and drank to slake 
the burning thirst which consumed them. 



THE BATTLE OP WHITE OAK SWAMP. 



291 



CHAPTER XXVI. 



THE BATTLE OF WHITE OAK SWAMP — POSITION AND ORDER OF THE FEDERAL TROOPS — TEM- 
PORARY PANIC DESPERATE FIGHTING FORTUNATE ASSISTANCE OK THE GUNBOATS ON 

JAMES RIVER — HEROISM AND SKILL OF GENERAL HEINTZKI.MAN — A GENERAL BAYONET 
CHARGE ON THE REBELS — ITS RESULT — FIRST ENGAGEMENT AT MALVERN HILLS — INCIDENTS 
OF THE FIGHT— THE IRISH BRIGADE — COMPLETE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS — THE FEDERAL 

ARMY REMOVES TO HARRISON'S LANDING RESULTS OF THE SEVERAL BATTLES BEFORE 

RICHMOND ARTILLERY DUEL ON THE JAMES RIVER GENERAL HOOKER SENT TO RECON- 
NOITRE AND OCCUPY MALVERN HILL THE MARCH THITHER — ENGAGEMENT WITH THE 

' ENEMY — THEIR DEFEAT — IMMENSE REINFORCEMENTS ORDERED FROM RICHMOND — RETURN 
. OP THE FEDERAL TROOPS TO HARRISON'S LANDING— FINAL EVACUATION OF THEIR CAMP BY 
THE FEDERAL ARMY — ITS FUTURE DESTINATION — FEDERAL LOSSES DURING THE PENINSULA 
CAMPAIGN. 

A VERY brief period for repose was allowed to the Federal troops. 
They had indeed won the race to White Oak swamp ; but the vast army 
of 1^ Rebels was in eager pursuit of them, and in a short time were upon 
their rear. Then followed another desperate engagement, named after the 
locality in which it took place. Soon after crossing the White Oak creek 
the Federal generals formed their new line of battle with great energy 
and promptness. The chief of these officers were Heintzelman, Sumner, 
Kearney, Porter, and Hancock. The new position of the Federal forces 
extended about four miles in length. Ontheextremeright wing General 
Hancock was posted with his brigade. Next to him were placed the 
troops of Brooks and Davidson. The batteries belonging to this division 
were commanded by Captain Ayres. Then came the divisions of Sumner, 
Heintzelman, and Porter." The battle commenced with an attack by the 
enemy on the column of General Hancock. They opened with about 
twenty batteries, which were served with such vigor and skill that they 
soon blew up several of Captain Mott's caissons, shattered his guns, and 
spread confusion among the teamsters, cannoniers and troops who came 
within their range. It was at this period that so complete a terror per- 
vaded some of the regiments, that one of them, the twentieth New York, 
fled in the utmost disorder, and scattered in fragments in every direction. 
For this disgraceful proceeding General McClellan, on the following day, 
ordered the provost marshal to arrest all the stragglers as they came into 
camp. 

After a short time, however, the Federals who had been attacked re- 
covered their self-possession, and their guns responded to those of the 
enemy. The latter had not yet crossed the White Oak creek, and the 
engagement was still confined to the operations of the artillery. At length 
a portion of the Rebels made an attempt to cross the stream, but were 



292 TITE CIVIL WAR IN' THE UNITED STATES. 

met and repulsed with success by General Smith, whose brisk fire of in- 
fantry extended continuously along whole columns. Finding it impossible 
to cross in front, the enemy detached a powerful force to proceed four 
miles due south to Charles City Cross Roads, for the purpose of interposing 
between the Federal forces and James river, thereby intercepting their 
retreat. The position which they purposed to reach was within a mile 
aad a-half of Turkey Bend, on that river; and had they succeeded in 
their intention, they would have inevitabl}' accomplished the ruin of the 
army, and prevented its successful establishment at Harrison's Landing. 
Fortunately, information of this movement of the Rebels was obtained in 
time ; and Generals Porter and Keyes so marshalled their wearied troops 
as to prevent its achievement. They reached the advancing columns of 
the enemy at four o'clock in the afternoon, and attacked them. The 
Rebels fought desperately, and their artillery produced a dreadful havoc 
in the Federal ranks. The latter were nearly dead already from the effects 
of heat, exhaustion, and thirst ; and so little discipline remained that a 
portion of those regiments which were nearest the James river, at one 
time broke ranks, rushed to its shores, plunged in, and after slaking their 
thirst returned to their colors, and resumed the fight. But the resistance 
of the Federal troops gradually became weaker. Human nature could 
endure no more. The fresh masses of the exultant Rebel army continued 
to press forward with still greater resolution. An overwhelming and de- 
cisive victory seemed about to crown the persevering efforts of the Rebel 
hosts when, at the critical moment, a delivery suddenly appeared. As at 
Pittsburg Landing, so in the present instance, the gallant navy of the 
Union rescued the land forces from destruction. At that crisis the gun- 
boats on the James river opened their fire upon the enemy. At five 
o'clock the enormous riiled guns of the Jacob Bell, Galena, and Aroostook, 
which were anchored in Turkey Bend, belched forth their colossal shells, 
with a detonation which completely drowned the feebler chorus of all the 
artillery on land, and terrified the foe by the unexpected presence of a 
more formidable antagonist. As the shells descended upon the serried 
masses of the Rebels, and burst among them, whole ranks were battered 
to the earth by the flying fragments. Horrible havoc ensued. Confusion 
and terror were quickly dift'used through their columns, and they who, a 
few moments before, were confident of driving the Federal army into the 
James river, or of compelling it to surrender, themselves began to give 
way. 

Encouraged by the evident effect of the shot of the gunboats, the Fed- 
eral commanders, of whom the most distinguished on this memorable field 
was General Heintzelman, determined to recover the fortunes of the day 
by making a combined and desperate charge. The gunboats were there- 
fore signalled to suspend their fire. Preparations were quickly made to 
effect the intended movement. The great-hearted veteran whom we have 



FIRST ENGAGEMENT AT MALVJERN HILL. 293 

just named, galloped from column to column. He announced the purpose 
to charge in brief and thrilling words. He then returned to his position, 
and passed down, to right and to left, the stern order to advance. The 
bugles sounded, and like the surging of a mighty deluge which had long 
been compressed within narrow limits, that mass of heroes, having caught 
new energy and strength from reviving hope, moved forward sublimely 
to the assault. The steady Massachusetts men of G rover, the fierce and 
fiery brigades of Meagher and Sickles, the well drilled soldiers of Hooker, 
Kearny with his brave Jersey Blues, the resolute troops of Heintzelman, 
and others equally gallant, marched defiantly against the foe, with the 
determination to conquer or to perish. The enemy met their rushing tides 
at first with firmness ; but nothing could long resist such a delirium of 
fortitude as seemed to pervade and to inflame their assailants. They 
gradually gave way ; their lines broke, and they eventually fled from the 
field in complete confusion. During this famous battle-shock, many were 
slain on both sides, and many prisoners were taken. The Eebels had 
previously captured a large number of guns, being portions of the batteries 
of Eandall, Mott, and Ayres. In the entire engagement at White Oak 
swamp the Federal loss in killed and wounded was not less than three 
thousand five hundred. That of the enemy was undoubtedly as great, if 
not much greater. But the contest saved the Federal army from ruin or 
from capitulation, and covered both the generals who commanded, and 
the soldiers who fought in it, with enduring renown. In vain had the 
best Eebel officers repeatedly put in practice their favorite tactics of hurl- 
ing fresh masses of troops on the Federal lines, first on one wing, then on 
the other, and suddenly in the centre. All was in vain. The goal had 
been safely reached. The glancing placid waters of the James river had 
at last greeted the longing eyes of the soldiers of the Union, and the pos- 
sibility of their destruction or of a still more disa.strous capture was 
forever averted. 

At the close of the battle of White Oak swamp the Federal army took 
possession of Malvern Hill in the vicinity of the river. General McClel- 
lau had selected Harrison's Landing, six miles below, as his future per- 
manent camp, and thither the convoy of wagons, ammunition stores, and 
supplies of all sorts continued to be directed. The James river was 
crowded with transports and vessels of all kinds, to assist in the work of 
transportation. During Monday night the heroes of a seven days' battle 
rested from their herculean labors. But their task was not yet completed. 
On Tuesday, July the 1st, the last of this memorable series of engage- 
ments, the battle of Malvern Hill, was fought. 

As an attack from the enemy was anticipated, the Federal army was 
drawn out in battle array at an early hour. Their line formed a magnifi- 
cent semicircle, which presented a formidable front. General Keyes, with 
his command, was posted on the extreme right. General Franklin'a 



294 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

corps came next ; then the troops of Sumner, comprising the divisions of 
Sedgwick and Richardson. The extreme left was occupied by Fitz John 
Porter. Heintzelman's corps, embracing the divisions of Hooker, Kearny, 
and Couch, occupied the centre. Fifty heavy guns bristled along the 
lines from their freshly made earthworks. The battle commenced about 
noon with a vigorous cannonading on both sides. The enemy were com- 
manded by Generals Lee, Magruder, and Jackson, and opened the en- 
■"■a'^ement with great spirit. Several hours passed away before the 
infantry came into action. At four o'clock the Rebels advanced, fiercely 
attacked the troops commanded by General Couch, and attempted to break 
the Federal line. The effort failed, and the assailants were driven back 
with great slaughter at the point of the bayonet. But th-ey were not easily 
disheartened. After a short interval they made a still more desperate 
effort to accomplish their purpose. The Rebel commanders threw for- 
ward heavy masses of troops, assisted and protected by artillery, against 
the ranks of Porter and Couch, and continued for more than an hour to 
hurl forward fresh columns upon the Federal line. At one crisis their 
determined efforts seemed about to be successful in driving back the 
Federals. At that critical moment General Porter despatched a messen- 
ger to General Sumner, requesting immediate reinforcements. The Irish 
brigade of Meagher, whose valorous troops seemed, in almost every emer- 
c^ency, to be the protecting iEgis of the Federal army in the peninsula, 
were immediately sent to the rescue. They advanced to meet the enemy 
with their usual enthusiasm. The wavering Federal lines were quickly 
steadied ; the Rebel host in turn recoiled, and the periled fortune of the 
day was recovered. Tims the figlit was continued until after nightfall. At 
ten o'clock the last gun was fired. During the progress of the engage- 
ment the most signal service had been rendered by the gunboats on James 
river. The immense shells from their rifled cannon tore shrieking and 
howlin"' through the forests, and often exploded within the lines of the 
enemy, with a concussion which shook the solid earth, and scattered piles 
of dead and wounded on every hand. In all their efforts to drive the 
Federal forces from their position the enemy had signally failed. After 
each advance they had been repulsed with heavy losses. The battle was 
to them an unqualified defeat. To prove that this statement should not 
be regarded as exaggerated or inaccurate, we might adduce many admis- 
sions made by the Rebels them.selves. One of the most impartial of these 
will suffice. A leading Richmond journal said : " Officers and men went 
down by the hundreds; but yet, undaunted and unwavering, our line 
dashed on, until two thirds of the distance across the interval was accom- 
plished. Here the carnage from the withering fire of the enemy's com 
bined artillery and musketry was dreadful. Our line wavered a moment, 
and fell back into the cover of the woods. Twice again the effort to carry 
the position was renewed, but each time with the .'=ame result.^. Xiglit at 



COMPLETE DEFEAT OF THE REBELS. 



295 



length rendered a farther attempt injudicious, and the fight, until ten 
o'clock, was kept up by the artillery on both sides."* 

Thus ended the battle of Malvern Hill. Thus terminated the last 
assault made by the troops of the Rebel Confederacy at this pei'iod, upon 
the army of the Union in the Peninsula. Thus concluded one of the 
most extraordinary series of engagements which has ever occurred in the 
blood-stained annals of ancient or modern warfare. Tiie losses endured 
on both sides were appalling; and impartial history will hereafter affirm 
from her high seat, that the Rebels had little of which to boast, in the 
incidents and results of the battles which were fought near their capital. 
It is unquestionably true, that the Federal forces would have teen with- 
drawn to James river without these assaults having been made upon them. 
While, therefore, the Confederates inflicted superfluous wounds and death 
upon them, they were themselves in turn punished and mulcted to a much 
more destructive and ruinous extent. The Federal losses in these various 
engagements were as follows : in the battle of Mechanicsville, the number 
in killed and wounded was about two hundred ; in that of Gaines' Mill, 
seven thousand five hundred ; in that of Peach Orchard, two hundred ; 
at Savage's Station, one thousand two hundred ; in White Oak swamp, 
three thousand five hundred; at Golding's Farm, four hundred; at 
Malvern Hill, two thousand ; making a grand total of fifteen thousand. 
This estimate does not include the missing, whose exact numbers are 
unknown. It is pr6bable that the losses of the Rebels were not far from 
twenty thousand. 

During Tuesday night, and on Wednesday, the 2d of July, the con- 
centration and establishment of the Union forces at Harrison's Landing 
were completed. The enemy were too much broken and exhausted to 
continue the pursuit or to renew the assault. Their self-imposed task 
had been finished, with greater infliction of suffering and calamity on 
themselves than on their opponents. The new position which General 
ilcCIellan had selected, consisted of a strip of land along the northern 
bank of the James river, five miles in length, where a number of suitable 
wharves existed, at which the transports could discharge their cargoes of 
supplies; and whose external form towai-d the enemy was admirably 
adapted to the purpose of defence. It was soon made impregnable against 
all attacks, by the skilful use of the spade ; for such formidable breast- 



* Richmond Examiner of Friday, July 4th, 1862. The same journal presents the 
following graphic picture of the ground which the Rebels had occupied during the 
progress of the engagement : 

" The battle-field, surveyed through the cold rain of Wednesday morning, presented 
scenes too shocking to be dwelt on without anguish. The woods and the field before 
mentioned were, on the western side, covered with our dead, in all the degrees of vio- 
lent mutilation, while in the woods on the west of the field la^, in about equal num- 
bers, the blue uniformed bodies of the enemy." 



296 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED S'J'ATES. 

works were quickly thrown up, as to convince the Kebels of the impolicy 
of any attempt to carry them by assault. On the 4th of July, General 
McClellan issued an address to his troops, in which he bestowed upon 
them that praise for heroism and endurance which they had richly 
merited, and which will continue to be, until the end of time, the just 
reward of the brave and patriotic men whose undying glory and mis- 
fortune it was to have belonged to the Federal army in the Peninsula. 

The repose of that army at Harrison's Landing remained undisturbed 
by the euem}' during the period of nearly a month. It was not until the 
night of the 31st of July that their hostile presence and spirit were again 
exhibited. Tlie Rebels had crossed the James river in considerable 
numbers, above the Federal camp ; had posted several batteries opposite 
to the Landing, and in the vicinity of the Union fleet of transports; and 
then began a vigorous cannonading, both upon the camp and the fleet. 
The assault continued during an hour and a-half. Their guns threw shell 
of si.x: and twelve pounds weight, both round and conical. They eftected 
but little damage, inasmuch as they generally fell short of their mark. 
A few of them exploded within the Federal camp, and some of them 
reached the shipping. In consequence of the foct that no attack was 
expected from the foe in that direction, all the Federal guns had been 
posted in the front; so that a considerable interval elapsed before a sufiR- 
cient number could be transferred to the proper position to respond to the 
enemy. In half an hour the latter commenced to reply, and in a short 
time the Rebels were silenced. They had made a futile assault; for, 
although they discharged several hundred shells, so inaccurate was their 
aim that the loss on the Union side was only six killed and nine wounded. 
During the attack the Rebels frequently changed the position of their 
batteries, and as the night was extremely dark, it was only by the flashes 
of the guns that their location could be discovered. The vessels on the 
James river did not return any shots, as by so doing they would have 
revealed their own location more distinctly to the enemy. 

This brief and unimportant episode was the mere prelude to the last 
military operation which was destined to take place between the Federal 
and the Rebel armies in the Peninsula. The hideous carnival of blood 
and death which had rendered that spot .so sadly famous in all coming 
time, was now about to terminate with the second battle at Malvern Hill. 
On Monday, tlie 4th of August, a portion of the Federal army was 
ordered to make a reconnoissance in the direction of the Rebel lines. It 
consisted of the divisions commanded by Generals Hooker and Sedgwick, 
a brigade of cavalry under General Pleasanton, and four batterie.«. 
General Hooker was chief in command. Leaving the camp at four 
o'clock in the afternoon, they marched along the road to Charles City for 
some distance. They then diverged through several by-roads as far as 
Nelson's Farm. At that point they bivouacked for the night. Early on 



EVACUATION OP THEIR CAMP BY THE FEDERAL ARMY. 297 

the following morning they resumed their march, and in an hour they 
reached the rear of Malvern Hill, upon which the enemy were posted. 
They thus occupied a position between the latter and the remainder of 
their army, as well as their depot of supplies at Eichmond. An admirable 
opportunity was thus afforded to surround and capture a large portion of 
the Rebel force. 

Immediately after coming within view of the latter, the Federal troops 
were formed in line of battle. The artillery were posted in the front ; the 
cavalry and infantry were ranged on the flanks. The Rebels commenced 
the battle promptly at six o'clock with their guns. The Federal cannon 
responded with spirit. The enemy were much inferior in number to the 
Union troops, comprising only three regiments of infantry, a small 
portion of cavah-y, with four pieces of artiller}^. They maintained the 
contest during two hours with great determination ; but the vast superi- 
ority of the Union troops in numbers rendered a further resistance on 
their part useless. They then retired in good order toward the James 
river. The Federal victors did not pursue. Their loss was only six 
killed and twenty-four wounded. The enemy took with them all their 
guns, their killed and their wounded. This fight enabled General Hooker 
to take possession of Malvern Hill, which gave him a position six miles 
nearer to Richmond than that at Harrison's Landing. 

On Tuesday afternoon, General McClellan, accompanied by a number 
of officers, visited the spot, and greatly commended General Hooker for 
his achievement. It was perfectly evident, however, that though the 
small body of Rebel troops stationed there had been overpowered, large 
reinforcements would be quickly sent from Richmond to recover the lost 
position. A general engagement would therefore soon occur to decide 
the permanent possession of the place. Accordingly, General McClellan 
immediately sent messengers to his camp ordering a large number of his 
troops to march toward Malvern Hill, to support the column already 
posted there. If these troops had arrived in time, the issue of the sub- 
sequent operations might have been difierent. But the messengers who 
conveyed the order pursued the wrong road, were unaccountably delayed 
on their journey, and thus the reinforcements did not approach until the 
position had been hopelessly lost. Only a portion of those Federal troops 
which were sent arrived, and these made their appearance only in time to 
join in the general retreat. On Wednesday the Rebels marched to 
Malvern Hill in large masses, and as the Federal forces, by this manoeuvre, 
would have been greatly inferior in numbers, a retrograde movement was 
precipitately made to Harrison's Landing. Thus ended the capture, the 
occupation, and the evacuation of the position at Malvern Hill. The 
Federal loss during the operation was four killed and fifteen wounded. 

It had now become evident to the Federal Government that the expe- 
dition against Richmond, through the Peninsula, had proved a total and 



298 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

irremediable failure. It was quite as evident tliat the longer delay of the 
army of the Union in that unpropitious clime would be productive of no 
good, while it would entail a continued and lavish waste of the national 
treasure and of valuable lives. General McClellan, therefore, received 
orders to evacuate Harrison's Landing. Tliis order was obeyed on the 
16th and 17th of August, 18l32. Tiirough the energy and skill of Colonel 
Ingalls, all the stores of subsistence and ammunition were safely removed 
on board the fleet of Federal transports which then lay at Harrison's 
Landing. Nothing of the least value was left behind. The Kebel com- 
manders, intensely gratified to witness the departure of their formidable 
visitors, did not offer any resistance to the movement. The army crossed 
the Chickahominy by a pontoon bridge two thousand feet in length, con- 
sisting of a hundred boats. The troops then marched forward toward 
Williamsburg, while the transports and gunboats sailed down James 
river to Fortress Monroe. The future destination of the army of the 
Peninsula was then as yet unknown. Tt was, however, intended to be 
consolidated with the forces which had been placed under the orders of 
General Pope. This arrangement was afterward completed; and the 
fortunes of war were again tried under new auspice_s, against the desperate, 
yet by no means contemptible conspirators, who had risen in rebellion 
against their legitimate government, and had thus far struck, with such 
marvelous energy, ferocity, and skill, against its sacred bosom. Nor can 
the patriot and philanthropist fail to experience the most poignant emo- 
tions of regret, when reflecting upon the varied incidents and results of 
the campaign in the Peninsula; when he remembers the brilliant hopes 
which threw so bright and fair a radiance around the advance of the 
Union army toward the Rebel capital ; when he recalls the many glorious 
prodigies of heroism and valor which were vainly performed by the 
soldiers and officers of that army, in the sanguinary battles which they 
fought ; when he computes how many thousands of valiant and devoted 
men, from different and distant portions of the continent, were left behind 
by their departing comrades to moulder in their unknown and unhonored 
graves, the victims of a climate and of labors more deadly than the 
bullets and cannon of the foe; in a word, when he meditates upon the 
complete and melancholy discomfiture of one of the greatest and noblest 
enterprises which the checkered page of history presents. 



SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT. 299 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



RETURN OF THE ARMY OF THF, POTOMAC FROM THE PENINSULA — SPIRIT AND PURPOSE OF THE 
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT — APPOINTMENT OP GENERAL HALLECK AS COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF OF 
LAND FORCES — OPERATIONS OP GENERAL POPE — MESSAGES OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN IN 
FAVOR OP EMANCIPATION OF THE SLAVES AND CONFISCATION OF THE PROPERTY OF 
REBELS — RECONNOISSANCE OF GENERAL KINO TO BEAVER DAM — BATTLE OF BAYOU CACHE, 
IN ARKANSAS — ENGAGEMENT ON THE MISSISSIPPI WITH THE RAM ARKANSAS — BOLDNESS 
AND DETERMINATION OF THE REBELS — ENGAGEMENT NEAR MEMPHIS, MISSISSIPPI — OPERA- 
TIONS OF THE REBEL JOHN MORGAN IN KENTUCKY — CONTEST AT CYNTHIANA — MORGAN 
ABANDONS KENTUCKY — ADDITIONAL ANTI-SLAVERY MESSAGE OP MR. LINCOLN — EXPEDITIONS 
SENT FROM NEWBBRN TO TRENTON AND POLLOCKSVILLE— THEIR RESULTS — ATTACK MADE 
ON THE ARKANSAS BY COLONEL EI.LET — INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — DEFEAT OF THE 
QUEEN OF THE WEST — CAUSES OF THE DISASTER — CREATION OF NEW GRADES IN THE FED- 
ERAL NAVY — PRESIDENT LINCOLN ORDERS A DRAFT OF THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEN. 



The disastrous termination of the campaign of the Federal army in the 
Peninsula, under General McClellan, and its withdrawal from the vicinity 
of Richmond without having accomplished the magnificent purpose of its 
mission, filled the loyal community in the United States with disappoint- 
ment and regret. The remains of that once formidable force subsequently 
returned by way of the Potomac to positions which were then assigned 
them nearer to the Federal capital. But the reverses which had occurred 
produced no other efiiect upon the administration of Mr. Lincoln than to 
induce it to put forth more strenuous exertions to increase the military 
strength of the nation, and to resume offensive operations against the Con- 
federates at the earliest possible period with greater energy and efficiency 
than before. At the sugg^estion of the Governors of nearly all the loyal 
States, the President called out an additional levy of three hundred thou- 
sand men, and preparations were immediately made to comply with the 
requisition. General John Pope, who had distinguished himself by his 
operations at New Madrid and Island Number Ten, was transferred to the 
command of the consolidated army of Virginia, composed of the three 
corps of Fremont, Banks, and McDowell, to which were added, during tlie 
last days of August, Burnside's, Sumner's, and Fitz John Porter's corps. 
A short time afterward General Halleck was summoned to Washington, 
and invited to occupy the position and discharge the functions of General- 
in-Chief of the land forces of the United States. The evident purpose of 
this appointment was to increase the efficiency of the administration of 
affairs at the Federal capital, and, in effect, to place a portion of the oper- 
ations of the War Department under the control of a professional soldier, 
familiar with the principles of military science. 

General Pope took command of the army of Virginia on the 14th of 



300 THE CTYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Jul}', 1862. On that day he i.ssucd a proclamation to his troops, in which 
lie announced his appointment over them, referred to the successes of his 
operations in the southwest, expressed his confidence in his new asso- 
ciates-in-arms, and informed them of his determination not to pursue the 
timid and tardy policy of his predecessor, but to advance without delay to 
the attack and conquest of the enemy. He proceeded to visit every por- 
tion of his army, that he might make himself acquainted with its condi- 
tion, might provide for strengthening its shattered columns, and might 
ari-ange his plans for the future. 

On the same day, President Lincoln communicated a message to Con- 
gress, which was still in session, in which he recommended the adoption 
of a bill by them in reference to the abolition of slavery. The bill in 
question provided that whenever the President should become satisfied 
that any State had abolished slavery throughout its limits, either imme- 
diately or gradually, it should become the duty of the President, assisted 
by the Secretary of the Treasury, to prepare and deliver to such State an 
amount of interest-bearing bonds of the United States equal in amount to 
the aggregate value of all the slaves which were reported to have existed 
in that State according to the census of 1860. The bill provided, further, 
that if the abolition of slavery in any State should have been made immedi- 
ate, the payment of the designated sum should also be immediate ; if it were 
gradual, the payment should be gradual; and if any State should restore 
slavery within its limits after its abolition therein, the bonds held by it 
against the United States should thereby become null and void. 

The Senate, after some discussion, referred liis message to the Com- 
mittee on Finances. The Ilouse sent it to the Committee on the Aboli- 
tion of Slavery in the Border States. The impression produced by this 
act of the President was important in its effects on the citizens, both of 
tlie loyal and the disloyal States. It revealed to the former what the 
future policy of the administration would be in reference to the vexed 
question of slavery, while it convinced the latter that it was the determi- 
nation of the Federal Government to uss every means in its power to 
diminish the supremacy of that institution, which had been one of the 
most potent causes in producing the Kebellion. 

In pursuance of the policy thus inaugurated, the President addressed 
ail appeal to the representatives of the border States in Congress, in which 
he requested them to use the influence which they possessed over their 
constituents, to induce them to adopt the policy of emancipation, as indi- 
cated in his message. Two replies were made to this appeal. The one 
came from the majority of the representatives referred to, including those 
from Kentucky, Virginia, Missouri, and Maryland, and was evasive in 
its character. Its authors denied that any necessity existed for the aboli- 
tion of slavery in the several States which they re|jresented ; and they 
doubted whether the abolition of slavery in the Kebel States, by Federal 



EECONNOISSANUB OP GENERAL KING TO BEAVER DAM. 301 

power, would assist in securing the triumph of the Federal arms. The 
answer of the minority was more approbative and compliant. They ad- 
mitted that slavery was the "Lever-power of the Eebellion;'' that they 
were willing to make any sacrifice to restore the Union ; and they con- 
cluded by affirming that if the Eebels could take the initiative, and give 
up slavery to destroy the Union, " they could surely ask their people to 
consider the question of emancipation to save the Union." 

On the 22d of July, the policy of Mr. Lincoln on this subject was fur- 
ther indicated by the publication of an order from the Secretary of War, 
acting under the direction of the President, to the effect that the military 
commanders in the States of Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas, should employ as 
laborers within the said States so many persons of African descent as can 
be advantageously used for military or naval purposes, giving them reason- 
able wages for their labor, while, at the same time, accounts should be 
kept showing from whom such slaves shall have been taken, and the value 
of their labor, " as a basis upon which compensation can be made in proper 
cases." These measures, which were generally termed radical, in oppo- 
sition to the more conservative views of the advocates of slavery, were 
subsequently followed up by others still more effective and decisive. 

General Pope commenced the performance of his duties as commander 
of the army of Virginia, with energy and resolution. He introduced 
material and propitious changes in the method of his operations. He dis- 
carded the use of those immense and cumbrous wagon-trains for the trans- 
portation of supplies, which had heretofore retarded the movements of the 
troops ; and he ordered his men to derive their subsistence from the enemy 
through whose country he purposed to march. The headquarters of 
General Pope still remained at Washington, from which position he con- 
tinued to issue his orders. He henceforth prohibited guards of Union 
soldiers to be placed around the property of citizens, especially around 
those of acknowledged Secessionists, in the line of his march, and an- 
nounced his determination to hold commanding officers responsible for the 
good behavior of their men. He indicated, by various preliminary 
measures, that he was determined to carry on the war with vigor, and to 
use his utmost efforts to secure the speedy triumph of the Federal arms. 

The first movement that occurred took place on the 19th of July. 
General Pope had ordered General King to send out a small cavalry force 
from Warren ton, to reconnoitre the position of the enemy toward Gor- 
donsville. The expedition left Fredericksburg on the evening of the 
19th, and after marching all night, reached the Virginia Central railroad 
at Beaver Dam. This point is only thirty-five miles distant from Eich- 
mond. They there destroyed the railroad track for several miles, to- 
gether with the telegraph line, and burned the depot, which contained 
a hundred barrels of flour and forty thousand rounds of musket ammu- 



302 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

nition. Having ascertained that a large portion of the Confederate 
army, under General Jackson, was posted near Gordonsville, the expedi- 
tion returned to Warrenton, having marched eighty miles in thirty 
hours. Several additional reconnoissances were subsequently made by 
order of General Pope, by which important information was obtailned re- 
specting the strength and operations of tlie enemy. 

Daring the interval which occurred between this period, and that at 
whicii the Federal and Rebel armies were sufficiently concentrated to 
bring on those colossal engagements which afterward took place between 
tlicin, events of considerable interest were transpiring in other portions 
of the arena of conflict, to which we will now direct our attention. 

In pursuance of the plans of the campaign in the West which had 
been adopted, General Curtis, the hero of Pea Ridge, commenced his 
march from Batesville to Helena, in Arkansas, on the 24th of May, 
18(32. Various detachments of Rebel troops tinnoyed his men upon the 
route; but it was not until the 7th of July that they appeared in suffi- 
cient numbers to warrant an engagement. On that day a battle took 
place near Bayou Cache, in Arkansas, the importance of which entitles 
it to a place in the annals of the Rebellion. At that point the march 
of the army had been obstructed by the enemy by a blockade of fallen 
timber. Colonel Hovey was ordered to advance with a portion of tlie 
thirty-third Hlinois and the eleventh Wisconsin regiments, to open the 
way on the opposite side of the Cache, and effijct a reconnoissance along 
the Clarendon road. Three hundred and fifty men were appropriated 
to this service. A detachment of these first encountered two Texan 
regiments, which were drawn up in line of battle to receive them. The 
latter poured into the Federal troops a volley of musketry, which killed 
five, and wounded a much larger number. The fire was quickly re- 
turned, but the immense preponderance of numbers on the Rebel side 
soon compelled the Federals to fall back. The enemy followed up their 
advantage, and made a charge, which gradually converted the retreat into 
a rout. At this crisis Colonel Hovey hastened to the assistance of his 
men with the remaining companies of the thirty -third Illinois. Placing his 
men in ambush behind a fence, he saluted the advancing Rebels with a 
volley, which killed twenty-five of them, wounded many mr -e, and made 
their column reel and stagger, and eventually break away in disorder. 
Colonel Hovey then rallied all his men. At the same time Major Wood 
arrived upon the scene with reinforcements, co'isistiiig of a battalion of 
the first Indiana cavalry, and two rifled steel guns. The latter were then 
ordered to advance against the foe. The cannon were brought to the 
front, and the attack resumed. After the first charge the enemy retired 
within the shelter of a wood. The Fcilerals then pushed forward a quarter 
of a mile to continue the assault. A similar result again ensued, for after 
an exchange of volleys the Rchcls retreated, and were pursued for nearly 



ENGAGEMENT WITH THE RAM ARKANSAS. 303 

the distance of a mile. Major Wood then gave the order to the cavalry 
to charge. The enemy received them with another destructive volley, 
and then fled. The Federal guns were again brought to bear upon their 
retiring foe, who continued to fall back until they were entirely lost to 
view. The number of Rebels killed during the engagement was a hun- 
dred and ten ; of wounded, about two hundred and fifty. The Federal 
loss was ten killed, fifty-seven wounded. This unusual disparity of num- 
bers in killed and wounded resulted from the fact that the enemy uni- 
formly aimed too high. The action was a brilliant success on the part of 
the Federal troops engaged, and conferred distinction uj^on the command- 
ing ofiBcer, Colonel Hovey. 

On the 14th of July, a spirited engagement took place on the Missis- 
sippi river, near Vicksburg, between a famous and formidable battering- 
ram, which the Eebels had constructed, named the Arkansas, and a por- 
tion of the Federal fleet, then riding at anchor near that city. The 
Arkansas was a powerful and dangerous vessel. She was a hundred and 
eighty feet in length, sixty in breadth of beam. Her bow and stern were 
sharp, and she was propelled by engines of nine hundred horse-power, 
placed below the water-line. Her sides were covered with railroad-iron 
plates, dove-tailed together, and strongly bolted. Her bow was armed 
with an enormous beak, constructed of cast-iron, with which she per- 
forated her opponents. She was provided, with six heavy guns. She 
was commanded by Captain I. N. Brown, who was renowned on the 
western waters for his skill and daring in naval warfare. At the period 
of the engagement in question, she was lying quietly in the Yazoo river, 
at some distance above its junction with the Mississippi. The Rebels, 
who then held possession of Vicksburg, expected her speedy arrival at 
that city, to co-operate with them in its defence. To prevent this result 
Colonel EUet was sent by Commodore Farragut up the Yazoo, with two 
Union gunboats, and a battering ram, namely — the Carondelet, Queen of 
the West, and Lancaster, to attack, and, if possible, to disable her, and 
thereby inte»c»pt her outward passage. 

Colonel Ellet, after sailing eight miles up the Yazoo, encountered the 
Arkansas suddenly, as she lay under a bank, with the apparent intention 
to escape detection. But as soon as her commander discovered that he 
was observed, he commenced an assault with his heavy guns upon the 
Federal vessels. The Yazoo being a very deep and narrow stream, the 
Union boats dropped down the river to obtain more sea-room. The 
Arkansas immediately followed, continuing to fire. When both parties 
had reached a position near the entrance of the river, the Carondelet ap- 
proached the Arkansas for the purpose of grappling and boarding her. 
This achievement was nearly accomplished, when suddenly the Rebel 
craft opened her steam-pipe, and threw a deluge of steam and hot water 
over the plank by which the men were about to cross. The Carondelet 



304 THE CIVIL WAR IN TDE UNITED STATES. 

then did the same, and while the vessels were inundating each other in 
this manner, both of them grounded. The Arkansas was able to relieve 
herself — the Carondelet was not so fortunate — and while the former 
sailed out triumphantly upon the broad bosom of the Mississippi, her 
antagonist remained firmly aground. By this fortunate accident the 
Arlcansas was able to escape, and continue her way toward Vicksburg. 

But in order to reach her destination it was necessary for her to run the 
gauntlet of the Federal fleet, which intervened. As she rounded the 
point above the anchorage of the latter, her presence and character ex- 
cited much astonishment, but soon both of these became sufficiently 
known. A small flag floating from her jackstaff was quickly discovered 
to be the notorious Kebel ensign. The first Union vessel in the line of 
her approach was the Louisville. The Arkansas immediately turned her 
heavy prow in the direction of her position, and opened on her with her guns. 
One of her shot struck the casemating of the Louisville, near tlie centre 
of the bow, and glanced off harmlessly. The latter responded with three 
heavy Dahlgren guns, one of the shot of which took effect on the Arkan- 
sas. Meanwhile, the lattter was steadily approaching, and at last struck 
the Louisville with prodigious violence on the side. But her blow was 
deprived of a portion of its effect, from the fact that she did not succeed 
in striking squarely, but diagonally, so that she glided off by her own 
impetus. As she passed by she received three shots from the guns of her 
antagonist, at half-cable's length, which pei'forated her side, and produced 
a considerable rent in her. 

Undaunted by this disaster, the Arkansas boldly pursued her way 
through the Federal fleet, dispensing her favors on all sides. While 
doing so, one of her shot struck the Benton on the larboard side, and 
perforated it, killing one man. She was herself somewhat damaged during 
her progress. The Cairo, Hartford, Eichmond, together .with three gun- 
boats, all assailed her in passing, and she saluted each of them in return. 
But she arrived at length in comparative safety before Vicksburg, where 
her gallant and daring exploit caused her to be received with the greatest 
enthusiasm by the Eebel forces commanded there by Generals Breckin- 
ridge and Van Dorn. 

The Federal loss during these engagements was fourteen killed, fifteen 
wounded. The result was by no means favorable to the commanders of 
the Federal vessels, inasmuch as the success with which the Rebel ram 
defied so numerous a flotilla, proved that an unusual want of vigilance 
and skill at that time characterized them. At a subsequent period, as 
if conscious of this fact, the officers who were engaged on this occasion, 
endeavored to recover the lost lustre of their arms, by a more efficient and 
more successful assault upon their foe. 

At this period the Southwest was the scene of a number of spirited 
movements, both on the part of the Federal and the Rebel troops distrib- 



OPERATIONS OP JOHN MORGAN IN KENTUCKY. 305 

uted in that quarter, several of which merit attention. On the 15th of 
July a desperate guerrilla combat took place near Memphis, Missouri, be- 
tween a portion of Colonel Merrill's cavalry, about three hundred strong, 
and a detachment of the battalion of Major Eodgers, one hundred in num- 
ber, who jointly attacked six hundred men, comprising the lawless Rebel 
bands of Dunn and Porter. The latter were concealed behind heav}^ 
brush and timber when the battle began, but they were assaulted with 
such vigor and determination by the troops already named, commanded 
by Major Clopper, that they were driven from their position, leaving a 
large number of dead and wounded on the field. But the enemy fought 
bravely before yielding, for they repulsed five successive charges across 
the open field ; and it was not until after the sixth assault, and a desper- 
ate hand-to-hand struggle, that they yielded. The Federal loss in killed 
and wounded was eighty-three ; that of the Rebels amounted to a hundred 
and twenty. This action was an important blow to the formidable and 
destructive hordes of guerrillas who had invaded and desolated that region 
of country. 

On the 16th of July, the Rebel marauder, John Morgan, who com- 
manded an assemblage of outlaws and adventurers in Kentucky, crossed the 
Kentucky river from Lawrenceburg, in command of a thousand men, 
and approached Paris, in that State. Intelligence of this event soon 
reached Lexington, and immediately General Green Clay Smith started 
with a troop of cavalry, inferior in number to those of Morgan, to attack 
him. He reached the position of the enemy and gallantly assailed him. 
The guerrilla chief and his men made but a feeble resistance, and then fled. 
Having stolen the fleetest horses in the country, during the progress of 
their incur^ons, they were pursued to little purpose, and escaped beyond 
the reach of their assailants. They proceeded toward Winchester, in 
Clarke county, where they purposed to rendezvous in greater strength 
and numbers. 

Nearly contemporary with this action a similar one occurred at 
Cynthiana, Kentucky, between the same Rebel leader and the armed in- 
habitants of that place. As soon as the approach of Morgan was known, 
the Home Guards of the town, three hundred in number, together with a 
hundred and fifty of the seventh Kentucky cavalry, under Captain Glass, 
were mustered to resist the threatened assault. Fifty of the Home Guards 
were posted a quarter of a mile on the road leading to Paris. About 
sixty of the Rebels approached their position, when they were received 
with a destructive fire of musketry. This band of guerrillas fled precipi- 
tately. But a much larger force — five hundred strong — having dismoun- 
ted, were in the meantime approaching the town from another direction. 
Captain Glass posted a twelve-pounder in such a position, that his shells 
exploded in the midst of that body, and did some execution on them. A 
company of the Union troops, together with several cannon, which had 
20 



306 THE CIVIL "WAR IN TIIK UNITED STATES. 

been posted in front of the Licking bridge, prevented a third detachment 
of Morgan's troops from entering the town by another route. But their 
resistance was only temporary, for soon the want of ammunition on the 
part of the Federals, and the overwhelming masses of the guerrillas, gave 
the latter the preponderance. At this crisis Colonel Landrum, who com- 
manded the Union men, called upon the remaining citizens of the town 
to come forward and assist in defending it against the common enemy. 
Many complied with the requisition, and an extemporaneous force charged 
upon Morgan's troops, through one of the streets. But it was soon ap- 
parent that even this effort would be unavailing. The horde of the Eebel 
chief was pressing gradually into the town by difi'erent openings and 
avenues, and resistance at last became wholly futile. Colonel Landrum 
then gave the order to retreat. The Rebels took possession of the place. 
Their object was merely rapine and plunder. They supplied themselves 
with horses, carriages, provisions, and other property, wherever they 
found them. They were sadly disappointed, however, in not finding 
money. After the marauders had accomplished their purpo.se, as far as 
they were able, they evacuated the town, leaving behind them their dead 
and wounded. The Federal loss was two killed, twenty-eight wounded. 
After these achievements Morgan was compelled to retreat from the limits 
of Kentucky. By the end of July that State was free from his presence. 
The difBcult task of capturing him had been undertaken by several Union 
officers of rank ; but in vain. The fault lay not so much in them, as in 
the peculiar nature of the service in question. Morgan and his men were 
mounted on the swiftest steeds in the country. His march was not en- 
cumbered by baggage or wagons. He might be easily pursued, but not 
so easily overtaken ; and the utmost that could be accomplished was to 
drive him away before the approach of a more regular and sub.stantial 
force. 

On the rrtli of July, an important event took place in connection with 
the civil and political history of the Southern Rebellion. On that day 
President Lincoln approved, and by his approval converted into law, the 
Confiscation and Emancipation Act, which had already been passed by 
both Houses of Congress. This act was a continuance of the vigorous 
measures which had been adopted by the administration, to crush by every 
lawful means the power of the insurgent States. It provided in substance 
that whoever should thereafter be guilty of treason against the United 
States, should cither suffer death, or be fined and imprisoned, and his slaves, 
if he have any, should be declared free; and also, that if any person 
should in any way encourage and assist the existing rebellion, he should 
be fined and imprisoned, and his slaves, if he have any, should be set free. 
It enacted that no person thus aiding the rebellion, in any way, should 
thenceforth be competent to collect debts which might be due him in the 
loyal States, or in the District of Columbia ; and that the slaves of persons 



EXPEDITION SENT TO TRENTON AND POLLOCKSTILLE. 307 

who had been engaged in hostility against the Government of the United 
States, who had escaped within the lines of the Federal armies, should 
not be restored to their masters, but be. declared free. It provided that 
no fugitive slave who had thus escaped should be restored to his master, 
unless the master should prove that he was loyal to the Federal Govern- 
ment, and had taken no part in the Rebellion against it, or in any manner 
assisted it ; that it should be proper for the President, if he desire so to 
do, to employ persons of African descent to assist in the suppression of 
the Rebellion, in such manner as he may deem expedient ; and that it may 
also be lawful for him to make provision for the colonization and settle- 
ment of such negroes, who, having been set free through the operation of 
this act, might desire to locate themselves beyond the limits of the United 
States. These various provisions, which were evidently founded on in- 
disputable principles of abstract justice and political wisdom, indicated 
more clearly than ever, the determination of the Federal Government not 
to trifle with its enemies; and it must be admitted that they thereby in- 
flicted a heavy l;low upon the insurgents, in the most tender and jealously 
guarded portion of their interests. 

General Burnside having been ordered to transfer a large portion of his 
troops from Newbern, in North Carolina, to the army of the Potomac, 
under General McClellan, the remainder of the force which he left behind 
him was placed under the orders of General Foster. That ofiicer deemed 
it expedient, on the 29th of July, to send two expeditions inland from 
Newbern, for the purpose of ascertaining the strength of the enemy in that 
vicinity, and to demonstrate to the Rebels that, though the Federal forces 
had been diminished, they still remained formidable and efficient. Ac- 
cordingly, one detachment under Colonel Lee was sent to Trenton, on the 
Trent river, another, under Colonel Fellows, was despatched to Pollocks- 
ville, thirteen miles distant from Newbern. The former body, in their 
march toward Trenton, encountered a portion of the pickets of the enemy, 
who instantly fled. A number of the third New York cavalry started in 
pursuit, but were unable to overtake them. At the bridge which spanned 
the Trent, a few shots were exchanged between the parties, after which 
the Rebels again retreated, having set fire to the bridge. After some 
effort the conflagration was extinguished, and the Federals proceeded into 
the town. They found it entirely evacuated by the troops who had been 
posted there, and deserted by the majority of the inhabitants. The Fed- 
erals proceeded to refresh themselves after their journey of twenty miles, 
and at five o'clock in the afternoon, i-esumed their march for the purpose 
of forcing a junction with the force under Colonel Fellows at Pollocksville. 
This result was efifected without difficulty. The latter town was also 
found to have been abandoned by the Rebel force which had previously 
occupied it, and an easy triumph awaited the visitors. On the third day 
after the expedition started out, it returned to Newbern, without having 



308 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

incurred any loss, but having accomplished au important purpose in de- 
monstrating to the disloyal inhabitants of the adjacent country that the 
Federal forces in their vicinity were on the alert, and prepared to crusli 
any attempt which might be made to resist their supremacy. 

The successful eftbrt recently made by the Rebel battering ram Arkan- 
sas, to defy the Federal fleet which opposed her approach to Vicksburg, 
was a just ground of mortification to the officens who should have defeated 
the attempt ; and tlie demoralizing effect of her triumph upon the Federal 
troops, and the cause of the Union in that vicinity, was so potent that it 
was evident that something should be done to diminish its influence. 
Accordingly, Lieutenant-Colonel A. W. Ellct proposed to Commodore 
Davis to renew the attack upon her, and offered himself to command the 
steam ram Queen of the West, which should make the assault upon her, 
on condition that Commodores Davis and Farragut would occupy the 
batteries above and below Vicksburg during the operation. The purpose 
of this stipulation was to prevent the Kebel batteries from damaging or 
disabling the Queen of the West while making her approach to the Ar- 
kansas. 

After a short deliberation, the proposition of Colonel EUet was accepted. 
It was arranged that the expedition should start at dayliglit, and every 
preparation was previously made that prudence and tact could devise to 
secure success. Colonel Ellet manned his battering-ram with a selected 
crew of the best material in the fleet. The plan of attack adopted was as 
follows: tliree of the vessels of Commodore Davis — the Benton, the Cin- 
cinnati, and the Louisville — were to commence an assault upon the upper 
Eebcl batteries ; and the Bragg was to lie behind the bend of the river, 
ready to attack the Arkansas in case she escaped above. The Essex was 
to precede the Queen of the West down the river, grapple the Arkansas, 
draw her out into the stream, and thus give the Queen of the West sea- 
room to run at her, and destroy her by her herculean and resistless blows 
During tlie progress of these events, the vessels under the command of 
Commodore Farragut were to attack and engage the Rebel batteries below 
the city. A better plan could not possibly have been devised. The 
issue, however, furnished a marvelous illustration of the familiar adage — 
man proposes but God disposes. 

At the time appointed, the Essex, which was to occupy the van, led ofl' 
in gallant style down the river. The Queen of the West then followed ; 
but as she passed the flagship of Commodore Davis, the latter, waving his 
hand, exclaimed — "Good luck! good luck." These propitious words 
were unfortunately misunderstood by Colonel Ellet for an order to "go 
back." He obeyed, though surprised at such a command ; and it was not 
till after the lapse of some time that the mistake was corrected. The Queen 
then resumed her progress toward the Arkansas, but the delay had sepa- 



ATTACK ON THE ARKANSAS BY COLONEL ELLET. 309 

rated her so far from the Essex, that the latter, having delivered a broad- 
side at the Eebel ram, and being defeated in her attempt to grapple her, 
passed on down the stream. As the Queen approached the Arkansas, the 
batteries on the shore opened on her with tremendous fury. In vain 
Colonel Ellet listened for the promised assistance of the gunboats of the 
two commodores. Instead of their drawing the hostile fire of the foe, it 
was all concentrated on the devoted Queen of the West. It was now evi- 
dent to Colonel Ellet that his position was a desperate one. He seemed 
to have been mysteriously abandoned to destruction by every vessel of 
the Federal iieet which should have co-operated with him. Nevertheless 
he did not despair, though a deluge of flaming thunderbolts hemmed him 
in on all sides. He determined to strike or to perish. 

To increase the peril of his position he found the Arkansas moored in 
an unfavorable position for his assault. He was compelled to approach 
her by a circular route, and to strike her against the current, which would 
necessarily diminish both the accuracy of his aim, and the momentum of 
his blow. Consequently, when he charged upon her, the eddies of the 
stream altered his course so far that he struck her aft of her aft side gun, 
and the blow, though violent, was glancing. Notwithstanding these dis- 
advantages, the Arkansas reeled and quivered beneath the assault, and it 
was at first thought that she was sinking. But it .soon became evident 
that the rebound was almost harmless, and that no very serious damage 
had been inflicted. Colonel Ellet was now convinced that his only possi- 
bility of escape was by a rapid retreat, but even that was a forlorn and 
hopeless undertaking. Four Rebel batteries were now playing upon his 
boat, and as she, partially crippled as she already was, slowly struggled 
up the river, she was assailed by all their guns, together with the guns of 
the Arkansas. Her situation was terrible. Already she had been struck 
twenty-five times. Her chimney-stacks were perforated with balls. One 
of her steam-pipes had been shot away. Large holes had been bored 
through her sides and her bow. Several immense round shot passed over 
the head of Colonel Ellet, who, during the passage, lay flat upon the deck. 
A fifty-pound round rifled shot passed through the pilot-house, within a few 
inches of the helmsman. Two engineers were thrown down by the wind 
of the passing shot. Shells exploded in the cabin, shivering every thing 
within it to pieces. The machinery of the vessel was damaged and 
wrenched in various places. She was blackened, splintered, and shattered 
in every part of her exterior and her interior. Her appearance when she 
reached a point beyond the range of the guns of the enemy, resembled 
that of a complete wreck. And yet she did not sink ; and what is still 
more marvelous, not a raian on board of her had been killed — several had 
been slightly wounded. The engineers and firemen below expected at 
every moment to see a shot explode her boilers, which accident would 



310 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

have inflicted instant death upon them ; but that catastrophe did not 
occur.* 

At length the Queen of the West regained her anchorage. The excuses 
given b}'^ Commodores Davis anil Farragut lor not rendering her tlie 
promised assistance, were remaikablo. The former urged that after the 
Queen of the West passed him on her downward way, he found the bat- 
teries of the enemy on tiie shore become so dangerous to several of his 
gunboats, that he ordered them to sail up the river beyond their reach. 
After having done so, he remembered his promise to assist the operations 
of the Queen of the West, and returned. But it was then too late to ren- 
der her any assistance. Commodore Farragut plead that he found it 
impossible to weigh his anchors, and thus come within range of the bat- 
teries at the appointed time, and was thereby prevented from taking part 
in the engagement. 

Notwithstanding the failure of tliis enterprise, the success with which 
the Queen of the West ran the gauntlet of the batteries of the enemy, 
rivalled, and even excelled, the boasted heroism displayed by the Arkansas 
on a previous occasion, in defying the guns of the Federal fleet; and in so 
far, the achievement was a success, by causing the laurels of the foe to 
wither, in presence of the greater daring and glory of the resolute com- 
mander of the Federal ram. 

The important part which the navy of the United States had performed 
during the progress of the Rebellion, on many important occasions, very 
justly attracted to it the s])ecial attention of the people and the Govern- 
ment of the United States. Serious objections were made to the manner 
in which the several ranks and grades of the officers were then constituted, 
and a change was demanded by the popular voice on the subject. The 
result was, tliat a new arrangement was made, and new grades were estab- 
lished, which gave a more favorable njiportnnity for the promotion of 
those who distinguished them.solvcs in the service, while it conferred 
higher dignities upon those veteran commanders who had already attained 
eminence by a long term of patriotic devotion to the service.f 



* It is worthy of remark, that the heroism of these men on this memorable occasion, 
was astonishiiifr. Not a pinj;le indication of fear or terror was exhibited; and it is 
equally deserving of notice, that the firenien, who were negroes recently taken from 
the ad acent plantations, displayed a fortitude and firmness under these appalling cir- 
cumstances, quite equal to that of their white associate.-!. 

t It was on the 16th of July, 1862, tliat the Senate and House of Representatives 
made this alteration, and or<lered as follows: That the active lists of line officers of 
the United Stales Navy shall be divided into nine ffrades, taking rank according to 
the date of their commission in each trradc, as follows : 



I.. 


. .Rear Admirals. 


VI. 


. . . Lieutenants. 


II.. 


. . Commodores. 


VII. 


...Masters 


III.. 


. . Captains. 


VIII. 


. . .Ensigns. 


IV.. 


. . Commanders. 


IX. 


. . Midshipmen. 


v.. 


. . Lieutenant-Commanders. 







DRAFT OF. THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND MEN. 311 

During the progress of these minor events, an unusual degree of enter- ■ 

prise and spirit pervaded the operations of the Federal Government in 
preparing for the energetic contiuance of the war. On the 4th of August, 
an order was issued by the President, through the War Department, to 
the effect, that a draft of three hundred thousand militia should be made, 
and immediately placed in the service of the United States, for the period 
of nine months, unless sooner discharged ; at the same time setting forth, 
that proper arrangements would be speedily made for assigning the re- 
spective quotas of this number to each of the States. The order also 
announced, that if by the 15th of August, any State had not furnished its 
quota of the three hundred thousand volunteers already demanded by a 
previous order, a special draft should be made in the State to make up 
that number, and thus supply the deficiency. This requisition was sub- 
sequently complied with, and the loyal States presented to the world the 
marvelous spectacle which has never before been exhibited in the history 
of mankind, of the enormous mass of six hundred thousand men, raised, 
armed, equipped, and marched into the field, during the brief period of 
three months. 

And further, That the relative rank between officers of the navy and the army 
shall be as follows, lineal rank only to be considered : | 

Rear Admirals with Major-Generals. 

Commodores with Brigadier-Generals. 

Captains with Colonels. 

Commanders with Lieutenant-Colonels. 

Lieutenant-Commanders with Majors. 

Lieutenants with Captains. 

Masters with First Lieutenants. 

Ensig-ns with Second Lieutenants. 



312 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

DESIGNS OF THE REBEL GENERALS IN VIRGINIA — MEASURES TAKEN TO COUNTERACT THEM — 
TUB ARMIES OP BANKS AND JACKSON ArPROACH EACH OTHER — BATTLE OF CEDAR OB 
SLAUGHTER MOUNTAIN — POSITION OF THE COMBATANTS — COMMENCEMENT OP THE ENGAGE- 
MENT — INCIDENTS OF ITS PROGRESS— ITS TF.RMINATION AND RESULTS — LOSS ON BOTH SIDES 
— HEROISM OF GENERAL BANKS — SUBSEQUENT MOVEMENTS OF THE REBELS — SKIRMISHES 
ALONG THE LINE OF THE RAPPAHANNOCK — DESIGNS OF THE REBEL GENERALS — ARRANGE- 
MENTS OF GENERAL POPE- — ENGAGEMENT AT CATLETT's STATION — FEDERAL LOSS OF BAO- 
OAOE AND STORES — THE REBELS CROSS THE RAPPAHANNOCK — BATTLE WITH THB TROOPS 

OF GENERAL SIGEL APPROACH OF REBELS TOWARD MANASSAS — CONFLICT AT KETTLE RUN 

— AT BRISTOW'S STATION — THE GREAT BATTLE AT MANASSAS ON AUGUST TWENTY-NINTH 

INCIDENTS OF THE STRUGGLE — ENGAGEMENT RENEWED ON THE THIRTIETH — ITS INCIDENTS 
AND RESULTS — RETREAT OP THB FEDERAL ARMY — BATTLE OF CHANTILLY — DEATH OF GEN- 
ERALS KEARNY AND STEVENS — RETURN OF THE FEDERAL ARMY TO WASHINGTON— LOSSES 
DURING THE CAMPAIGN OP GENERAL POPE IN VIRGINIA — SKETCHES OF GENERALS KEARNY 
AND STEVENS — A COURT-MARTIAL SUMMONED AT WASHINGTON TO INVESTIGATE CHARGES 
AGAINST GENERAL PORTER — ITS VERDICT. 

During the first week of August, 1862, the military authorities at Wash- 
ington obtained authentic information, which convinced them that the 
Confederate generals were assembling a formidable force, for the purpose 
of crushing the army commanded by General Pope, and advancing to 
the capture either of Washington or of Baltimore. General Halleuk im- 
mediately authorized General Pope to summon the forces under General 
Cox, in Western Virginia, to join him with all po.ssible despatch ; while 
the former was directed to cross the Rappahannock, occupy Culpepper, 
and threaten Gordousville. This movement at once excited the appre- 
hensions of the Rebel leaders. Jackson and Ewell immediately crossed 
the Rapidan at Barnett's Ford, approached the position occupied by the 
corps of General Banks, near Cedar or Slaughter Mountain, and on Sat- 
urday, the 9ih of August, a battle was fought between the two armies, 
scarcely second in fury and stubbornness to any which had occurred 
during the war. 

The jjoint at which this contest took place was about five miles south 
of Culpepper Court House, on the road to Gordonsville. The enemy took 
their position on the side of Cedar Mountain, where they were protected 
in a large degree by thick forests. They numbered at least twenty-five 
thousand men. The advantages of their position were very great, for it 
commanded a full view of the operations of the Federal troops below 
them, and enabled them to post their batteries in several successive tiers, 
semicircular in their outline, by which they could simultaneously can- 
nonade tlie whole body of their assailants. The position of the latter was 



THE BATTLE OF CEDAR MOUNTAIN. 313 

completely exposed to the enemy, having no advantage of natural or arti- 
ficial defence whatever. On the day previous to the battle, the brigade of 
General Crawford had been thrown forward to observe the movements of 
the enemy, and oppose his advance. General Banks occupied this posi- 
tion with his entire corps on the day of the engagement. Eickett's di- 
vision of McDowell's corps was three miles in his rear. The corps of 
Sigel, which had been marching during all the night preceding the battle, 
was allowed to halt in Culpepper to recruit for a few hours. Thus the 
engagement commenced between the enemy and the corps of Banks, which 
comprised about seven thousand men. 

The combat opened with an artillery duel, at a quarter-past two o'clock 
in the afternoon. It was at once evident that the Rebels possessed an im- 
mense superiority in the number of their guns. The firing of the Fed- 
erals was also up hill, resulting from the disadvantage of their position; 
but the greater accuracy of their aim was equally apparent. In an hour 
one of their six batteries was silenced. The Federals then closed up their 
lines on the right and left, and advanced toward the enemy. The left 
wing having approached two hundred yards nearer than their first posi- 
tion, lay on the ground, while the contest between the artillery continued, 
so that the deluge of shot discharged by the foe passed over them harm- 
lessly, though they could not escape the effect of their bursting shells. 
At four o'clock another of their batteries was silenced. At that moment 
they advanced from their position, and made a bold attempt to flank the 
left of the Federals. This movement was repelled and defeated by the 
gallant advance of Geary's brigade. At half-past four the troops under 
Generals Prince, Green, and Geary, were ordered to charge the batteries 
of the enemy on the left. As the Federals approached they were assailed 
with a terrific storm of shot and shell, wbich might have appalled even 
veteran warriors. As they approached the base of the mountain, the 
Rebels, whom the woods till then had concealed, rushed forward in im- 
mense numbers, and attacked the Federals with musketry. The latter 
were mowed down like grain before the reaper ; but still they advanced 
without flinching. In a desperate collision they forced the enemy back 
upon the mountain, and held them there firmly. But soon heavy rein- 
forcements of infantry, consisting of about eight regiments, enabled the 
Rebels to overpower the heroes before them, and compelled them eventually 
to retire. This movement was performed quietly and in good order. 

It was now half-past six, and the engagement became general. It was 
marked by special fury on the Federal right wing. During an hour the 
most sanguinary slaughter was inflicted here by both sides. At one time 
the enemy were successful in surrounding the right flank, by the use of 
an artifice scarcely excusable by the laws of honorable warfare. Hoisting 
the stars and stripes, a large body suddenly emerged from the woods in 
such a position as to assume the appearance of a reinforcement to the 



314 TllK CIVIL WAU IX THIC UNITED STATES. 

Federals. Tlie latter, deceived bj the imposition, permitted the enemy 
to approach until they were near enough to inflict upon them a destructive 
volley of musketry. Convinced by this argument of their mistake, the 
Federal troops instantly returned the salute, and charged upon the foe 
with such ferocity as to break their ranks, and compel them to retreat in 
the utmost disorder behind their first position. As night approached, the 
contest became more and more furious. General Banks still held the 
position which he occupied in the morning. At seven o'clock General 
Pope arrived upon the field, and sent an order to General McDowell to 
advance General Rickett's division to support the troops engaged ; and he 
also directed General Sigel to join in the engagement as soon as possible. 
Rickett's division being close at hand, was quickly upon the field, and 
took up their position on the right. The battle was then renewed with 
greater desperation and destructiveness than before. But it did not long 
continue, in consequence of the spread of the partial darkness of night 
over the scene. The discharge of artillery alone was kept up, and cast 
its lurid horrors around the combat until near midnight. At one time, 
before the charges of infantry and cavalry terminated, the Rebels drove 
back the Federal troops for a considerable distance, and occupied their 
position. But during the night the enemy receded up the mountain to 
their fastnesses, and on the following day occupied a line of defence still 
nearer to its summit. 

On the following day neither side seemed disposed to renew the en- 
gagement. The desperate struggles which had already taken place, the 
overpowering heat of the weatlier, the immense number of dead and 
wounded of both armies, whose bodies covered the plain below, and the 
mountain above, who must be cared for, removed, or buried, rendered it 
indispensable that the fighting should be suspended. It was not until 
Monday evening that the process of burying was completed, or at least 
terminated. During Sunday all the available Union forces were hurried 
forward to join the corps of General Banks. It was then confidently ex- 
pected that the battle would be renewed, and an attempt made to dislodge 
the enemy from their position on the mountain. But during Monday 
night they voluntarily withdrew from their stronghold and crossed the 
Eapidan. General Buford was sent forward with four regiments of cav- 
alry in pursuit, to watch their movements, and ascertain their route. 
Many of the Rebel dead were left unburied ; many of their wounded were 
abandoned to their fate by their departing comrades. The Federal loss 
in this battle in killed, wounded, and missing, was about two thousand. 
Generals Augur and Geary were severely wounded. General Prince and 
his staff were taken pri.soners by the enemy. The loss of the Rebels was 
at least three thousand in killed and wounded. Among the former was 
General Winder. In this conflict the skill and gallantry of General 
Banks were conspicuous, and contrihuteil greatly to the partial success 



PERILOUS POSITION OP GENERAL POPE. 315 

of the day. The struggle was one of unusual fierceness and determination 
on both sides. The ground was covered for several miles with the killed 
and maimed, whose great numbers and horrible mutilations attested the 
sanguinary nature of the contest. The ground in innumerable places was 
ploughed in deep and rugged gullies, by the cannon-balls or exploding 
shells of the enemy. It was therefore an honor to the Federal troops 
engaged, under such great disadvantages of numbers and position, that 
by their heroism and fortitude they had fought at Cedar Mountain a 
drawn battle. 

General Pope had become satisfied by this battle that he had in his im- 
mediate vicinity not a single corps, but the entire army of General 
Lee, and that his only hope of success lay in fighting a series of retreating 
battles, until he could receive reinforcements from the army of the Poto- 
mac, now on its way to Aquia creek and Alexandria. General Pope 
proceeded on the 17th of August to take a position in the rear of the Rap- 
pahannock, where he could more easily obtain reinforcements, and oppose 
the passage of the enemy. He was soon joined by the division of General 
King, and by that part of Burnside's corps commanded by Reno. Several 
attempts which were made by the Rebels to cross the river were defeated, 
and every effort was made to gain time, so that McClellan's forces might 
be able to reach the scene of the impending conflict. One of the most 
signal repulses which the Rebels received, was effected by the troops of 
General Rickett's division, on Thursday, August 21st, when they attempted 
to cross the Rappahannock near the railroad. They were equally unsuc- 
cessful at Beverly ford, five miles distant from the railroad. But on the 
22d the Rebels made a bold charge near Catlett's station, in the rear of 
Pope's army, upon a portion of his bagj>;age and supply trains. They 
were resisted bravely for a short time by the Purnell Legion and the 
Bucktail regiment; but overwhelming numbers at length compelled these 
to give way. The enemy then took possession of a passenger t«ftin, to- 
gether with a number of wagons filled with the private stores of Generals 
Pope and McDowell, and other officers. They also obtained a pdrtion of 
the papers of General Pope, though none of much importance. They 
obtained two hundred horses from Pope's train, and twenty from 
McDowell's ; a quantity of medicines from the hospitals erected at the 
station, and some money. This bold and successful raid was led by Gen- 
eral Stuart, and its sudden and unexpected character, together with its 
disastrous results, were a source of mortification to the Federal generals 
who were the chief sufferers. None of the Federal officers who were en- 
gaged in the brief but spirited contest which occurred on this occasion 
displayed more energy and presence of mind than Colonel Kane of the 
Bucktails, and Colonel Myers of the staffs of General Pope. The former 
was captured, but afterward succeeded in making his escape. 

During the progress of these events the Rebels were gradually transfer- 



316 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

riug tlic main body of their troops across the Rappahannock. They threw 
a pontoon bridge over the river, between the Waterloo and Rappahannock 
stations, during the night of Thursday, the 21st of August, and passed 
over in imraense numbers. They were confronted by the corps of Gen- 
eral Sigel, who assailed them with a deluge of canistcl--shot during the 
passage, slaying hundreds of them, and compelling them to retreat across 
the river. On the next day a brigade, among whom was the seventy- 
fourth Pennsylvania regiment, were ordered by General Sigel, to cross 
the stream, drive in the pickets of the enemy, and attack them. But the 
latter being suddenly reinforced, overwhelmed the Federals with numbers, 
compelled them to retreat to the river, and while they were in the water 
slew many, after having taking a number of prisoners. During this dis- 
astrous movement, General Bohlen, a Union officer of distinction, was 
killed. On the following day the batteries of both armies, which were 
jiosted along the river, continued their exchange of shots. These various 
skirmishes, of greater and of less importance, were preliminary to the more 
decisive engagements which were destined soon to take place. While 
they progressed many were slain on both sides, much property was de- 
stroyed, bridges were burned, and desolation was spread over the face of 
the country, without any important results having been attained by either 
party. 

Notwithstanding the resistance made by portions of the Federal army 
to the advance of the enemy upon Washington, the latter gradually threw 
their forces across the Rappahannock, at Waterloo bridge and elsewhere, 
and advanced toward Manassas. The purpose of the resistance of the 
Union troops at that stream was to enable General McClellan to reach 
the scene of action with the army of the Potomac prior to the impending 
general engagement. In vain had General Ilalleck, as commander-in- 
chief, ordered McClellau not to wait for transportation, but to march for- 
ward at once. A mysterious delay characterized the movements of that 
officer, and General Pope was ultimately compelled to encounter the whole 
military -strength of the Rebel Confederacy in Virginia without the assis- 
tance of the army of the Potomac. 

The operations of the generals of the enemy at this period were ex- 
tremely complicated and skilful. Lee and Longstreet had been thus far 
niaiiceuvriiig on the Rappahannock in order to detain and occupy Pope, 
while Jackson and Ewell were reaching a position in his rear. As soon 
as the Federal commander discovered the adroit intention of the Rebel.s, 
he withdrew liis forces from Warrenton. He directed General McDowell, 
with his troops, and with those of Sigel, to proceed to Gainesville; he 
ordered Heintzelman and Reno to march to Greenwich ; while he, together 
with Porter's and Hooker's columns, hastened to Manassas Junction. 
The troops of Hooker encountered the enemy at Kettle Run, and after 
a brisk engagement routed them. Meanwhile, the encmj', under Jack- 



If 



H 



SUBSEQi'ENT MOVEMENTS OP THE EEBELS. 317 

son, had passed around the north bank of the Eappahannock, and to- 
gether with Lee, Ewell, and Longstreet, had poured a formidable body 
of troops through Thoroughfare gap, north of Warrenton, and occupied 
a position in the rear of Pope's army. This general, at length com- 
prehending his position, ordered McDowell and Sigel to attack the Eebels 
opposed to them. He directed Hooker to assail those posted at Bristow's 
station, and drive them back. A severe action took place at this point 
with the forces under Ewell, in which the Federals obtained tlie advan- 
tage. By these operations General Pope retrieved his position, and again 
placed himself in the rear of the Rebel army. His front now faced to- 
ward Washington. On Thursday night, August 28th, Pope obtained 
possession of Manassas, and effected such a consolidation of his troops, 
about fifty-five thousand in number, as to be able to attack the enemy, 
though more numerous than his own troops, with a prospect of success. 
It was thought that the decisive battle of the war was about to take 
place, and that an overwhelming victory, on one side or on the other, 
would terminate the long and desperate agony of the conflict. This 
great battle was commenced at daylight on Friday, August 29th, 1862. 

The dispositions which General Pope had made at this stage of the 
contest for confronting the enemy were judicious. The troops com- 
manded by McDowell, Sigel, and Eeynolds, were ordered to take post at 
Gainesville ; those of Kearny and Reno at Greenwich, and Hooker along 
the railroad toward Thoroughfare gap. It seemed impossible that the 
Rebel General Jackson could escape the toils which were so adroitly 
thrown around him. During Thursday night, the 28th of August, Gen- 
eral Sigel, having been ordered to attack the enemy the following morn- 
ing, made the necessary p^parations for so doing. When the next day 
dawned, his division was already formed in line of battle near Bull Run. 
The left wing of the enemy also appeared, resting on Catherine creek, 
his front facing toward Centreville, his centre posted in a long range of 
woods, his right stationed on the hills on both sides of the Centreville road. 
General Sigel made several important changes in the position of his 
troops, to adapt it to that of the enemy ; and at half-past six o'clock the 
engagement began. 

During a struggle of four hours' duration, the whole of the Federal in- 
fantry and artillery, commanded by Sigel, were engaged. The result was 
that, at the end of that time, the troops of Schurz and Milroy had driven 
the enemy back one mile, and those under Schenck, two miles from their 
original positions. This reverse spurred the enemy to renewed exertions, 
and at half-past ten they made a desperate effort to turn the extreme left 
of the Federals. They attempted to outflank the latter on both wings, and 
to consolidate a heavy mass of troops in the centre, for the purpose of 
breaking the Federal lines. It was a critical moment. Jackson's salvation 
seemed to depend upon the success with which this grand coup on his part 



318 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

would be attended. Fortunately for the Federal cause, General Kearny 
arrived on the field with his forces, and deployed to Sigel's right by the 
Sudley road. General Reno also came up at the same time by the Gaines- 
ville turnpike. This reinforcement was opportune; for scarcely were these 
troops placed in the positions which most needed strengthening, when the 
grand assault of the evening was commenced, along the whole line, from 
right to left. A desperate combat ensued. The German regiments fought 
with the firmness and enthusiasm which generally characterize the stern 
soldiers of the Teutonic race. In vain did the bold and spirited Jackson 
hurl upon their steady ranks the furious masses of his Rebel hordes. They 
remained steadfast, like an immovable rock, surrounded, and assailed by 
the raging eddies of a stormy sea. At two o'clock in the afternoon Gen- 
eral Hooker reached the scene of conflict. Ue instantly ordered his 
troops forward to participate in the battle. Their assistance was valuable, 
but still the preponderance of numbers on the part of the Rebels rendered 
the issue doubtful. General Sigel had been informed by General Pope 
that Fitz John Porter had been ordered by him, on the evening of the 
27th, to hasten forward with his division to his assistance, and would join 
him on the left, on the morning of the 29th. This expectation was not 
realized. During two hours more, from four o'clock until six, a vigorous 
contest progressed between the contending hosts. General Kearny made 
a desperate charge upon the extreme left of the lines of the enemy, and 
compelled them to retire. Here was gained the most signal success of 
the day. At six o'clock a portion of General McDowell's corps reached the 
scene of conflict. It was now evening, and after a continued struggle of ten 
hours the battle ceased. The general result of this day's engagement was 
favorable to the Federal troops. The latter had driven the whole Rebel 
line some distance from the position which they occupied when the battle 
began. Nevertheless, the result was indecisive, and the conflict must 
necessarily be renewed on the following day, before any definite conse- 
quences could be produced by the exertions and sacrifices of either side. 
The fate of the entire campaign, the issue of the war, the destiny of two 
rival republics, seemed to depend upon the events of the succeeding 
day; and the commanders of both armies, during the silent hours of 
the intervening night, prepared themselves diligently for the final 
struggle. 

In this engagement, Banks commanded the right wing of the Federals, 
Sigel the centre, and McDowell the left. The object of the Rebel Gen- 
eral Jackson was to force his way through the Federal lines, so as to be 
able to form a junction with the remainder of the Confederate forces under 
Generals Leo and Longstreet. The evident aim of Pope was to prevent 
this achievement, and by a powerful and vigorous assault at all points to 
surround Jackson, crush his forces, and take him and them prisoners. It 
is probable that if all the orders which were issued by General Pope for 



ENGAGEMENT OF THE THIRTIETH OP AUGUST. 319 

this purpose, especially those sent to Fitz John Porter, had' been promptly- 
obeyed, the Rebel general would have been completely overwhelmed 
before he could be assisted by General Longstreet. But General Porter 
did not execute the orders sent to him by General Pope, and it may with 
truth be affirmed, that to the failure of that officer, whether it were volun- 
tary or involuntary on his part, a large portion of the disasters which oc- 
curred on this day may be attributed. 

The battle on the 30th of August did not commence with much energy 
until noon. The troops on both sides had been too greatly exhausted by 
the protracted struggles on the previous day to be very eager for the com- 
bat. During the day Lee succeeded in bringing a large number of his 
troops through Thoroughfare gap to the assistance of Jackson, and Long- 
street joined him. The magnitude and diversity of this engagement may 
be inferred from the fact, that when the Federal line of battle was formed, 
it extended along the slope of the ridges stretching down to Bull Run 
over a space ten miles in length, and two and a half miles in breadth. 
The artillery of the Rebels was posted, as usual, with great skill, upon the 
most advantageous positions, ranging opposite to those of the Federals. 
This battle was rendered memorable by the circumstance that it was fought 
upon the scene of the conflict of the 21st of July, 1861, and thus the same 
ground was detsined to witness, on two occasions, the futile valor, the 
patriotic devotion, and the sangiiinary losses of thousands of the defenders 
of the Union. 

It was not till four o'clock in the afternoon that the battle became gen- 
eral along the whole line. The Rebels had been so strongly reinforced 
that by that time the flower of their whole army had been brought into 
action. All the troops commanded by Lee, Jackson, Longstreet, Hill, 
Ewell, and Johnston, were hurled in ferocious masses on the Federal 
lines. It is probable that their colossal columns numbered not far from 
a hundred thousand men. These were met, and were frequently repulsed 
with the utmost heroism by the Federal troops, and the issue of the day 
remained undecided until about half-past five o'clock. At that time an 
overwhelming host of the foe was precipitated on the weakest point in the 
Federal lines, that on the left wing, commanded by General McDowell. 
He was compelled to fall back, both from the fury of the assault and the 
threatened danger of being outflanked by the enemy. This retrograde 
movement changed the position of the Federal lines. The latter still re- 
mained on the right and centre, where they were posted at the commence- 
ment of the engagement. On one occasion the Rebels boldly advanced, 
took a portion of a hill, and planted a battery on the flank and almost on 
the rear of the Federal centre. General Sigel ordered three regiments of 
infantry to attack them and dislodge them. Colonel Koltes commanded 
the movement, but its execution failed, the brigade was nearly decimated, 
and Colonel Koltes was killed while gallantly leading forward his men. 



320 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

It was now evident to General Pope that the advancing hosts of tlie 
Rebels, as they became more indomitable, enthusiastic, and desperate, 
from hour to hour, rendered victory hopeless. Accordingl}', alter dark- 
ness had put an end to the combat, he ordered a general retreat toward 
Centreville. During the following night the order was executed by the 
whole army. At Centreville the reinforcements under Generals Franklin 
and Sumner joined the forces of Pope. Had these divisions been sent by 
General McClellan a day earlier, the issue of the conflict might have been 
different. At Centreville the whole army bivouacked, awaiting the 
further movements of the enemy. 

It was scarcely to be expected that the triumphant Rebels would not 
follow up the advantages which they had gained. During Sunday, 
August 31st, no movement of importance took place on either side. The 
immense exertions which both had put forth, and the heavy losses which 
both had sufi'ered, rendered a short interval of delay and of repose indis- 
pensable. During Monday, however. General Pope received information 
that the Confederates were advancing and concentrating a powerful body 
of troops on the road to Fairfax Court House, with the evident purpose 
of attacking his wagon trains, a portion of which they had alre'sidy cap- 
tured. He instantly ordered General Heintzelman to proceed witji^his 
division to the spot indicated, to attack and to repulse the enemy. Generals 
Reno and Stevens had already confronted the foe, and an engagement had 
already commenced between them, when a portion of Heintzelman's 
corps, commanded by the gallant and heroic Kearny, reached the scene 
of conflict. Even then the troops of General Stevens, who had just been 
killed, were retreating from the field, their ammunition being exhausted. 
The Federal reinforcements passed on toward the foe, and immediately 
engaged them. The combat quickly became desperate, and the enemy 
were driven back several miles, a runniug-figlit being kept up during the 
chase. A number of brilliant charges were made by the Federal troops 
during the progress of the conflict. 

Shortly before its conclusion, an incident occurred which led to the 
death of that admirable officer who commanded the Federal heroes. 
General Kearny had been informed that the gap in the Federal lines 
which had been produced by the retreat of the troops of General Stevens, 
had been filled up. At this moment he discovered that this had not been 
done, and that this neglect endangered the safety of the Pederal lines, 
lie instantly rode forward into the gap, unattended by any of his stall', 
who had been distributed on various and distant missions, in order to 
examine the ground. He was never seen again alive. He had not pro- 
ceeded very far before he was killed by a well-directed shot from the 
enemy. The cause of his death was a Minie rifle-ball, fired by one of tlie 
sharpshooters of the foe, who, from the direction taken by the missile, 
must have been concealed in some deep gully or rifle-pit. The ball 



KETREAT OP THE FEDERAL FORCES. 321 

entered below the hip, and passed upward through the chest and lungs. 
On the next morning a flag of truce was sent into the Federal lines, 
bearing with it the remains of the deceased hero, which had been found 
upon the blood-stained field. After his absence from his troops became 
known, General Birney succeeded to the command of the men. They held 
possession of the field from which they had driven the enemy until three 
o'clock the next morning. They then returned to their camp near Fairfax 
Court House. 

This spirited engagement took place near Chantilly, three miles distant 
from. Centreville. The enemy, in attempting a flank movement, had 
boldly placed themselves between General Pope and Washington. In 
the earlier portion of the battle, General Eeno commanded on the right, 
and General Stevens on the left, before the arrival of General Kearny. 
The death both of General Stevens and General Kearny may be attributed 
to their reckless and daring vi^lor. The former led forward his troops in 
person, and was slain at the head of his column. The manner of Kearny's 
death also indicated that he was brave to a fault. Their loss was a serious 
calamity to the Federal cause ; and their ardent devotion to the welfare 
of the Union, with the sacrifice which they freely made to it of their 
lives, will justly entitle thera to the gratitude and veneration of the lovers 
of their country during all coming time. The greater part of this 
singular battle was fought in the midst of darkness and tempest. The 
rain descended in a deluge. The thunder was deafening. The lightning 
was blinding. Yet these comparatively harmless horrors were transcended 
by the more destructive fury and vengeance of the human combatants. 
After the death of General Kearny the battle was conducted to the con- 
clusion with great bravery and skill by General Birney, his second in 
command. 

The retreat of the whole Federal army from Centreville to Fairfax was 
resumed on Monday night, September 1st. The Eebels followed, and on 
Tuesday morning again took possession of their old line of intrenchments, 
from which they had so haughtily threatened Washington during the 
preceding winter, and defied the advance of the Federal armies. During 
September 2d the retreat was continued ; and on the 3d the ignominious 
boast might again have been made with truth, that the grand armies of 
Virginia and the Potomac had arrived safely back again in their former 
quarters, protected by the thirty forts which frowned so fiercely around 
the Federal capital. The wounded in the preceding battles had all been 
brought away with them, in immense caravans of ambulances and wagons, 
which drew their sluggish length for miles along the road from Fairfax 
to Alexandria. The retreat was made without much order. The immense 
exertions through which the commanding officers had passed during the 
preceding fifteen days, in which as many different engagements of more 
or less importance had taken place, had so completely overcome them 
21 



322 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

that they were scarcely able to enforce discipline, or exercise any control 
over their brave but broken and disheartened troops. 

Thus ended the campaign of General Pope in Virginia. It was the 
most disastrous to the Federal cause which had yet occurred. The losses 
suffered were very great ; though the precise extent can only be conjec- 
tured. It is probable that during all the contests which took place while 
General Pope held the command, they amounted to eight thousand killed, 
twenty thousand wounded and missing. The chief cause of the disasters 
which occurred was the fact, that the army of the Potomac under 
McClellan was not combined with the army of Virginia, in time to meet 
and overpower the enemy.* 

One of the chief disasters connected with these events was the death of 
General Philip Kearny. This officer had won for himself a high reputa- 
tion. His loss at that crisis was a national calamity. He had earned by 
his unrivalled heroism and romantic boldness the distinction of being 
regarded as the Ney or the Lannes of the armies of the Union. He was 
a stranger to fear, and in every engagement he was to be seen, moving 
with grand and majestic energy, in tlie thickest and fiercest of the combat. 
So well had tlie Rebel generals and soldiers learned to recognize his per- 
son and his spirit, that they usually designated him by the expressive 
sobriquet o? the " one-armed devil." He served with distinction during 
the Mexican war, with the rank of major, and lost an arm in one of its 
bloodiest battles. He had subsequently spent some j'ears in Europe, and 
had borne a distinguished part as a volunteer in the French army in Alge- 
ria, the Crimea, and at Solferino. In 1861, he was the thirteenth on the 
roll of two hundred brigadier-generals who were rapidly appointed. Tt 
was but a few weeks before his death that his services and merits were 
tardily remembered, and he received the rank of major-general. He was 
the favorite warrior of New Jersey, and led the gallant troops of that 
patriotic State " to glory or the grave," in the memorable battles of the 
Peninsula, at Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, White Oak swamp, 

* General Halleck, in his oflloial report to the War Department, of December 2d, 
Ifi6'2, said : "I repeatedly urgi,'<l upon (loneral McClcHan the necessity of promptly 
moving his army, so as to form a junclion with that of General Pope. The evacua- 
tion of Harrison's Ijandin;^ was not commenced till the lUh, eleven days after it was 
ordered." " Had the army of tlie Potomac arrived a few days earlier, tlic Rebel army 
could have been easily defeated, and perhaps detroyed." In connection with this 
statement it may be proper to add the following extract from the letter sent by 
General Halleck to Pope, •Hhich indicates the very just estimate which he had formed 
of the services of the latter. It was dated, "Wasliington, Aufrust 31st, 18C2, 11 
A. M. — Major General Pope : — My dear General : — You liavc done nobly. Don't 
yield another inch if you can avoid if. All reserves are being sent forward ; 1 am 
doing all in my power for you and your noble army. God bless you and it. Send 
me news more often if possible. H. W. Halleck." — See " Pope's Campaign in 
Virginia, its Policy and Results, t^c. By a General Officer," p. 30. 



SKETCH OP GENERAL STEVENS. 323 

Cross Roads, and Malvern Hill. He was, as all such men are apt to be, 
frank, bold, and generous in his temper ; intense in his attachments and 
in his hatreds; but usually just and equitable in his estimate of others. 

Equally remarkable, though very dissimilar, was the character of Gen- 
eral Isaac Ingalls Stevens, who also fell at Chantilly. He was a native of 
Massachusetts. When he graduated at West Point, in 18.39, he was not 
only at the head of the best class which had ever graduated there, but so 
great was his superiority to all his classmates, that there were fifteen de- 
grees in the scale of merit between himself and the first cadet below him. 
He served with distinction in the Mexican war. He was breveted cap- 
tain for gallant and meritorious conduct at Contreras, Churubusco, and 
Chapultepec. His bravery at the city of Mexico, in the storming of the 
San Cosme gate, procured him the brevet of major. His eminent scientific 
abilities were afterward employed by the Government in conducting the 
survey of the route for the Northern Pacific railroad. President Pierce 
appointed him Governor of A¥ashington Territory ; and he subsequently 
represented that Territory in Congress. He was absent in his distant 
Pacific home when the Eebellion commenced. He immediately started 
for the Federal capital, travelled thousands of miles by land and sea, ar- 
rived at the period of the first battle of Manassas, and tendered his ser- 
vices ti) the Government. He was placed in command of the seventy- 
ninth New York regiment, whose colonel, Cameron, had fallen on that 
disastrous field. He subsequently accompanied General Sherman to South 
Carolina, and participated in the conflicts which took place around Port 
Eoyal. He was, at a later period, transferred to North Carolina, wlience 
he returned with General Reno to the army of Virginia. His character 
was peculiar. He also was ignorant of the emotion of fear; but he was 
in many respects the opposite of the impetuous, bold, and reckless Kearny. 
He was quiet and gentle in demeanor, reticent and reserved in speech, 
thoughtful and prudent in action, scientific and masterly in his profes- 
sional knowledge, firm, heroic, and sagacious on the battle-field. 

After the return of the army of Virginia within the works at Wash- 
ington, General Pope resigned his command, and requested to be trans- 
ferred to some other post of duty. He was immediately appointed to the 
command of the Department of the Northwest, within whose jurisdiction 
that territory lay which had recently been afflicted by the sanguinary 
cruelties of the revolted Indian tribes. Before leaving Washington, how- 
ever, he felt it his duty to prefer charges against several of the officers 
who had received and disobeyed his orders during the engagement near 
Manassas. The chief of these was Fitz John Porter, to whose neglect or 
perfidy he charged the misfortunes and defeats which had been suffered 
by the Federal army. The chief charge which he preferred against that 
officer, and which was investigated at a later period by a court-martial 
convened at Washington for that purpose, was, that he had refused to 



324 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

march against the enemy, and to unite his troops with that portion of the 
Federal forces, under Hooker at Kettle Run, on the 28th of August, though 
General Pope had despatched him repeated and distinct orders so to do. 
It was also clearly proved at the trial, that General Porter entertained a 
personal hostility to Pope; that he had severely censured his dispositions 
for the campaign ; and that he had sent telegrams to his friends in Wash- 
ington, ridiculing the orders and the management of that general. The 
evidence produced upon this trial modified very essentially the opinion 
which the nation had entertained in regard to the merits and services of 
General Pope ; and convinced them that the failure of the operations 
which he conducted, was to be attributed, not so much to any incapacity 
or neglect of his own, as to the inefficiency and perfidy of some of those 
who held command under him. 

After a thorough investigation of the facts in the case, the court, of 
which General Hunter was the president, and Mr. Holt the judge-advo- 
cate, rendered a verdict, finding General Porter guilty of all the charges 
preferred against him ; and intimating that, to his neglect and disobedi- 
ence of orders, the disasters of the campaign of General Pope were chiefly 
attributable. His finding was approved by the President on the 2 1st of 
January, 1863, and General Porter was cashiered and dismissed from the 
service, and forever disqualified from holding any ofiice of trust or profit 
under the Government of the United States. 



BATTLE OF BATON ROUGE. 325 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

BATTLE OF BATON ROUGE — SITUATION OF TEE PLACE — FEDERAL TROOPS POSTED THERE 

MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL BRECKINRIDGE INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT DEATH OF GEN- 
ERAL WILLIAMS — ASSISTANCE OF THE FEDERAL GUNBOATS — FINAL DEFEAT AND REPULSE 

OF THE REBELS THE REBEL RAM ARKANSAS ITS DESTRUCTION INDIAN MURDERS AND 

DEVASTATIONS IN MINNESOTA — CAUSES WHICH LED TO THEM — INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH 
THEM — THEIR SUPPRESSION AND PUNISHMENT — GENERAL SIBLET — BATTLE FOUGHT NEAR 
RICHMOND, KENTUCKY — FEDERAL TROOPS ENGAGED — FEDERAL ADVANTAGE — FEDERAL RE- 
PULSE — UNION TROOPS ARE RE-FORMED IN LINE OF BATTLE THREE TIMES — GENERAL NELSON 
— FEDERAL LOSSES — BATTLE AT TAZEWELL — EXPEDITION OF COLONEL ELLET ON THE MIS- 
SISSIPPI AND UP THE YAZOO CAPTURE OP THE TRANSPORT FAIR PLAY — RESULTS OF THE 

EXPEDITION — BATTLE NEAR DENMARK, TENNESSEE — INCIDENTS OF THE ENGAGEMENT — 
HEROISM OF CAPTAIN FRISBIE — FEDERAL VICTORY — APPREHENSIONS OF AN INVASION OP 
OHIO BY THE REBELS — PROCLAMATION OF GOVERNOR TOD — PREPARATIONS MADE TO RECEIVE 
THE ENEMY — GENERAL LEWIS WALLACE — RETREAT OF THE REBELS — TERMINATION OP THE 
POPULAR EXCITEMENT — SUMMARY OP UNIMPORTANT EVENTS IN AUGUST, 1862. 

While these important events were transpiring in the vicinity of 
Washington, the champions and the enemies of the Federal Union were 
active in other portions of the country ; and hostilities were carried on at 
various points with unremitting energy. 

On the 5th of August, 1862, a spirited engagement took place at Baton 
Rouge, Louisiana, in which* the Rebel forces were commanded by John 
C. Breckinridge. This town is situated on the first high bluff which 
exists on the banks of the Mississippi above its mouth. It stretches along 
the margin of the river; and in its rear, a number of Federal troops had 
been stationed, commanded by General Williams. These troops consisted 
of the twenty-first Indiana, fourteenth Maine, the seventh Vermont, the 
sixth battery, the thirteenth Massachusetts, the fourth Wisconsin, the 
ninth Connecticut, and the sixth Michigan. But among all these regiments 
there were not more than twenty-five hundred effective men. The posses- 
sion of Baton Rouge was of importance to the contending parties, inas- 
much as it controlled the navigation of that portion of the Mississippi. 
The Rebel forces sent to assault it were detached from those which occu- 
pied and defended Yicksburg. These were about five thousand in number, 
and when they approached Baton Rouge, before dawn on the 5th, a 
mistake occurred ou their part which inflicted upon them a serious calamity. . 
As their column was advancing three miles from the town, they were 
suddenly assailed by a volley of musketry from an adjoining field of 
sugar cane, by which a number were slain and wounded. Among the 
former of these, was Alexander H. Todd, whose relationship to Mr. Lin- 
coln gave him a notoriety which delivered him from an otherwise inevi- 



I 



326 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

table oblivion. Cobb's Kentucky battery was also disabled, and their gun- 
carriages broken. This deadly salute came from the allies of the Rebel 
forces. As soon as order was restored, the latter continued to advance, 
and having arrived in the vicinity of the Federal forces, their line of battle 
was formed. Their object soon became apparent. It was to concentrate 
their fire upon the centre of the Federal lines where the Indiana regiment 
was posted. This regiment made a brave resistance; but though the 
fourteenth Maine soon came to their assistance, both were eventually 
compelled to give way and retire from their position. The Rebels pur- 
sued their advantage, and advanced into a portion of the Federal camp 
which had thus been evacuated. This they instantly plundered and burned. 
They also obtained possession of a single gun of Everett's battery. But 
the victors were destined to experience a warm reception. The sixth 
Michigan now opened upon them with musketry and artillery, and as- 
sisted by the Indiana troops who had rallied, charged upon the foe, ex- 
pelled them from the camp which they had gained, and recovered the lost 
cannon. It was during this brilliant charge that General Williams was 
slain. He received a musket ball in the breast while at the head of his 
troops, and as he was carried to the rear, he cheered on his men to victory 
with his expiring breath. In the centre, the success against the enemy 
was at this moment complete. Being repulsed at this point, the attack 
of the Rebels was then directed against the sixth ^[iuhigan, who had re- 
sumed their first position. The enemy attempted to scale a high picket- 
fence which intercepted them. This intention was opposed for some time 
with desperate determination by one of the companies of this regiment, 
who deployed along the fence, and running their muskets through the 
openings of the pickets, fired in the faces of the enemy. The latter quickly 
returned the assault in the same manner ; and thus the combatants were 
fighting on opposite sides of the fence and within arm'sdength of each 
other. At length the Rebels succeeded in tearing down the pickets, and 
the combat continued until they were driven back. 

After the battle had progressed an hour, a portion of the enemy were 
discovered approaching the right wing of the Federals, for the purpose of 
flanking it. The latter reserved their fire until the Rebels came within 
fifty paces. Both sides then commenced an exchange of musketry which 
was very destructive. The Federals were driven back into a ditch, but 
they quickly rallied ; a portion of thq sixth Michigan came to their aid, 
and they charged upon the enemy in return. Panic-stricken at this sud- 
den reverse, the Rebels retreated, abandoning their flag, a piece of artillery, 
and some prisoners. Meanwhile, along other portions of the line the 
battle raged with fury. Nim's battery, supported by the thirtieth Massa- 
chusetts, was charged upon three times successively, and as often they 
repulsed the enemy with immense slaughter. Everett's battery was also 
worked with great effect. After the death of General Williams, Colonel 



DESTRUCTION OF THE RAM ARKANSAS. 



327 



Cahill took conimaDd, and displayed superior skill and energy in the 
conduct of the engagement. 

The Eebels had confidently anticipated the co-operation of the ram 
Arkansas during the battle. In this expectation they were disappointed. 
But they suffered from an assault which they had not apprehended. After 
the battle had continued from four in the morning until noon, the Federal 
gunboats Essex, Sumter, and Kineo, shelled the enemy in the woods in 
which they were ensconced, and effectually prevented them from advancing 
farther in their attack upon the Federal troops. The latter had retreated 
within the reach of the protection of these valuable allies, and doubtless 
owed their subsequent safety and escape from the overwhelming masses 
of the enemy to their proximity and their interposition. When Breck- 
inridge discovered the efficiency of the Federal gunboats, he gave the 
order for a general retreat from the scene of conflict. His attack proved 
a total failure. He was unable to drive the Federal troops from the town, 
or to obtain possession of it. Among the Kebel slain, was Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Clarke. The losses on both sides were heavy. That of the Federal 
troops was about two hundred and fifty killed, six hundred wounded. 
Tliat of the Rebels was much greater, in consequence of the much greater 
efficiency of the Federal batteries. 

The fate of the ram Arkansas was singular. She left Vicksburg at two 
o'clock on the morning of Sunday, August 3d, and had ample time to 
reach Baton Rouge in time to assist the Rebel forces. But when she 
arrived within fifteen miles of Baton Rouge her starboard engine broke 
down, and she suffered other derangements in her machinery, which for- 
bade her farther progress, and wholly unfitted her to confront the Federal 
gunboats, which were already at Baton Rouge. The Arkansas, however, 
drifted helplessly down the stream, and finally grounded. On the 6th of 
August, after the battle, the Federal gunboats steamed up the river, and 
at nine o'clock came within view of the Rebel ram. They instantly 
opened upon their foe, who responded from her rear guns. But as she 
was in a comparatively harmless and useless condition, her chief officer 
Lieutenant Stevens, ordered her crew to abandon her, and to escape to the 
shore. After this had been done, he prepared to blow her up. Soon the 
match was applied, a tremendous explosion took place, and the vessel was 
shattered to fragments. Thus ended the career of the famous ram Arkan- 
sas. Commodore W. D. Porter was the commodore of the Federal flotilla 
which rendered such efficient service to the land forces in the defence of 
Baton Rouge, without whose aid the enemy would unquestionably have 
achieved a victory, and obtained possession of the place. 

After a long period of propitious peace and harmony had existed be- 
tween the citizens of the United States and the Indian tribes who inhabit 
the remote western frontier, the horrors of civil war were introduced by 
the savages in August, 1862, and deeds of blood were perpetrated, com- 



828 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

pared with which the worst excesses of civilized warfare appear insignifi- 
cant. This insurrection of the Indians extended along the western border 
of Minnesota, from Fort Ripley to the southern boundary of the State. 
Two causes, doubtless, contributed to its occurrence. The most potent 
of these was the neglect of the Federal Government, or of its agents, to 
pay the sums of money due them, according to the stipulations existing 
between the two races, in exchange for their bartered territories ; together 
with tlie outrageous frauds which the agents of the Government had con- 
tinually practised upon them. During a number of years, these agents 
had cheated the Sioux and Chippewas in the most scandalous manner. A 
single incident will illustrate the truth of this accusation. Out of the 
seventy-five thousand dollars which Congress had appropriated for the 
education of the Sioux, not five thousand dollars reached its intended and 
legitimate destination.* The other cause which led to this outbreak of 
savage ferocity was the influence exerted by a number of emissaries of 
the Rebel government, who represented tliat the Federal Union had fallen 
into chaos, and that the propitious hour of their deliverance and revenge 
had at lengtli arrived. 

The most terrible scenes of cruelty, on the part of the savages, occurred 
at the Upper and Lower Sioux agencies, at New Ulm, and at Fort 
Ridgley. But the slaughter was not confined to these localities. Through- 
out the whole country already designateil, farm-houses were attacked, 
plundered, and burned, and their inmates murdered. No mercy was 
shown to sex or age. Furious bands of savages raged through the land, 
carrying desolation and ruin with them, and hundreds of estimable and 
innocent citizens were made to sufi'er calamities which had been prompted 
by the knaveries of government agents, and the instigations of Rebel 
emissaries. At New Ulm, an attack was made by two hundred mounted 
Indians upon the inhabitants of the village, a portion of which they 
burned. During a series of assaults which they made, several hundred 
were slain and wounded. Tlie citizens barricaded the streets, and made 
such defence as they were able against their inhuman foes ; but, had not 
reinforcements opportunely arrived, consisting of men and arms from the 
State government at St. Paul, the whole town would have been ultimately 
destroyed, and its inhabitants murdered. Tlie roads which led from New 
Ulm to the several Sioux agencies were lined with the bodies of men, 
women, and children, who had been overtaken in tlieir efforts to escape 
the tomahawks and rifles of the ruthless foe, and murdered. The several 
forts which had been erected in that vicinity were attacked. On the 20th 
of August, a horde of Indians appeared near B'ort Ripley, which was de- 
fended by one hundred Federal troops. It was evidently their intention 



* A certain Indian agent is well known to have aT:rmcd publicly Ihat his office 
was worth a hundred thousand dollars. 



INDIAN MURDERS AND DEVASTATIONS IN MINNESOTA. 329 

to make an assault upon tlie barracks, though they approached the works 
warily, under cover of the woods and ravines. After driving in the 
pickets, they discharged a volley upon a detachment which was stationed 
at one of the northern entrances. Lieutenant Sheehan, who comraanded 
the fort, responded with musketry Sergeant Jones, who had charge of 
several six-pound mountain howitzers, sent a shell, which exploded 
among the crowd of the enemy, and killed a number of them. The In- 
dians, who seemed to be nearly one thousand in number, then surrounded 
the fort, and continued to pour a flood of rifle and musket-balls into every 
point which was assailable. The garrison and the guns of the fort re- 
sponded briskly, and the contest was continued with unremitting fury, 
until the darkness of night spread over the scene. The skill and fortitude 
exhibited by Lieutenant Sheehan, in the defence of the fort, deserve the 
highest praise, and preserved the lives of hundreds who had taken refuge 
within its walls. 

A second attack was made by a numerous body of Indians, on New 
Ulm, on the 23d of August. The place was then defended by Captain 
Flandreau, with a small number of troops. The savages made a desperate 
attack upon the town. They were met with fortitude by the soldiers, and 
such of the inhabitants as were furnished with arms, who fired from the 
houses upon the enemy when they charged through the streets. Some 
of them were on foot, and some on ponies. The conflict continued till 
dark, and many of the buildings in the town were burned. On the fol- 
lowing morning, the attack was renewed, and was continued until noon. 
At that time a detachment of a hundred and fifty volunteers arrived, 
under command of Captain Julian Cox, who had been sent by Colonel 
Sibley to the I'elief of the town. This reinforcement induced the Indians 
to suspend their attack, and retire. But the Union officers thought it 
wiser that the inhabitants should evacuate the place, rather than endure 
the horrors of further assault and persecution by the savages. Accord- 
ingly, preparations were made to transport two thousand people, including 
the sick and wounded, to a safer asylum. At daylight, the barricades 
were broken open, and a train of one hundred and fifty wagons, filled 
■with the sick and wounded, women and children, commenced their peril- 
ous march through a country in which the treacherous and bloodthirsty 
savages constantly hovered around them. Their journey was thirty miles 
in length. They were escorted through the whole distance by the troops 
under Captain Flandreau's command, and reached their destination in 
safety. But though they escaped with their lives, they were stripped of 
almost every thing they possessed. In a single day, hundreds who had 
been in opulent or comfortable circumstances were rendered destitute and 
miserable. 

Similar scenes occurred at other places, the horrid details of which may 
well be spared. During a number of weeks, terror and desolation reigned 



330 THE CIVIL WAR IN TIJE UNITED STATES. 

throughout the country, and an immense number of murders and other 
outrages were committed, attended with every circumstance to aggravate 
their atrocity which the human mind can conceive. During their pro- 
gress the State government had not been idle. Governor Ramsey issued 
a proclamation, calling upon the militia of the valley of the Minnesota, 
and the counties adjoining the frontier, to arm .and equip themselves, 
and unite with the expedition which, under Colonel Sibley, was about 
to move up the Minnesota river, to the scene of hostilities. He placed 
a regiment of infantry, comprising a thousand men, with three hundred 
cavalry, under the orders of that officer, which force was to be addi- 
tional to the volunteers who might tender their services. 

This call received a ready response, and a large number of armed citi- 
zens joined the expedition, which at length began its march from Fort 
Ridgley, on the 19th of September. On the 22d, Colonel Sibley reached 
Wood Lake, near Yellow Medicine. Daring his progress, he saw 
various groups of savages, who hovered around his column, acting in 
the capacity of spies to the main body. On the morning of the 23d the 
camp of the Union troops was attacked by three hun<lred Indians, who 
rushed forward suddenly, sounding their savage war-whoops. This body 
was met by a detachment under Lieutenant (Jorman and Major Welch, 
who, after a furious conflict with musketry, repulsed them. While tliis 
was going on another portion of tlie Indian force passed through a ravine 
on the right, with the intention of making an attack on the flank. The 
third regiment, with a portion of the seventh, was ordered by Colonel 
Sibley to confront these savages. Lieutenant-Colonel Marshal commanded 
these troops, and after a few volleys of musketry, assisted by one six- 
pounder, cleared the ravine, and compelled the savages to retire. An 
attack was also made by the Indians upon the extreme left of the camp. 
This was also repulsed after a vigorous contest by the troops under Major 
McLaren. The Indians, after the battle had raged two hours, retired at 
all points, having suffered a complete defeat. Their killed were thirty in 
number, their wounded two hundred. After the battle, they sent a flag 
of truce to the commanding officer, stating that a portion of the attacking 
force desired peace, as they were not sufficiently strong to fight the Union 
troops. Colonel Sibley replied that it would be time enough to talk of 
peace, after they had released the numerous captives they had taken, and 
had treated with the utmost barbarity. The savages were commanded 
in this battle by a notorious and desperate brave, named Little Crow. 
The defeat which they suffered at Yellow Medicine produced a decisive 
effect upon their fortitude. Though other collisions of minor consequence 
subsequently occurred between them and the Federal forces, they were 
eventually overpowered ; the insurrection was crushed ; a large number 
of pri-soners were taken, including some of their most ferocious warriors, 
whose atrocities richly deserved the penalty of death ; and tranquillity 



BATTLE NEAR RICHMOND, KENTUCKY. 



331 



was again restored to a region which had been desolated by all the horrors 
of the most inhuman and savage warfare. 

On the 30th of August, 1862, a desperate conflict took place at Eodgers- 
ville, six miles from Eichmond, Kentucky, between the Federal and 
Eebel forces, which resulted in a complete and disgraceful overthrow to 
the champions of the Union. The Federal troops consisted of the ninety- 
fifth Ohio, the twelfth, sixteenth, sixty-sixth, sixty-ninth, and seventy-first 
Indiana, the eighteenth Kentucky, together with two regiments of cavalry, 
under Colonel Metcalf, and nine field-pieces. These troops amounted to 
about eight thousand men, and were commanded by General M. D. Manson. 
The Eebel forces numbered fifteen thousand, and were under the orders 
of General Kirby Smith. On the day preceding the battle, the Union 
pickets were driven in from Big Hill, ten miles south of Eichmond. 
General Manson then attacked the Eebels, with a portion of his men, and 
gained a decided advantage. After this skirmish, he moved his troops to 
Eodgersville and halted for the night, waiting for the approach of the 
enemy. When the next day dawned, the pickets of the Eebels were 
encountered. The line of battle was soon formed, and after some partial 
and preliminary operations, the engagement became general between all 
the forces. At first the fortune of the day seemed in favor of the Federals. 
The sixty-ninth Indiana, commanded by Colonel Korf, being ordered to 
support the troops on the left, who were heavily pressed, executed the 
movement with great gallantry. They assailed the enemy with spirit, 
and drove them back. But all their heroism was vain. The immense 
superiority in numbers which the enemy possessed, compelled the sixty- 
ninth to give way. The panic now spread from regiment to regiment. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Topping was killed. Major Conkling also fell. The 
fire and fury of the Eebels became resistless, and a general rout ensued. 
The chase was continued two miles 'and a-half General Manson then 
succeeded in reforming his men in line of buttle, and renewed the engage- 
ment. His artillery was posted on his right and left wings, and his troops 
fought with some steadiness, though with much irregularity and confusion. 
This circumstance resulted from the fact that they were nearly all raw 
recruits, who had scarcely borne arms a month. They soon became panic- 
stricken, again broke, and fled in the utmost disorder toward Eichmond. 
Before reaching that town, they were met by Major-General Nelson, who 
was approaching from Lexington. He endeavored to stem the ignomini- 
ous tide ; succeeded, with the assistance of the officers, in again rallying 
the fugitives ; and for the third time they were placed in line of battle. 
But it was now ascertained that the ammunition of the artillery was ex- 
hausted. During the flight, the immense number of stragglers, deserters, 
and captives, had reduced the Federal force to about three thousand men. 
These were now very nearly surrounded by the enemy. They again fled 
in greater disorder than before. It was necessary for them to cut their 



332 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

way through a portion of the Rebel host, to escape capture. In effecting 
this operation, General Nelson was wounded by a musket-ball in the 
thigh ; though he afterward succeeded in reaching Lexington. The enemy 
pursued the Federals into Richmond, expelled them thence, and took pos- 
session of the place before night. The broken remains of the Union force 
continued their flight beyond the reach of the enemy. Their loss was 
heavy. Their killed, wounded, and missing amounted to one third of 
their entire body. This defeat was one of the most overwhelming and 
unfortunate which had afHicted the Federal cause during the progress of 
the war. It was a fitting continuation of the disgraceful retreat of the 
troops commanded by General DeCourcy, from Tazewell to Cumberland 
gap, on the preceding 9th of August, where the bravery of the men was 
rendered wholly unavailable through the apparent incompetence of tiie 
commanding officer. 

The remarkable success which the arms of the Confederates had recently 
obtained, and the vigor with which they were able to repel the most de- 
termined efforts of the Federal Government to crush and conquer them, 
inspired them with confidence and increased their audacity. The result 
was that they now conceived the resolution no longer to act on the defen- 
sive, but to become themselves the invaders of the loyal territory. The 
Rebel leaders confidently expected to find sympathy and co-operation in 
Maryland. They imagined that a powerful disunion sentiment lay slum- 
bering within the breasts of a large proportion of the population of that 
State, which only required the presence of Confederate armies in their 
midst, to evoke into active and resistless operation. Accordingly, that 
portion of their troops which had engaged Pope at Manassas, commenced 
to move from their position in the vicinity of Fairfax Court House, and 
approached the Potomac on the 5th of September. Proceeding through 
Leesburg they crossed at the ferries of Edwards, Conrad, Nolen, and Smith, 
which are situated about forty miles above Washington. In their progress 
they destroyed the bridge over the Monocacy. On the morning of the 
6th, their advance under General Hill, reached Frederick, and took pos- 
session of the town. They also held Point of Rocks and Poolesville. The 
advance of the invading force was commanded by General Jackson. Such 
property of the Federal Government as fell into their hands, they retained 
or destroyed. The property of individuals, they protected in accordance 
with the promise contained in the proclamation which General Lee ad- 
dressed to the inhabitants of Maryland, when he entered the State. In 
that proclamation, being dated at Frederick, September 8th, 1862, he 
endeavored to convince the people of Maryland that they had sufiered 
innumerable wrongs at the hands of the Federal Government ; and he 
tendered his services and those of his troops to assist them in recovering 
their inalienable rights as freemen, of which they had been ignominiously 
deprived. But the inhabitants of Maryland were not aware of the fact 



THE EEBEL ARMY IN MAEYLAND. 833 

that they had endured so much ; and the pathetic story of their sufferings 
was an interesting and somewhat amusing novelty to them. Consequently, 
the Eebel commander and his army received little of that sympathy and 
co-operation from the citizens of the State, in the execution of their be- 
nevolent design, which they expected. The vast majority of them regarded 
their proffered commiseration with contempt. Already, however, had 
shrewd observers apprehended that this invasion would not terminate in 
Maryland. The popular excitement became intense throughout the border 
counties of Pennsylvania. On the 10th of September, Governor Curtin 
issued a proclamation in which he called upon all the able-bodied men in 
the Commonwealth to organize military companies, and hold themselves 
in readiness to march against the approaching foe. This order was 
promptly and willingly obeyed. The several counties of the State, espe- 
cially those near the border, were instantly alive with military activity ; 
the busy hum of martial preparations was heard on every hand, and a 
single mind seemed to animate the entire population. 

From Frederick, the Rebel army advanced through Middletown, Boons- 
borough, Williamsport, and reached Hagerstown on the 9th of September. 
While these forces were proceeding northward, a detachment of Federal 
cavalry, under General Pleasonton, were passing to their rear. These took 
possession of Frederick after it had been abandoned by the Rebels, for 
the purpose of intercepting their return. Skirmishing occurred frequently 
between the rear of the Eebel forces and the Federal troops. Colonel 
Farnsworth, on the 13th of September, charged, with the eighth Illinois 
cavalry, upon two regiments of the enemy, at some distance from Hagers- 
town, by which movement he took forty prisoners. In the afternoon of 
that day, four squadrons of the third Indiana cavalry attacked a regiment 
of Rebel cavalry on the Middletown road. The Federal loss was thirty 
killed and wounded ; that of the Rebels about fifty. But the wagon trains 
of the latter were so fiercely assailed, that they were compelled to burn a 
large number of them, to prevent their falling into the hands of the 
Federals. On the I'lth, General Burnside passed through Frederick with 
a considerable force, in pursuit of the enemy. At this period, General 
McClellan had put his whole army in motion, except so much of it as was 
necessary for the defence of Washington, and was approaching the enemy 
near Hagerstown. This circumstance, together with the disgust and dis- 
appointment of the Rebel generals at the unexpected measure of loyalty 
which they encountered among the citizens of Maryland, induced them, 
at this moment, to abandon any design to extend their invasion into 
Pennsylvania, which they might have entertained. General Lee, therefore, 
suddenly returned, with the intention of recrossing the Potomac at Wil- 
liamsport and Harper's Ferry. But General McClellan had now succeeded 
in placing his forces in such a position as to intercept the purposed retreat. 
It was impossible for the enemy to escape without a battle. The left wing 



334 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of the Federal army pursued a part of the Rebel forces to South Mountain, 
where a desperate engagement was fought on the lith of September, to 
be followed by the still more important conflict of Antietam. But before 
we proceed to narrate the details of these engagements, we will briefly 
direct our attention to several events which occurred elsewhere, and 
which require to be noticed here, in their chronological order. 

On the 16th of August, Colonel EUet, who commanded the Federal 
ram fleet on the Mississippi, stationed at Helena, Arkansas, conducted a 
spirited expedition down the river, consisting of seven rams and three 
gunboats. The object of this expedition, was to encounter the flotilla of 
the enemy, which might be cruising in those waters, especially to meet 
the Star of the West, which the Rebels had captured and fitted up as a 
gunboat ; and, if possible, by some spirited achievement, to break the 
monotony and inactivity which had for some time prevailed in the opera- 
tions of the Federal officers in that region. 

Nothing of importance occurred in the passage down the stream, until 
at Milliken's Bend they met the Rebel transport Fair Play. She had on 
board a cargo of five thousand stand of arms, with a large amount of 
ammunition, provisions, and other property, which were to be disembarked 
at Little Rock. The presence of the Federal boats was entirely unex- 
pected ; and when surrounded by so numerous and powerful an armament, 
resistance was impossible. She became an easy yet valuable prey. From 
this point, the land forces on board the flotilla were sent eight miles inland, 
along the Vicksburg and Shreveport railroad, to Richmond station, where 
they destroyed the depot, a number of cars, and a quantity of sugar. 
Returning to the vessels, the latter then fell down the river as f;ir as the 
mouth of the Yazoo. They then steered up that narrow and lonely stream, 
to Haines' Landing, w.here some Rebel earthworks had been erected. The 
Benton approached these works and commenced to shell them. The 
reverberation of the guns awakened the unfamiliar echoes of that desolate 
and deserted land for miles around, and compelled the few Rebel troops 
and citizens who remained, to flee in hot haste over the hills. The works 
were taken without difficulty ; and among their contents, were two forty- 
two pounders, two thirty-two pounders, one brass twenty pounder, one 
brass twelve pounder, and a quantity of ammunition. The quarters of 
the officers were plundered, a few buildings were burned, and the expedi- 
tion then proceeded up the Yazoo as far as Liverpool. Not finding any 
vessels of the enemy in that stream, as far as the Federal boats were able 
to proceed, they returned. The gunboat Bragg, and the ram Monarch, 
were left at the mouth of the Yazoo, to watch the operations of the enemy. 
The expedition landed its troops at Greenville, and chased a small body of 
Rebels who had assembled there several miles inland. It then returned 
to Helena. Such were the chief incidents of the brief and rapid excursion 
made by Colonel Ellet, wiiich, after the recent failure of the Federal fleet 



FEDERAL VICTORY NEAR DENMARK, TENNESSEE. 335 

against the ram Arkansas, as already narrated, served to diminish the 
exultation of the Rebels, and recover the lost renown of the Union force3 
in that vicinity. 

On the 4th of September, 1862, a battle took place at Brittan's Lane, 
near Denmark, Tennessee, in which a decided victory was achieved by 
the Federals. The troops engaged consisted of six Rebel regiments of 
infantry and one of cavalry, commanded by General Armstrong, num- 
bering nearly four thousand men, and a single regiment of Federal in- 
fantry from Illinois, commanded by Colonel Dennis. The skirmishers of 
both parties first came in contact, and the approach of the Rebel host 
was quickly afterward discovered. Colonel Dennis immediately formed 
his men in line of battle, in a favorable position on a ridge. A heavy 
cloud of dust only indicated as yet the position of the foe, and Captain 
Foster was sent out with his cavalry to ascertain their movements more 
accurately. He soon encountered them, approaching rapidly and with 
great confidence, with the apparent determination of riding over and 
exterminating the small band of heroes opposed to them. They com- 
menced to discharge their muskets while out of range, and their shots 
fell harmlessly. The Federals reserved their fire until the disorderly 
mass came close upon them. They then sent a well directed volley into 
the cavalry in advance, which instantly emptied many saddles. The 
Rebels fell back in the utmost disorder, but being soou rallied, they again 
advanced to the attack. They charged upon the whole Federal line, at 
the same time making a movement upon both flanks. Their intention 
was to surround and crush an enemy so much inferior in numbers to them- 
selves. A very desperate hand- to-hand combat ensued. The Federal 
troops fought with great determination and heroism; but numbers 
prevailed, and the Rebels succeeded in capturing the Federal cannon and 
transportation train. At this moment a portion of the thirtieth Illinois, 
.which had not yet been engaged, came into action, fell upon the disor- 
dered foe, and after another furious clash of arms the Rebels were re- 
pulsed. A pause then ensued. The enemy reformed their lines at a 
distance, and at length again came forward. The Federals reserved their 
fire as before until the enemy were close upon them, when they discharged 
a volley which effectually checked their advance. After a time, however, 
they gained possession of a hill on the Federal right. It became impor- 
tant that they should be dislodged from this position, and Captain Frisbie 
called out for volunteers to follow him to the charge against them. A 
large number responded, and rushed forward with him. The foe did not 
await the onslaught, but fled from their position. In the meanwhile, the 
enemy had continued their attack upon the centre and left wing of the 
Federals. Thrice they assaulted the Federal lines, and thrice were they 
repulsed. After a desperate battle of four hours' duration, the Rebels 
retreated at all points, and left the Union troops in full possession of the 



336 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

field. Their loss was heavy. They left a hundred aud eleven dead be- 
hind them. Their wounded were about four huudred. The Federal 
loss was thirty killed, a hundred and twenty wounded. The heroism 
and resolution exhibited by the Union soldiers in this battle were remark- 
able; and the issue of the conflict against such an immense preponder- 
ance of numbers, covered them with well merited distinction. 

At the same time that an intense excitement, not unmiiigled with terror, 
pervaded Pennsylvania at an apprehended invasion by the Rebel armies, 
a similar state of public mind existed, produced by the same cause, in 
Ohio. It became known to the citizens of that State during the month 
of August, 1862, that some of the Confederate generals in Kentucky 
contemplated such a movement ; and soon the terrors which arose from 
this fact were increased by authentic information which was received, to 
the effect that a powerful army, led by Generals Kirby Smith and Ileth, 
were steadily advancing to the attack and capture of Cincinnati. 

The same scenes were immediately exhibited in Ohio which had been 
presented iu Pennsylvania. Governor Tod issued a proclamation, dated 
September 2d, setting forth that the southern border of the State was 
then threatened with invasion; and recommending that the loyal citizens 
of the river counties should organize military companies to assist in re- 
pelling the common foe. General Lewis Wallace was placed in command 
of all the Federal troops assembled at Cincinnati. The male inhabitants 
of that city were ordered to form companies for the purpose of drilling. 
All business, except that of druggists, bakers, and grocers, was entirely 
suspended. The city was placed under martial law. Fortifications and 
breastwoks were thrown up in the vicinity of the town ; and iu a few 
days an enthusiastic army of thirty thousand men, with formidable de- 
fences, had been extemporized to resist the approaching enemy, with a 
degree of celerity and efficiency which could be seen in no other country 
on the globe. An attitude of defiance was assumed, which, together with 
the admirable preparations which were thus made, soon cooled the ardor 
of the enemy. They had doubtless anticipated an ea.sy conquest. But 
on the 11th of September, at night. General Kirby Smith, who had ad- 
vanced as far as Florence, gave the order to his troops to retreat. The 
enemy retired from the vicinity of their intended conquest without an 
assault; the volunteer defenders of the Queen City returned to their peace- 
ful homes ; business was resumed ; and one of the most sudden and 
violent popular paroxysms which this war, so prolific in surprise and 
excitements, had yet produced, vanished from existence as rapidly as it 
bad arisen. 

In addition to the leading events of the war, which occurred during 
the montli of August, 1862, which we have narrated at length, other in- 
cidents of inferior consequence, which took place during that month, and 
may be briefly alluded to, were the following: On the 2d, there was a 



SUMMARY OF EVENTS IN AUGUST, 18G2. 337 

skirmisa on the Rapidan, Virginia. On the 3d, the Eebel guerrillas took 
possession of Alexandria, Missouri. On the 4th, skirmishes took place 
at Fors3'the, Missouri, and at Sparta and Memphis, in Tennessee. On the 
7th, conflicts took place near Helena, Arkansas, and Kirksville, Missouri. 
On the 11th, a fight occurred at Clarendon, Arkansas, and the Union 
troops at Independence, Missouri, surrendered to the Confederates. On 
the 14th, a combat between guerrillas occurred in Charleston county, 
Alabama, and the Union troops occupied Gallatin, Tennessee. On the 
16th, the rebels took possession of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. On the ISth, 
they occupied Barbourville, in the same State. On the 20th, a fight took 
place at Edgefield Junction, Tennessee. On the 24th, Bayou Sara, in 
Louisiana, was shelled. On the 25th, the Rebels retreated from Lexing- 
ton, Missouri ; and were severely repulsed at Fort Donelson. On the 
27th, a skirmish took place at Greenville, Mississippi. On the 28th, the 
Federal mortar fleet made a futile attack on Vicksburg. On the 30th, a 
fight occurred at Bolivar, Tennessee, and at Buckhannon, Virginia. On 
the 31st, conflicts took place at Meadow station and Middletown, Ten- 
nessee, and near Centreville, Virginia. 

22 



838 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

THE BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN — POSITION OF THE COMBATANTS — TROOPS OF ORNERAL 
RENO — INCIDENTS OF THE ENQAOEMENT — HEROISM OF GENERAL HOOKER — VICTORY OF 
THE FEDERAL ARMY — RETREAT OF THE REBELS — DEATH OF GENERAL RENO — SKETCH OF 
HI8 CAREER — ATTACK OF THE REBELS ON HARPEr's FERRY — FORCES COMMANDED BT 
COLONEL MILES — INCIDENTS OF THE BOMBARDMENT — SDRRENDER OF THE WORKS TO THB 
ENEMY — DEATH OF COLONEL MILES — RETREAT OF THE REBELS TOWARD THE POTOMAC — 

THE GREAT BATTLE OF ANTIETAM POSITIONS ASSIGNED THE FEDERAL FORCES^ — DESPERATE 

FIGHTING OF HOOKEr's DIVISION — INCIDENTS OF THE BATTLE ON THE RIGHT WINO^OPERA- 
TIONS OF BURNSIDE ON THE LEFT — EVENTS IN THE FEDERAL CENTRE — CONCLUSION OF THE 
BNOAGEMENT — RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY ACROSS THE POTOMAC — SKETCHES OF GEN- 
ERALS HOOKER AND SUMNBB — BATTLE AT MUMFORDVILLE, KENTDCKT — ITS RESULTS 

FEDERAL TROOPS ENGAGED — BATTLE AT WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA — THE REBELS DE- 
FEATED EXPLOSION OF THE GUNBOAT PICKET — CIVIL ASPECTS OF THE WAR — PRESIDENT 

Lincoln's proclamation of September, 22d, 18G2 — its contents — its influence 

UPON SLAVERY AND UPON THE REBEL GOVERNMENT — MB. LINCOLN SUSPENDS THE HABEAS 
corpus act, ON SEPTEMBER 24tB, 1862. 

The Confederate forces, commanded by General Robert E. Lee, bad 
readied tlie range of mountains known as the Blue Ridge, in the vicinity 
of Middletown, Maryland, in their flight toward the Potomac, when they 
were overtaken by the army under General McClellan. Then ensued the 
battle of South Mountain, on the 14th of September, 1862. The enemy 
selected their position with their usual skill, on tlie sides and summit of 
this portion of the Blue Ridge, and on both sides of a gap through which 
the turnpike from Middletown to Hagerstown passed. The Federal army 
being posted in the ground below, fought with some disadvantage, and 
even as they advanced and drove back the foe, during the progress of tlie 
day, they continued to labor under the same misfortune. The Rebels 
seemed eager for the encounter. They opened their fire at seven o'clock 
in the morning. Robinson's battery of four light field-pieces responded 
to the salute. It was not, however, until the division of General Cox 
advanced toward them, that they seriously commenced the work of the 
day. Gradually, battery after battery opened their fires from difll-rent points 
along the spurs and sides of the mountain, where they had been stutioned 
This operation called out the re.sponse of the guns of the several bat- 
teries commanded by Haynes and Cook. The latter posted his guns in 
advance, in a somewhat exposed position. Scarcely had he opened his fire 
when his cannoniers were assailed by a tremendous volley of musketry 
from infantry concealed in the brushwood, which was several times re- 
peated with marvelous rapidity. This assault overpowered the men 
with a sudden panic, the result of which was that they retreated from 
their guns, leaving them exposed to the enemy. Two companies of 



THE BATTLE OF SOUTH MOUNTAIN. 339 

cavalry, who had been placed as a support to this battery, followed their 
example, and plunged into a disgraceful retreat, rushing through the lines 
of infantry stationed in the rear. At the same time the Rebels advanced 
to take possession of the abandoned artillery. The twenty-third Ohio 
and one hundredth Pennsylvania regiments were ordered forward to resist 
this attempt. A desperate combat then ensued around the guns. While 
the issue yet remained undecided, and after a number had fallen on both 
sides, the forty-fifth New York came to the assistance of the Fedei-als. 
After a furious resistance, the Rebels were driven away from the guns, 
and retreated in confusion to their main lines. The victors intensified 
the bitterness of their defeat by filling the air with their exultant cheers. 

After this incident, the battle was continued for two hours by the artil- 
lery of both armies alone. Several times the enemy changed the position 
of their chief batteries, but at the expiration of the time named, they were 
all silenced. At two o'clock, the front of General Hooker's division 
reached the scene of conflict, to reinforce the troops of General Reno, 
which had thus far been those engaged. At three o'clock the whole line 
of battle was formed from right to left. The first brigade of Rickett's 
division occupied the extreme right. The Pennsylvania Reserves came 
next. The second regiment of United States sharpshooters were posted 
near the Middletown turnpike. Then came the remainder of Rickett's 
division ; then General King's division. General Reno's troops occupied 
the extreme left, about two miles distant from the opposite end of the 
line. The batteries were distributed at proper intervals, according to the 
varying nature of the ground. 

As soon as this arrangement was completed, the Federal right, centre, 
and left, commenced to advance against the enemy. The latter received 
them as they approached with discharges of artillery. But their shells 
for the most part passed over the heads of the Federal troops harmlessly. 
The vast line of advancing troops steadily approached nearer and nearer 
to the position of the foe. The right wing, under Rickett, first became 
closely engaged. A vigorous fire of musketry from both sides ensued. 
In this part of the action the gallant Pennsylvania Reserves specially distin- 
guished themselves by their coolness and their fortitude. Thirty minutes 
were occupied by the action here, the result of which was that the Con- 
federates were forced back from their position, and driven up the mountain 
to its summit. In accomplishing this result General Hooker displayed 
his superior qualities as a commander, and assisted materially in gaining 
the victory. The troops in this part of the field moved on steadily, 
advancing forward and upward, pouring volley after volley into the masses 
of the enemy, until at last they broke and ran with precipitation to the 
top of the mountain. 

The engagement on the left was more protracted and more desperate. 
This continued an hour and a-half before the Rebels were driven from 



340 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tlieir position. General Reno fought his troops here with great skill and 
heroism. lie was slain while directing their movements, and cheering 
them on to victory and glory. Every foot of ground was fiercely con- 
tested ; but the foe at last gave way, and abandoned the contest. The 
centre of the Federal line was the last to get into action. It advanced 
while the two wing.s were driving the Rebels over the top of the moun- 
tain, and rendered the victory complete. At six o'clock, after a battle of 
three hours' duration, tlie enemy were driven over the summit of the Blue 
Ridge. The Federal victors bivouacked during the night upon the airy 
spot which their valor had won, while the discomfited foe pursued his 
fliglit under the friendly covering of the darkness of night. 

The Federal loss in this battle was four hundred and thirty-three killed, 
eighteen hundred and six wounded, seventy-six missing. But one of the 
most lamentable incidents connected with it was the death of General Reno. 
This officer, whose services contributed so materially to the success of the 
Federal arms on tins occasion, was a native of Virginia, but was appointed 
from Penn.sylvania to West Point in 1842. He graduated in 184G, and 
was breveted second lieutenant of ordnance. lie accompanied the Ameri- 
can army to Mexico, and was present in every battle wiiich was fought 
between Vera Cruz and the capital. He was breveted first lieutenant for 
his gallantry at Cerro Gordo. He was breveted captain for his valor at 
Chapultepec, where he commanded a battery, and was wounded. After 
the close of the Mexican war he served for six months as assistant pro- 
fessor of mathematics at West Point. He was afterward employed in 
various capacities by the Government — as secretary to the artillery board, 
on the coast survey, and in topographical and military duty in the West. 
He was on duty at Leavenworth, Kansas, when the Rebellion commenced. 
When General Burnside organized his expedition to Roanoke, he selected 
General Reno as one of the officers to accompany him. Ue distinguished 
himself in all the engagements which took place during the operations of 
that expedition. When General Burnside was ordered to join the army 
in Virginia, General Reno accompanied him, and commanded a division 
in the battles which subsequently occurred near Washington. He had 
already won a high place among the rising generals of his country, when 
the missile of death terminated his brilliant career. 

Nearly cotemporary with this sncce.ss of the Federal arms was a reverse 
at Harper's Ferry, which tended very considerably to diminish the gratifi- 
cation caused by the victory. This famous locality, which had so often 
been the scene of conflict and of disaster during the progress of the Rebel- 
lion, had been entru.sted to the command of Colonel Dixon H. Miles. In 
additional to its natural advantages, important artificial defences had re- 
cently been erected upon it. A heavy line of earth intrenchments, protected 
by a deep trench in front, had been constructed on the summit of Harper's 
Ferry, extending from the Potomac to the Shenandoah. Earthworks had 



ATTACK ON HABPER'S FERRY BY THE REBELS. 341 

also been thrown up on Eolivar ^heights, intended to protect the infantry 
from the musketry of the enemy. On the left of these heights, hedge in- 
trenchments had been interposed, which would prevent a sudden approach 
or a surprise from that direction. Immediately after the Eebels entered 
Maryland, Colonel Miles made preparations to resist any attack which 
might be made upon him. The troops placed under his command num- 
bered about eleven thousand men.* The conquest of Harper's Ferry 
formed an important item in the programme which the enemy had 
adopted in reference to the" recovery of Maryland. Accordingly, they 
made their appearance in the vicinity of the place on Monday, the 8th 
of September, on Maryland heights, three miles distant. They employed 
the ensuing week in constructing a barricade of trees four hundred yards 
in front of the look-out. Colonel Ford was appointed by Colonel Miles 
to guard the heights from the attack which was apprehended. 

The enemy having completed all their preparations, commenced the 
assault upon the position on Friday, September the 12th. They began 
with skirmishing, at half past three in the afternoon, which they continued 
until sundown. The decisive action was expected to occur on the ensuing 
day. During the night, the Federal line of battle was formed three hun- 
dred yards in front of the barricade. At seven o'clock, on the following 
day, the Eebels commenced a vigorous onslaught upon the defenders of 
the place. They soon attempted to drive them from their position by 
several charges. But all of these were handsomely repulsed. The 
fighting then became general between the combatants. After a contest 
of one hour's duration, the Eebels were reinforced, and advanced toward 
the Federal lines with yells of rage and fury. They intimidated the one 
hundred and twenty-sixth New York regiment so completely, that they 
broke and fled behind the barricades. There they were rallied, principally 
through the exertions of Colonel Sherrill, and afterward took part in the 
engagement. Soon afterward the enemy succeeded in turning the left 
flank of the Federals, which compelled them to fall back. The Eebels 
themselves retired soon after, and at about four P.M. again advanced to the 
contest, but made no vigorous attack, and night soon put an end to 



* His force consisted of the twelfth New York State militia, Colonel Ward; eighty- 
seventh Ohio, three months' regiment, Colonel tannine ; one hundred and twenty-sixth 
New York, Colonel Serrill ; one hundred and eleventh New York, Colonel Segoine ; 
first Maryland Home Brigade, Colonel Halsby ; eightn New York cavalry, Colonel 
Davis ; first Maryland cavalry, Colonel Russell ; a detaclunent of first Maryland cav- 
airy, (Home Brigade) ; two companies of fifth New York artillery, commanded by 
Captains McGrath and Graham; fifteenth Indiana, and one or two western batteries. 
All the infantry, with the exception of the three months' men, were raw troops. 
General White retreated about this time to Martinsburg, via Harper's Ferry, Icavin" 
a portion of his command at that place. On Thursday evening, being obhVed to 
evacuate Martmsburg, in consequence of the approach of " Stonewall" Jackson, the 
remainder of General White's brigade fcU back to the ferry. 



342 TIIK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the contest. It was evident tbat, unless reinforcements arrived to the 
Federals,, the following day would witness their defeat, and the entire 
evacuation of the place. Such dispositions as could be made to oppose 
the enemy, were promptly effected during the night. At four o'clock on 
the morning of Saturday all the Federal troops posted there were ordered 
to retreat down the mountain, and thus Maryland Heights were abandoned 
to the enemy ; but they did not occupy them till the afternoon of Satur- 
day. The line of battle was again formed on the breastworks behind 
Bolivar Heights, very nearly as it had been on the previous day. Colonel 
D'Utassy occupied the extreme right, Colonel Trimble commanded on the 
left, General White held a position ou the heights, and Major Mcllvaine 
directed the operations of the artillery. The Federals were disappointed 
in being attacked early in the day. It was not till two o'clock that the 
enemy renewed the assault. At that hour, however, they opened a furious 
and simultaneous cannonade from Maryland Heights, Loudon Heights, 
and Sandy Hook, and from batteries posted on the Sheppardstown and 
Charlestown roads. The Federal guns responded with spirit during the 
day. As night approached, however, the Federal lines were contracted 
somewhat, in consequence of the fact that the Rebels bad succeeded in 
turning their left flank. At eight o'clock the enemy attempted to take 
Rigby's battery by storm, but were repulsed with signal slaughter. The 
second day's struggle had produced no very decisive results either way — 
its final issue still seemed uncertain. During the following night, the 
Rebels improved their position, and planted new batteries, which were so 
skilfully placed as to enfilade the Federal forces completely. On Monday 
morning the enemy renewed the contest with increased energy at five 
o'clock. It soon became evident that they had been reinforced, and now 
possessed the advantage of superior numbers. In vain had Colonel Miles 
implored General McClellan, on Sunday, to send him assistance. The 
enemy had been threatening to attack Harper's Ferry during a whole 
week ; and yet it had not been defended by a competent force. To add 
to the desperate nature of the situation, the ammunition of the Federal 
troops became exhausted at eight o'clock. Colonel Miles immediately 
summoned a council of war. The result of their deliberations was, that 
he determined to capitulate, as further resistance could only lead to greater 
and more superfluous loss of life. White flags were then hoisted over the 
intrenchmcnts, and a flag of truce was sent to General Hill, the commander 
of the Rebel troops, to propose terms of capitulation. The only conditions 
allowed by the Rebel general were, that the Federal officers would be per- 
mitted to go out with -their side-arms and private effects, the rank and 
file with every thing except their arms and equipments. The entire 
number of men who thus became prisoners of war, and were afterward 
paroled, were eleven thousand five hundred and eighty-three. The cannon 
captured were forty -seven, of various calibre. Previous to the capitulation 



DEATH OP COLONEL MILES. 343 

all the cavalry, two thousand in number, succeeded in fighting their way 
out through the Rebel works, making their escape by the Sharpsburg 
road. They were commanded by Colonel Davis. After the capitulation 
was proposed, but before its terms had been agreed upon, Colonel Miles 
was mortally wounded by the bursting of one of the shells which the can- 
noneers of the enemy continued to throw. His injured leg was amputated, 
but he expired after the operation. The Rebel force which attacked and 
captured Harper's Ferry on this occasion, numbered twenty thousand men, 
and were commanded by Generals Hill and Jackson. Colonel Miles, 
whose misfortune it was to occupy this position with an inferior number 
of troops, and to have been compelled to surrender it, was a native of 
Maryland, and sixty years of age at the time of his death. He graduated 
at West Point in 1824. He spent his life in the regular army, and 
figured with honor in the Mexican war, during which he held the post 
of military and civil governor of Jalapa. He subsequently served against 
the Navajoe Indians, in New Mexico. He commanded a portion of the 
reserves at the first battle of Manassas, and was afterward transferred as 
commandant to the post at Harper's Ferry. Though not a man of emi- 
nent abilities, he was brave, gallant, and patriotic. 

After the repulse of the enemy at South Mountain, they continued 
their retreat toward the Potomac. Early on Monday morning, the 15th 
of September, General McClellan commenced the pursuit. Skirmishing 
took place occasionally during that day between the pickets of the op- 
posing armies, but no serious conflict occurred. The enemy halted when 
they reached the heights near Pleasant Valley, about four miles distant 
from Sharpsburg. Along the base of these hills the Antietam runs. 
This stream was fordable only at distant points; but it was crossed by 
three bridges. One of these spanned it on the Hagerstown road, another 
on the Sharpsburg pike, the third still farther to the left. Between these 
two extremes lay the battle-field of Autietam, which extended about four 
miles from right to left. 

The plan of the impending engagement seemed to be as follows : Gen- 
eral Hooker was to cross the bridge on the right, and take his position in 
front of the left wing of the enemy. Sumner, Franklin, and Mansfield 
were to support Hooker on the right. The centre was to be occupied 
chiefly by the artillery ; while the troops of Porter and Sykes were posted 
as reserves in their rear. Burnside was to cross the bridge on the ex- 
treme left, and oppose the right of the foe, at the same time to turn his 
flank, and if possible to intercept his retreat. In accordance with this 
arrangement. General Hooker advanced on Tuesday afternoon, September 
16th, and crossed the stream without opposition. He immediately formed 
his line of battle. He posted Rickett's division on his left. Meade, with 
the heroic Pennsylvania Reserves, was stationed in the centre. Double- 
day occupied the extreme right. Soon the enemy began to salute him 



344 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

with their distant artillery. But their attack was premature and the 
darkness of night suspended it. Both sides prepared during the solemn 
hours of that night, to begin with the dawn of day the desperate and 
decisive contest upon the issue of which the the fate of the Rebellion and 
the future destiny of millions appeared to depend. Scarcely had the sun 
risen when the two armies simultaneously sprang to their arms, from their 
cold beds of earth upon which they had reposed in view of each other 
during the night, and immediately the loud thunder of the cannon and 
sharp ring of the musketry reverberated through the heavens. The whole 
of Hooker-s division was soon engaged. They fought gallantly. Their 
heroic and daring general rode back and forth over the field, in view of 
every brigade, encouraging his men, and keeping them up vigorously and 
bravely to their deadly work. In half an hour the line of the enemy 
began to yield. The Federal troops promjitly pressed forward upon 
them, cheering as they went. The Rebels took shelter in a dense wood ; 
but they quickly reappeared, and attacked their late pursuers with ter- 
rific discharges of artillery. These shattered the line of the Reserves 
under Meade, so completely, that they in turn were compelled to retire 
from the ground they had so gallantly earned. 

It was now the turn of the Confederates to advance. They rushed out 
of those woods in vast numbers, and swept forward like a deluge. But 
Hooker succeeded in stemming this torrent by calling forward the troops 
of Doubleday. One of his brigades was ordered to charge. Down the 
hill they rushed upon the foe. They quickly cleared the intervening 
corn-fields. Another brigade followed in their rear, under Ilartsufl', to 
support them. A desperate combat then ensued. Rickett's division en- 
deavored to bear down one end of the Rebel line which had advanced, 
but without success. Mansfield's corps proved unable to sustain the 
furious battle-shock of the enemy at another point, and gave way. Their 
general, at this moment, was mortally wounded. But Hooker was not 
dismayed. He sent orders to Generals Crawford and Gordon to move for- 
ward instantly. The heavy batteries in the centre were directed to ap- 
proach nearer to the serried masses of the foe. The whole line on the 
extreme right was commanded to advance, supporting each other. The 
effect of this combination was decisive. It was even sublime. In vain 
the foe dehigcd tlie Federal troops with a hailstorm of shot and shell. 
Hooker was in the thickest of the charge, and during its progress he was 
severely wounded. Three men were shot down at his side. The excru- 
ciating pain of his wound soon compelled the hero to leave the scene of 
bis glory. General Sumner then took the command, and he retired from 
the field. That veteran rode forward bravely at the bead of his troops, 
his long gray beard waving venerably in the breeze. He instantly sent 
orders to Richardson and French to support Sedgwick, Crawford, and 
Gordon, who had passed into a deadly assault with the enemy. Still 



THE BATTLE OF ANTIETAM. , 345 

more terrible and destructive did tbe combat now become. The Rebels 
fought with an apparent determination either to conquer or to be annihi- 
lated. They bore down Crawford's brigade by a ferocious assault, and 
compelled them to give way. His retreating troops rushed in confusion 
among those of Sedgwick, and extended the disorder among them. The 
triumphant enemy followed up their advantage promptly. To no purpose did 
General Sedgwick endeavor to steady his men, and to remedy the disaster 
which had occurred. He was three times wounded, and completely dis- 
abled. One of his regiments, the thirty-fourth New York, was nearly 
destroyed. One half of its officers were killed or wounded ; their colors 
were torn to pieces by bullets; their color-sergeant was killed, and every 
one of the color-guard was either slain or wounded. One half of the entire 
regiment was placed hors du combat. The fifteenth Massachusetts went 
into the fight with six hundred men. Only one hundred and thirty-four 
answered to their names at roll-call after the termination of the engage- 
ment. These items will illustrate the desperate nature of the conflict in 
this portion of the field. Generals Dana and Howard were wounded in 
their futile efforts to retrieve the day. 

" In vain from rank to rank their vollied thunder flew." 

General Sumner was compelled at last to give the order to that portion 
of the right wing to retire from the position it had held, that it might be 
reformed in the rear. In this part of the field it was evident that the Con- 
federates had achieved a triumph. 

It was now one o'clock. The protracted struggle had nearly exhausted 
both sides. But Sumner was indomitable. Had the enemy charged upon 
his position at that moment, the results might have been still more disas- 
trous. But they did not. Satisfied with holding what they had gained, 
they made no farther advance. It was now Sumner's turn to venture 
upon what they hesitated to attempt. He ordered Franklin to bring for- 
ward some fresh troops. Generals Slocum and Smith were sent with 
their brigades along the slopes under the first range of hills occupied by 
the enemy. Thus they were attacked both in front and in flank. The 
chief ground in dispute was four times lost and four times taken. But 
fortune favored the brave at last, the foe gave way, retired, and left the 
position in possession of the Federal heroes. Such were the chief inci- 
dents connected with this great battle on the right wing. It had extended 
over the space of a mile and a-half, and had presented one of the most 
desperate scenes of combat which the pages of history, so prolific in 
martial and sanguinary horrors, exhibit. 

The operations of General Burnside on the left wing were neither so 
prompt nor so vigorous as those of General Hooker. He entered into the 
engagement cautiously. Until three o'clock in the day little had been 
done. His movements were not made in concert with those of the rest of 



346 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UXITED STATES. 

the army, but were prudent, detached, and fragmentary. At four o'clock, 
General McClellan, who superintended from an eminence in the centre of 
his lines the operations of every part of his army, sent an order to Gen- 
eral Burnside, who had at last carried the bridge in front of his position, 
through the desperate gallantry of the fifty-first Pennsylvania, and fifty- 
first New York, to advance and get possession of the Rebel batteries 
before him at all hazards. The order was obeyed with the utmost spirit 
and gallantry. Burnside advanced toward the batteries of the enemy 
with rapidity, and rushed up the hill-sides. As he proceeded bis guns 
opened upon the foe. The infantry, toiling up long and narrow lanes, 
over broad and deep recesses, swarmed toward the elevated and formida- 
ble position of the foe, with the spirit of men who were resolved to tri- 
umph. After an assault and a recoil the intrenched hill was taken, and 
the Rebels retired from it. But Burnside could not retain what he had 
gained. The Rebel hosts were now sent against him in immense masses. 
Their fresh battle-line soon appeared on the summits of the higher hills 
above him, moving swiftly down toward his column. As they descended 
he saluted them with fearful discharges of his artillery. Wide spaces ap- 
peared here and there in their ranks, where the balls had ploughed their 
bloody way through them ; but they were filled up instantly with mar- 
velous and masterly promptitude, and the avalanche steadily approached. 
Then came the shock of battle. The left of the Rebel host recoiled from 
the troops of Burnside, who were drawn up in solid column. That part 
of their line gave way, and scattered over the field. But soon the Fed- 
erals were outnumbered and outflanked by an exhaustless deluge of troops, 
which the Rebel generals hurled upon them. In this critical moment of 
despair and agony, Burnside despatched a messenger to McClellan be- 
seeching for help. There were fifteen thousand men belonging to Fitz 
John Porter's division, who had as yet taken no part in the battle. These 
were the reserves. They were eager to enter the fight; but they must 
not be used, except in the last extremity. McClellan therefore sent a reply 
to Burnside to the effect that he must retain his ground at all hazards 
half an hour longer, until dark ; that if he could not possibly do that, he 
must at lea.st hold the bridge to the loss of his last man ; that he had no 
infantry to spare him, but that he would send him Miller's battery. Burn- 
side exerted every nerve to execute this injunction. His men did succeed 
by desperate efforts in holding their position in front of the bridge. The 
artillery in the centre continued to play with effect upon the columns of 
the enemy. At length darkness descended upon the horrible scene. The 
firing gradually ceased over the whole field. Thus the day closed inde- 
cisively. It was a drawn battle. On the one hand, the enemy had not 
been driven from the position which they held when the engagement 
began. On the other, the Federals had not been compelled to retire be- 
yond the Antietam. So uncertain was the result, that the Federal gen- 



>'f^-;' 



,«<■{«; 
















SKETCHES OF GENERALS HOOKER AND SUMNER. 347 

erals confidently anticipated a renewal of tbe engagement on the following 
day. But during the night the Eebel army abandoned their position ; 
continued their retreat toward the Potomac ; afterward crossed it without 
any difficulty or interruption ; and thus ended their far-famed excursion 
into the State of Maryland. They doubtless thought that the sacrifices 
involved in another conflict would be so heavy as not to be compensated 
for by any advantage to their cause which might result from it. 

The most distinguishedheroes of this great battle were Generals Burnside, 
Hooker, and Sumner. The first we have sketched in the preceding part of 
this volume. General Joseph Hooker was a native of Massachusetts, and 
born in 1816. He entered West Point in 1833, and graduated with credit 
in 1837, after which he was appointed second lieutenant of artillery. His 
promotion was steady and rapid. In February, 1838, he became assistant 
commissary of subsistence, attained the rank of first lieutenant, and after- 
ward that of regimental adjutant. During the Mexican war he displayed 
those superior qualities as a soldier which he has since exhibited in a 
higher sphere. At Monterey, and at Chapultepec, he greatly distinguished 
himself, and was breveted lieutenant-colonel. After the termination of 
the war with Mexico be withdrew from the service, went to California, 
and engaged in commercial and agricultural pursuits. When the Rebel- 
lion commenced he immediately tendered his services to his country. 
These were promptly accepted, and in May, 1861, he was appointed 
brigadier-general of volunteers. He then joined the army of the Potomac, 
and shared its checkered fortunes. At a later period he was placed in 
command of a division, and was stationed in South Maryland. When 
the army of the Potomac proceeded to the Peninsula on its march toward 
Richmond, he accompanied it in command of a division. He fought with 
great skill and gallantry in all the memorable scenes connected with that 
disastrous yet glorious expedition. He displayed equal energy and hero- 
ism in the battles which were afterwards fought by the army of Virginia 
under General Pope. His brilliant career was continued at South Moun- 
tain and Antietam. He was rewarded for his eminent services by pro- 
motion to a major-generalship of volunteers, in July, 1862, and was made 
a brigadier-general of the regular army in September of the same year. 

General Edwin V. Sumner was also a native of Massachusetts, and was 
born in Boston, in 1796. He entered the regular service of the United 
States as second lieutenant of the second United States infantry, in March, 
1819. His promotion in the military hierarchy was steady, being made 
first lieutenant in July, 1823, assistant commissary of subsistence in June, 
1827, captain of dragoons in March, 1833, and major of dragoons in June, 
1816. He served during the Mexican war in Colonel Harney's regiment, 
and behaved with distinguished gallantry at Medelin, Cerro Gordo, 
Molino del Rey, and Churubusco, for which he was breveted lieutenant- 
colonel, and afterward colonel. After the termination of the Mexican 



348 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

war he served in the department of New Mexico, and subsequently in the 
West, against the Cheyenne Indians. He enacted a prominent and hon- 
orable part in the events which transpired in Kansas, and was commandant 
of Fort Leavenworth during the troubled period of 1856. He distin- 
guished himself by his efforts to heal the rancorous enmities which then 
distracted and divided the citizens of that community. He was selected 
by General Scott to accompany President Lincoln from Springfield to 
Washington, previous to his inauguration. In March, 1861, he was pro- 
moted to the rank of brigadier-general in the regular army, and received 
the command of a division. When the army of the Potomac was divided 
into corps, he was appointed commander of the second, containing the 
divisions of Generals Blenker, Sedgwick, and Richard.son. He bore a 
prominent part in all the bloody engagements which took place in the Penin- 
sula. In July, 1862, he was made major-general of volunteers, as the 
well merited reward of a long life spent in the service of his country. 
During his whole career his character had always been adorned bv the 
best and noblest qualities of the soldier and the patriot. This valuable 
officer died at Syracuse, New York, of congestion of the lungs, on the 
21st of March, 1863, while on his way to supersede General Curtis in the 
command of the T^epartmcnt of the Southwest. 

The Federal loss in the battle of Antietam was two thousand and ten 
killed, nine thousand four hundred and sixteen wounded, and one thou- 
sand and fort^'-Uiree missing. The Rebel loss, as derived from the official 
reports of General Lee, was fourteen thousand in killed, wounded and 
missing. In these great battles, the bravery and endurance of the men, 
the skill and heroism of the generals, were remarkable, on both sides- 
At Antietam the .struggle was as fierce and sanguinary as any which had 
occurred during the progress of the war. But its results were of little 
consequence or benefit to cither party. The enemy were not intercepted 
in their escape over the Potomac, which should have been the chief pur- 
jiose for which the calamities and perils of the engagement had been en- 
dured ; while on the other hand, they had failed to obtain a foothold or to 
secure any influence in that State, whicli the tender and partial genius of 
Rebel minstrelsy had rendered renowned as " Maryland, my Maryland 1" 

On the I4th of September a spirited engagement took place at Mun- 
fordsville, Kentucky, between tlie Rebel trooj)s under Generals Buckner 
and Cheatham, of Bragg's army, and the Federal forces posted there. On 
the preceding Friday they had marched from Glasgow northward, with 
the apparent intention of attacking General Rousseau, who was posted 
with a portion of Buell's army at Woodland. Leaving Cheatham in that 
vicinity, Buckner proceeded toward Munfordsville to attack Colonel 
Wilder's position. Skirmishing began at three o'clock on the morning 
of the day designated. The Federal pickets were driven in, and at five 
o'clock the enemy opened the engagement by a rapid and well sustained 



BATTLE AT MUNPORDSVILLB, KENTUCKY. 349 

fire of musketr}'- upon the Federal troops, from the cover of the adjacent 
woods and batteries. 

The attack of the Eebels was received and repelled with firmness and 
vigor by the Federal troops, especially by those on the left wing. A bat- 
tery which they planted in that part of the field was soon disabled, and 
they withdrew in confusion. But the right wing of the enemy was partly 
protected by a breastwork of fallen timber, and frona that point their 
operations were more successful. They maintained a destructive fire 
from this position during some hours. Meanwhile, their line on the left 
was again brought forward, and the attack renewed from a better situation 
near the Woodsonville turnpike. An hour was occupied by the enemy 
in effecting these new dispositions. When all was ready the Eebels 
again advanced, and made an attack of unusual determination, chiefly 
on the Federal right wing. Conspicuous in this movement were a Mis- 
sissippi and Georgia regiment, both of which greatly distinguished them- 
selves by. their reckless and ferocious daring. The Colonel of the one, 
and the Major of the other, were slain during the assault. They broke 
and fled, after being completely riddled by the artillery fire, whose balls 
passed th rough- and-th rough their crowded ranks. As soon as the retreat 
of this part of the Rebel force was discovered, the gallant Indiana troops, 
who were the victors, sprang over the trenches and started in the pursuit. 
They were encouraged in this bold deed by the voice and the example of 
Major Abbot, of the sixty-seventh Indiana, who led the way. During 
this charge he was slain by a rifle-shot sent from the woods as a parting 
salute by the retreating foe. 

The Rebel troops on their right wing advanced after their first repulse 
in admirable order. As they approached, they fell into a double-quick 
and rushed at the iotrenchments with loud cheers, in spite of the hail- 
storm of musketry which thinned their ranks. On the breastworks the 
most desperate struggle took place. It seemed the turning point of the 
battle. After a contest of some duration the valor of the Federal heroes 
prevailed ; the assailants recoiled, and they eventually fled in disorder 
from that portion of the field. But the battle was not yet ended. After 
the repulse of the 14th the enemy sent in a flag of truce, again demanding 
that Colonel Wilder should surrender, and stating the force they had, and 
the near approach of General Bragg's army. Colonel Wilder again de- 
clined peremptorily. He had on that morning received a reinforcement 
of about four hundred men of the fiftieth Indiana. The Rebels next asked 
the privilege of removing their dead and wounded, which was permitted. 
They withdrew that night from the immediate front of the Federal gar- 
rison, who availed themselves of the opportunity to fortify their position 
to the best of their ability. There was no fighting on Monday, the 15th, 
on which day Colonel Dunham, of the fiftieth Indiana, being the ranking 
officer, took command, and further reinforcements to the number of about 



350 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

one thousand men came up. On Tuesday morning, about nine and a-balf 
A.M., the Eebels renewed the attack, having been reinforced bj one entire 
wing of Bragg'.s army, and a severe battle ensued, lasting till four and a-half 
P.M. Soon after General Bragg himself sent a flag of truce demanding their 
surrender, and though Colonel Dunham at first declined, yet finding him- 
self surrounded by a force of twenty-five thousand Rebels, with sixty pieces 
of artillery, he asked a suspension of hostilities, which finally eventuated 
in his surrender, with all the honors of war. The Union loss in this en- 
gagement was about thirty-seven killed and wounded, and nearly three 
thousand one hundred prisoners. The Rebel loss was nearly one thousand 
killed and wounded. 

At the same time General Morgan evacuated Cumberland gap. On the 
18th a fight took place near Cave City, in Kentucky, between a portion 
of Buell's army and a portion of General Bragg's. The former attacked 
the rear-guard of the latter, and defeated it. 

On the 6th of September a desperate assault was made by a body of 
Rebel troops upon the Union forces posted at Washington, North Carolina. 
The former were commanded by General Martin, the latter by Colonel 
Potter. The enemy made the attack upon the Federal intrench ments at 
an early hour in the morning, with the hope of taking the occupants by 
surprise. Their object was to destroy the works, to burn the town of 
Washington, to murder the North Carolinians whom they might find 
under arms in the Federal service, and to carry away as captives the 
most prominent loyal citizens. An accident prevented their success. It 
happened that a portion of the Federal troops had been ordered under 
arms before daylight, on that very day, and was preparing to depart on 
an expedition. Had this not been the case, it is probable that the whole 
Federal force would have been taken by surprise, and disastrous results 
would have ensued. 

The advance of the Rebel troops consisted of four hundred cavalry. 
These rushed through the main street of the town of Washington, and 
succeeded in passing some of the batteries unharmed. At the other end 
of the town they were met and attacked by a portion of the third New York 
cavalry, under Captain Gerrard. A confused struggle ensued, which, in 
consequence of the fog and the darkness which still prevailed, amounted 
to nothing. But the noise of the concussion aroused the whole Federal 
force. Additional troops now advanced, and charged upon the enemy in 
the streets of the town. Some North Carolina volunteers, a portion of the 
twenty-fourth Massachusetts, and a part of the third New York artillery, 
charged manfully upon the foe. In this encounter Colonel Potter had his 
horse shot under him. At length a portion of the streets was cleared of 
the Rebels, and the colonel then requested the commander of the gun- 
boat Louisiana, which opportunely lay in the river, to shell that portion 
of the town which was still held by the enemy. Soon a storm of grape 



THE PRESIDENT'S PROCLAMATION OF SEPTEMBER, 1862. 351 

and canister overwhelmed that locality, and the Rebels who were congre- 
gated there, the result of which was to compel them to take refuge be- 
hind houses, and to disperse ia various directions. Several buildings were 
destroyed by the deadly missiles; but the assistance of the gunboat was 
very important to the land forces. 

After the engagement had continued four hours, the enemy failed at all 
points, and were driven from the town and the intrenchments. Their as- 
sault had been signally repulsed. They were pursued the distance of 
eight miles by Captain Murphy, with a squadron of cavalry. The attack- 
ing troops numbered about a thousand men. The Federals did not ex- 
ceed five hundred. They had been placed there to man Fort Washington. 
The chief misfortune of the day to the Federal side was the accidental 
explosion of the gunboat Picket, which lay in the stream above the town. 
She mounted a thirty-two pound rifled Parrott gun and a twenty-four pound 
howitzer. The cause of the explosion, though doubtless accidental, was 
never accurately ascertained. Its effects were melancholy. Nineteen 
persons were instantly killed, including Captain Nichols, the commander, 
and eight men were severely wounded. Ten only of the crew escaped 
uninjured. The vessel became a total wreck, and the surface of the stream 
was soon covered with the floating bodies and torn fragments of the un- 
happy victims of the disaster. 

On the same day, the 6th of September, the Rebel General Bragg ad- 
vanced upon Nashville ; the Federal gunboats shelled Hamlet, Mississippi'; 
and the Rebel army of Virginia, under General R. E. Lee, crossed into 
Maryland, and occupied Darnestowu, Frederick, and Poolesville. 

From the everlasting monotony which characterizes the details of the 
battles, slaughters, and sieges which necessarily form so prominent a fea- 
ture in the annals of this extraordinary war, we turn with pleasure to 
notice a civil and pacific aspect of it which now demands our attention. 

On the 22d of September, 1862, President Lincoln issued a proclama- 
tion which will ever form a landmark in the history of the great Republic. 
It announced his determination to recommend to Congress, at its next 
meeting, the adoption of a practical measure tendering pecuniary aid and 
compensation to all the slave States whose citizens would not then be in 
Rebellion against the Federal Government, and who might then have 
adopted, or who should afterward adopt, the immediate or the gradual 
abolition of slavery within their respective limits; and advising that the 
colonization of free negroes at some distant place on the American conti- 
nent should be continued. This proclamation further announced that the 
President would, on the first of January, 1863, designate those States, 
and parts of States, which were then in Rebellion against the Federal 
Government, and would decree that the slaves of the citizens of such 
Rebel regions should then become free, and that all the slaves of those 
engaged in hostilities against the United States should thenceforth be en- 



352 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

franchised. He also reiterated the details of the several acts of Congress 
of March 13 and July 17, 1862, forbidding the fugitive slaves of Rebels 
•who came within the Federal lines to be restored to their former owners, 
or employing the Federal forces in any way to restore them to their former 
owners* 

These were the chief features of this remarkable proclamation. It in- 
flicted a deadly blow upon slavery, which had been one of the chief causes 
and supports of the Southern Eebellion. It was wise and prudent, when 
viewed either as a simple war measure, as a tribute to the spirit of pure 
humanity, or as a response to the loud, fervent, and enlightened require- 
ments of the present age. And although it cannot with truth be affirmed 
that the original and legitimate purpo.se, in the commencement of hostilities, 
on the part of the Federal Government, was the abolition of slavery as 
such, yet it must be admitted that the measures thus recommended by the 
President had become desirable, perhaps they had even become indis- 
pensable, to the subjugation of the revolting States, and to the restoration 
of^the dissevered Union. 

To assist in the accomplishment of this result, the President issued 
another proclamation on the 24th of September, 1862, by which he en- 
acted, that during the existence of the "insurrection," all Rebels and in- 
surgents, their aiders and abettors, within the limits of the United States, 
and all persons who should discourage volunteer enlistments, or resist the 
militia drafts, or be guilty of any other disloyal practices against the 
authority of the Federal Government, should be thenceforth subject to 
martial law, and be tried and punished by courts-martial or military com- 
missions. In the same proclamation he ordained that the writ of habeas 
corpus should be suspended in respect to all per.soas who should be ar- 
rested for these causes during the continuance of the Rebellion, and were 
imprisoned by any military authority, by the sentence of any court-mar- 
tial, or by the decree of any military commission. 

*See Appendix. 



VICTORY OF THE FEDERAL FORCES AT lUKA. 353 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

THE BATTLE AT lUKA — DISPOSITIONS MADE BY GENERAL GRANT — INCIDENTS OF THE SNOASE- 
MENT — VICTORY OF THE FEDERAL TROOPS — REBELS REPULSED AT BOONSBOROUGH — CON"- 
VENTION OF THE GOVERNORS OF LOYAL STATES AT ALTOONA, PENNSYLVANIA — THEIR 
ADDRESS TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN — HIS REPLY — PROPOSAL OP PEACE DISCUSSED IN THE 
CONFEDERATE CON(!RESS — ARGUMENT OF MR. FOOTF. — FATE OF THE PROPOSITION — BATTLE 

OF AUGUSTA, KENTUCKY ENGAGEMENT AT CORINTH, MISSISSIPPI POSITION OF THE REBELS 

FIRST day's FIGHTING INCIDENTS OF THE SECOND DAY DESPERATE CHARGES MADE BT 

THE REBELS — THEIR FINAL DEFEAT AND FLIGHT — SKETCH OF MAJOR-GENERAL BOSECRANS 

— INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA BY THE REBEL GENERAL STUART HIS ROUTE — INCIDENTS 

WHICH OCCURRED AT CHAMBF.RSBURG— STUART's SAFE RETURN TO VIRGINIA — SKIRMISHES 
ON THE POTOMAC — RESULTS OF HIS RAID. 

On the 19th of September, 1862, General Rosecrans gained a brilliant 
victory over the Rebel forces under Sterling Price, at the village of luka, 
in Mississippi. The latter had left Tupelo, with about twenty thousand 
men, for the purpose of crossing the Tennessee river at Muscle Shoals, 
and forming a junction with General Bragg. General Grant, the com- 
mander of the Federal forces in that vicinity, having obtained information 
of the movements of the enemy, determined if possible to defeat them. 
For this purpose, he despatched Rosecrans with a body of troops, twenty 
thousand strong, to Rienzi. General Ord was sent with another toward 
luka, while his own army retained its position at Corinth. By this ar- 
rangement, the enemy would be enclosed within the lines of a triangle, 
and his escape would be rendered difficult if the plan adopted by the 
Federal commander were vigorously executed. 

General Rosecrans reached Rienzi promptly. But Price, having de- 
tected the snare which had been laid for him, adroitly evaded it by 
diverging from his right line of march, and advanced diagonally across 
the country toward luka. Of this unexpected movement, Rosecrans also 
obtained speedy information, which enabled him to pursue the foe. He 
reached Tuka, after marching twenty miles, at the moment the vanguard 
of the Rebels were evacuating it. Though his men were exhausted by a 
long and rapid mtirch, he continued the pursuit, and overtook the enemy 
two miles beyond the town. Skirmishing immediately began between the 
hostile forces ; but as the darkness of night soon spread over the scene 
the decisive engagement was, by a mutual impulse, reserved until tVie 
next morning. The two armies reposed in sight of each other during the 
night, and with the early dawn they resumed the contest. The Rebels 
had taken an admirable position. But Rosecrans arranged his troops so 
as partially to surround them. General Hamilton commanded his ri^ht 
wing ; General Stanley his left; he himself led the centre. The fighM:g 
23 



tbi THE Civil. WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

continued with desperate energy and with changing vicissitudes until 
about twelve o'clock. At one time, the enemy made a resolute charge, 
and cut their way through the eleventh Missouri, and the twenty -seventh 
Illinois. It was here that the Federal loss was the heaviest. But the 
admirable effect of the Federal artillery broke their victorious tide ; and 
having thus failed in their most determined effort, the Ecbel lines gradu- 
ally gave way, broke, and a general retreat ensued. The enemy were 
j)ursued for some distance, but they succeeded, with the loss of three hun- 
dred prisoners, and five hundred killed and wounded, in making good 
their escape. The Federal loss was also heavy, being three hundred and 
fifty killed and wounded. 

On the same day, the 20th of September, the fortunes of war wereagain 
adverse to the Confederate cause at Boonsborough, Kentucky ; though 
the number of men engaged, and the results of the combat, were not of 
sufBcient importance to require a more particular notice. 

On the 24th of this month, an unusual convention of the Governors of 
all the loyal States took place at Altoona, Pennsylvania. Their deliber- 
ations were secret, but they finally adopted an address to the President of 
the United States, which they afterward presented to him in person at 
the Federal capital. That address contained an expression of sincere per 
sonal and oflScial respect for the Chief Executive. It tendered a pledge 
that, under all circumstances, they would support his constitutional au- 
thority throughout their respective States. It offered him their assistance 
in all measures calculated to bring the war to such a speedy termination, 
as should lead to victory, and the return of the Rebel's to their obedience 
to the Federal Government. It also congratulated the President upon his 
" Emancipation proclamation," and expressed the conviction that it would 
be productive of the most beneficial results. It concluded with bestowing 
well deserved praise upon the services rendered by the Federal soldiers 
in the field, and of sympathy with their sufferings. The President re- 
ceived the Governors with great courtesy. His reply, however, was brief, 
lie thanked them for what they had done, and for what they promised to 
do, in support of the Federal Government. He was greatly encouraged 
by the approval which they had expressed of his proclamation respecting 
the abolition of slavery. He promised to give the suggestions which 
their address contained his serious attention, and would follow them as 
far as the interests of the Union and his sense of duty permitted. After 
the oflioial interview terminated, an informal conversation ensued between 
the Governors and the President, of the most cordial and harmonious 
character. The effect produced upon the public mind, by this spontane- 
ous movement of the chief executives of so many States, was extremely 
beneficial in its influence upon the further prosecution of the war against 
the armed enemies of the Federal Union. 

It was at tliis period that an incident occurred in the Confederate Con- 



PEACE PROPOSITION IX THE REBEL C0X<;K1->S. 355 

gress, then in session at Riclimond, which deserves notice. It was the 
introduction of a resolution by Mr. Foots, of Tennessee, to the following 
effect: " Resolved by the Congress of the Confederate States of America, 
That the signal success with which Divine Providence has so continually 
blessed our arms, for several months past, would fully justify the Confed- 
erate Government in despatching a commissioner or commissioners to the 
Government at "Washington city, empowered to propose the terms of a 
just and honorable peace." This proposition for peace was advocated by 
Mr. Foote with ability ; and its author exhibited unusual boldness in 
bringing it forward at that crisis of the Rebellion. But the arguments 
with which he advocated its adoption formed a singular medley of shrewd- 
ness, prejudice, and folly. He began by asserting that he entertained 
little hope that the insolent and cruel enemy of the Confederate States, the 
Federal Government, would listen to the proposition with favor. Nor 
had he any confidence in the wisdom, sagacity, or true manliness of Mr. 
Lincoln and his deluded Cabinet. He was aware that those functionaries 
had been spurred on ever since their commencement of hostilities at Fort 
Sumter, by a numerous host of infuriated fanatics and unscrupulous dem- 
agogues, until they had almost reached the lowest depths of hopelessness 
and ruin; nor had he any confidence that the weak and vacillating Fed- 
eral Executive at AVashington possessed sufficient moral courage to re- 
ceive the commissioners of the Confederate Congress if they should be sent 
thither. Nevertheless, there were reasotis which strongly commended the 
adoption of the measure. If the Federal authorities should madly reject 
the tenders of a just and honorable peace which should thus be made to 
them, all the responsibility of a continuance of bloodshed, and of the un- 
speakable horrors which would attend the prosecution of the war, would 
be accumulated on their heads. The civilized world would hold them 
alone accountable for their infliction. On the other hand, the Confederate 
Government would be exculpated. The Confederate soldiers would be 
justified in using still more determined and unrelenting efforts to crush 
the power of the common enemy. Moreover, the armies of the Confederate 
States had uniformly been the victors in the contest thus far. They had 
driven the vandals of the North with irresistible energy and with match- 
less valor from their confines. The Federal Government and its armies 
had been humbled on every battle-field. " Such a succession of brilliant 
and decisive triumphs," said Mr. Foote, "had never heretofore adorned 
the pages of history." Therefore it was the part of a sublime magnanimity 
in them, as conquerors, to tender the olive branch to their humbled and 
enervated foes. Notwithstanding these potent arguments, and these 
glowing appeals, the Confederate Congress was either so stupid or so wise 
as to vote down the proposition, by an overwhelming majority. 

The town of Augusta, Kentucky, was the scene of a spirited contest, 
on the 27th of September, between six hundred mounted Rebels under 



3ri6 T71V: CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATKS. 

Colonel Morgan, anil a small Union force of a hundred and twenty infan- 
trj under Colonel Bradford, who were posted at that place. The latter 
mnintained the fight with heroism until they were overpowered by the 
superior numbers of the enemy. They were eventually compelled to sur- 
render, but before -doing so they had set their fatal mark on the ranks 
of the enemy. A large number of Rebels were slain, among whom was 
Lieutenant-Colonel Prentice, a son of the patriotic George D. Prentice, 
of Louisville. The Federal loss was nine killed and fifteen wounded. 
That of the enemy was seventy-five in killed, wounded, and missing. 
A portion of the town was burnt during the progress of the engagement. 

The next scene in this grand martial drama ■which demands our atten- 
tion, occurred at Corinth, in Mississippi. A desperate battle was fought 
in its vicinity on the 3d and 4th of October, 1862. The Rebel force, 
numbering about thirty-five thousand- men, was commanded by Generals 
Van Dorn Price, and Villipigue. The Federal troops were led on by Gen- 
eral Rosecran.s, the hero of luka. The right wing of the enemy rested on 
the Chevalla road, their left on the Mobile and Ohio railroad, their centre 
on the space between them. Early in the morning t)f the 3d the pickets 
of the two armies commenced to skirmi-sh. They were gradually rein- 
forced, until the engagement became general. This part of the contest 
took place a mile and a half from the redoubts occupied by the Union 
troops ; but the nature of the ground, which was covered with heavy 
timber, preventeil the use of the heavy guns. The day was spent in 
irregular and fragmentary charges and repulses on both sides, in which 
the advantage was generally obtained by the Rebels. The undergrowth 
of wood being very dense inter/ered materially with the operations of the 
troops. During the day the enemy succeeded in outflanking the Federal 
right wing, by which operation the Federal troops in that part of the line 
were compelled to give way. Subsequently, however, the line was re- 
formed, a charge was made by the seventeenth Wisconsin and Baldwin's 
brigade, by w|iich the Rebels were driven back half a mile. Some pieces 
of artillery which had been lost were recaptured. 

Thus ended the operations of the first day. The armies then took their 
several positions for the night. They proceeded leisurely to light their 
camp-fires, to cook their rations, to take their rest, in close and quiet 
proximity to each other, as if they had not but an hour before been en- 
gaged in mortal combat, and as if they did not intend to resume the 
strngfrle on the following day. At half-past three o'clock on the morning 
of the 4th the battle was promptly commenced by Lieutenant H. C. 
Robinet, of the first United States infantry, with his battery of siege 
guns. The -enemy, who had planted some cannon during the night in an 
appropriate position, as promptly responded. This e.vchange of shots 
continued until .six o'clock, when an enfilading fire was commenced upon 
the enemy by several additional batteriee, which compelled them to aban- 




WATCPS SOK N 1 



DEFEAT OF THE REBELS AT CORINTH. 357 

doa their position. A portion of the eightj-third Ohio captured a num- 
ber of the Rebel caissons. Some of Robinet's men obtained possession of 
a splendid battery of James's rifled cannon. The tiiirty-ninth Ohio re- 
covered t,wo Parrott guns which the Federals had lost on the day befoi-e. 
At ten o'clock the enemy prepared to make a determined charge upon the 
Federal redoubts. They were led forward in t^his desperate undertaking 
by General Eodgers. During their advance the Federal artillery madu 
fearful havoc in their columns. One huge shell exploded in the midst of 
their solid ranks, and instantly placed thirty men hors du comhat. A 
deluge of grape and canister from the Federal guns in their front and on 
their left could not dampen their intense ardor. They still pressed foiv 
ward. They at length entered the streets of the town. Then ensued a 
ferocious struggle. The Rebels seemed determined to get possession of 
the Robinet battery, which had already inflicted such heavy damage upon 
them. The acquisition of that prize would doubtless have decided tbe 
issue of the day. It would have secured them at least the permanent oc- 
cupation of the place. This, then, was the critical moment of the engage- 
ment. General Rodgers, to whom was entrusted the conduct of the charge 
upon this battery, led his men forward with the greatest gallantry. Tiie 
Federals were equally determined and energetic. Every gun was brought 
to bear upon the advancing columns. Whole ranks crumbled to the 
earth like frost-work before that withering fire. The, vacant spaces were 
instantly filled up, and still the Rebel column steadily advanced. They 
then charged up to the battery. They mounted the parapet. They were 
met by a heroic resistance from a firm wall of dauntless warriors. They 
were compelled to recoil. But they renewed the attempt, and were 
again driven back. After a third still more desperate struggle, they suc- 
ceeded in gaining the outer works. The Rebel banner was quickly 
hoisted from the parapet. It was instantly shot away. Again it was 
raised, and again it was obliterated. For a time, however, the enemy held 
possession of those works. Then came the master-deed of the day. Two 
batteries, those of Williams and Robinet, commenced from opposite points 
to play upon the adventurous Rebels in the position they had won. It 
was such a fire as no body of men could possibly endure. After being- 
slaughtered like sheep for a short time, they abandoned the Federal 
works. So fearful had been that cannonade that they left two hundreil 
and sixty dead bodies behind them in their retreat. As the disordered 
and broken column retired, they were pursued and routed by Colonel 
Mower's regiment. They had lost the greater part of their officers, and 
among them was Colonel Rodgers. At half-past twelve the defeat of 
the Rebels was complete. They retired from Corinth in disorder to their 
former encampment, but General Rosecrans gave them no time for repose. 
He commenced the pursuit, and chased the enemy, whose entire force Hed 
in the direction of Chevalla. Skirmishing and fighting took place during 



858 THK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Sunday between the retreating and pursuing forces. The enemy even- 
tuully effected their escape. They lost an immense quantity of ammuni- 
tion, of guns, and of baggage,- which, with more prisoners than they 
wanted, fell into the hands of the Federal victors. 

General William Starke Eosecrans, the hero of this important victory, 
was born in Delaware county, Ohio, in December, 1819. At the age of 
nineteen he was admitted to West Point, in which institution he graduated 
with honor in 1842. He was third in merit in a class containing fifty-six 
eadets. His first promotion was as assistant to Colonel De Russey at 
Fortress Monroe. In 1843 he officiated as assistant professor of engineer- 
ing at We.st Point. In 1847 he was ordered to Newport, where he took 
charge of the fortilieations, and superintended the construction of a large 
military wharf. In 1858 he completed the survey of the harbors of New 
Bedford, Providence, and the Taunton river. In 1854 he was employed 
by the Government in the Washington navy -yard. In that year he ten- 
dered his resignation to Jefferson Davis, at that time Secretary of War, 
which was, after considerable delay, accepted. He then spent some years 
in Cincinnati, in the capacity of civil engineer and architect. Subse- 
quently, the Legislature of Ohio appointed him chief engineer of that 
Stale. When the Rebellion commenced Governor Dennison conferred on 
him the rank of colonel of the twenty-third regiment of Ohio volunteers. 
Tn June, 1861, Mr. Lincoln nominated him a brigadier-general in the 
regular army. When the army of Western Virginia, under McClellan, 
marched against the foe, Rosecrans commanded a brigade of Ohio and 
Indiana troop.s, and on the 12th of July he fought the battle of Rich 
Mountain. He approached the enemy by cutting a passage, nine miles 
in length, through the dense forest, thereby falling unexpectedly upon 
their rear. After a contest of two hours' duration he defeated the enemy, 
compelled them to flee in disorder, and took their commanding officer, 
General Pegram, prisoner. When General McClellan was summoned 
to Washington, Rosecrans was entrusted with the command of the army 
of Western Virginia. On the 10th of September he routed General 
Floyd at Carnifex ferry, thus clearing the territory of the Kanawha of the 
presence and power of the foe. In March, 1862, he was made a major- 
general of volunteers, and being sent to the southwest, was placed in com- 
mand of the third division of the army of the Mississippi, under the 
superior orders of General Grant. His headquarters were located at 
Corinth. In this last capacity he performed tho.se brilliant achievements 
at luka and Corinth, the 'details of which are contained in the present 
chapter. His career has been one of the most uniformly successful and 
pro.sperous which the history of any Federal commander presents in con- 
nection with the Southern Rebellion. 

It was in August,' 1862, that Robert E. Lee, the commanding general 
of the forces in Virginia, conceived the idea of making a sudden raid into 



INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 35'J 

Pennsylvania, for the purpose of securing plunder. Such excursions are 
doubtless justifiable according to the recognized laws of warfare, but they 
would seem to be beneath the dignity of a great and honorable belligerent. 
General Lee issued his orders to General J. E. B. Stuart, on the 8th of 
October, directing him to proceed with a detachment of about fifteen hun- 
dred cavalry across the Potomac above Williamsport, to leave Hagers- 
town and Greencastle on the right, to proceed to the rear of Chambers- 
burg, and destroy the railroad bridge over the Concocheague, and to inflict 
any other damage upon the Federal community which he might deem de- 
sirable. At the same time. General Lee directed Colonel Imboden to 
make a demonstration with a small force toward Cumberland, for the pur- . 
pose of diverting and distracting the attention of the Union forces. 

In accordance with this order General Stuart started from Darksville 
on his raid, on the '9th of October, accompanied by four pieces of horse 
artillery. He crossed the Potomac at daylight on the morning of the 10th, 
at McCoy's ford, between Williamsport and Hancock. Thence he pro- 
ceeded northward until he reached the great national road running from 
Hagerstown to Hancock. Near this point the Federals had erected a 
signal station, but so sudden and so unexpected was the appearance of 
the enemy that the signal party, their flags and apparatus, were captured, 
together with ten prisoners of war. From this point Stuart proceeded in 
the direction of Mercersburg, which town he reached about noon. At this 
time the news of this singular apparition had spread throughout the sur- 
rounding country, and terror overwhelmed the minds of the inhabitants. 
The enemy did not tarry in Mercersburg, but pressed forward toward 
Chambersburg. It had 'been the intention of Stuart to proceed to Hagers- 
town where immense supplies for the Federal army had been stored. He 
was deterred from carrying out this purpose by the fact that he appre- 
hended the approach and interference of a part of the Union forces, which 
were still detained by McClellan at Antietam. He therefore turned to- 
ward Chambersburg, where bis presence would be wholly unexpected. 
He reached that place on the evening of the 10th. 

As soon as Stuart and his motley, dust-covered force approached Cham- 
bersburg, he despatched an order into the town, demanding its surrender. 
His emissaries were taken to the office of the provost marshal, to whom the 
requirements of the invaders were made known. No other civil or mili- 
tary officer could be found in the town — none who would admit that they 
possessed the honors and responsibilities of office. The terms offered by 
General Stuart were an immediate surrender of the place, and a threat 
that if any resistance was offered " it would be shelled in three minutes." 
Several prominent citizens then came forward, assumed the responsibility 
of acting in behalf of the terrified inhabitants, proceeded toward the place 
where General Stuart was, at a short distance from the town, and held an 
interview with the Rebel commander. They admitted that they had no 



SCO THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

means of resistance, and would therefore surrender the place on condition 
that security of persons and property would be guaranteed from the pri- 
vate plunder of the invaders. These conditions being agreed to, the 
Rebels entered the town. Each soldier led one or two horses, whif.h he 
had already stolen. They distributed themselves up and down the streets 
and lanes, breaking open the stables, and taking from them all the good 
horses they could find. They then proceeded through the adjacent coun 
try, entered the barns of the farmers, took from them their horses, together 
with as much forage as they could carry. In the town they entered sev- 
eral stores, and plundered them of clothing. In one of the warehouses 
they secured a large q.uantity of government clothing. In such enter- 
prising activity they spent the night. On the following morning at nine 
o'clock they fired the machine shops and warehouses of the Valley rail- 
road. These were exploded or destroyed, after which the unwelcome 
visitors departed in the direction of the South Mountain. They had en- 
tered the bank during their visit, but the funds had been previously re- 
moved, so that they were disappointed in regard to the acquisition of 
money. They cut all the telegraph wires. They paroled about two hun- 
dred and seventy-five sick and wounded soldiers, who were in the hos- 
pital. The route they took on their return was toward Leesburg. But 
this purpose Stuart disguised from the loyal community by commencing 
his return on a false route. . They proceeded at first toward Gettysburg, 
in Adams county, and having crossed the Blue Ridge, turned back toward 
Hagerstown for six or eight miles, then diverged toward Emmettsburg, 
and took the direct road toward Frederick. Before reaching Frederick 
they crossed the Monocacy, and marching all night, passed tli rough Lib- 
erty, New Market, and Monrovia, on the Baltimore railroad. At Hayatts- 
town they captured a i'ew of McClellan's wagons. Thence they proceeded 
toward Poolesville. Before reaching that place they encountered a de- 
tachment of Federal cavalry under General Pleasonton, who had been 
sent out to confront them. He crossed the Monocacy with portions of the 
eighth Illinois, the third Indiana, and two guns of Remington's battery. 
Several miles from the ford where they cros.sed the stream they encoun- 
tered the foe. A brisk engagement ensued. A duel followed between 
the artillery of the two forces. Several of the guns of the enemy were 
]iostC(l at Wliite's ford. While the contest progressed between tlie artillery 
the main body of the Rebels retired toward the Potomac. They eventu- 
ally crossed the river at that place without difliculty or opposition. Gen 
eral Pleasonton's force, which was only five hundred strong, was too small 
to be able to make any effectual resistance to their movements. During 
the whole expedition the Rebels did not lose a single man, though a few 
of them were wounded. The adventure proved a complete success on 
their part, and gave ample evidence of the energy, sagacity, and vigor 
which characterized both the officers and the men concerned in it. 



FEDERAL VICTORY AT LATERGNE, TENNESSEE. 361 



CHAPTEE XXXII. 

ItfB FEDERAL TICTORT AT LAVERONE, TENNESSEE — GENERAL NEGLET — BATTLE ON THE 
HATCHIE RITER— EXPEDITION OF GENERAL BHANNAN UP THE ST. JOHN's RIVER — ITS 
RF.SULTS — THE BATTLE OP PBRRYVILLE — HEROISM OP GENERAL ROUSSEAU — INCIDENTS 
OF THIS ENGAGEMENT — ITS CONSEQUENCES— FINAL ESCAPE OF GENERAL BRAGG AND HIS 
ARMY FROM KENTUCKY — INEFFICIENCY OF GENERAL BUELL — HIS REMOVAL FROM THE 
COMMAND OF THE ARMY OP THE OHIO — APPOINTMENT OF GENERAL ROSECRANS AS HIS 
SUCCESSOR — FRUITS OP GENERAL BRAGG's INVASION OF KENTUCKY — SUMMARY VIEW OF 
MINOR EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER, 1862. 

A BRILLIANT and successful movement was made on the 7th" of 
October, 1862, by orddr of General James Negley, upon-a detachment of 
the enemy posted at Lavergne, near Nashville, commanded by General 
Samuel Anderson, by which their camp was completely broken up. 
The expedition was placed under the direction of Colonels Palmer and 
Miller. The Federal force amounted to about five thousand men. Those 
led by Palmer approached Lavergne by the Murfreesboro road ; those 
under Miller took a route on the left of the railroad. As soon as they 
arrived in the vicinity of the Rebel camp, they were promptly attacked 
by the foe, who attempted to outflank them, by concentrating th§ thirty- 
second Alabama on their right. A shot from the Federal guns fortu- 
[ I nately entered the powder magazine of the Confederates, and exploded 
it. This unexpected catastrophe very materially confused and damaged 
them. Meanwhile the struggle continued with increasing fury. The 
operations of the Alabama regiment were valiantly confronted by the 
force under Colonel Miller. The seventy-eighth Pennsylvania assisted in 
a vigorous charge upon them, and compelled them to give way. They 
formed again, and made in turn a cavalry charge upon this regiment. 
But they' met so destructive a volley of musketry, that they quickly 
broke and fled. They were pursued, and the thirty-second Alabama 
threw down their arms. The Federal artillery continued to keep up the 
assault upon the position of the enemy with great energy, and the Rebel 
cavalry were unable to stand before it. They fled in confusion until they 
reached the cover of the woods. The fourteenth Michigan and the 
twenty-first Ohio took a large number of prisoners. During the day 
General Negley, apprehending that his troops might need reinforcements 
marched out from Nashville with three regiments and a battery. But 
before his arrival a decisive victory had already been gained. The 
enemy had fled in confusion from their position, leaving their camp in 
♦Be possession of the victors. The latter captured one gun, four hundred 
email arms, a regimental color, fifty-six loads of flour, and a large 



863 THE CIVIL WAK IX TEE UNITED STATES. 

an^ount of other provisions. The Federal loss was five killed, nine 
wounded, four missing. The Rebel loss was about thirty killed and 
eighty wounded. The number of prisoners taken was three hundred, 
including two colonels, Langford and Maury, with a squad of inferior 
officers. 

The brilliant victorv of Rosecrans at Corinth was followed, on the 5th 
of October, by the rout of the rebels on the Hatchie, in Mississippi, which 
was achieved by a portion of the same forces who had distinguished 
themselves at Corinth. The troops of the enemy engaged on this occa- 
sion consisted of two army corps, commanded by Van Dorn and Price, 
and comprised fifty-six regiments of infantry and three thousand cavalry, 
which amounted to at least thirty thousand men. The Federal force 
engaged was about equal in number, and consisted of the divisions com- 
manded by Generals Ord and Ilurlbut. These officers had been directed 
to pursue the Rebels as they returned from Corinth. In executing this 
order they overtook a portion of their columns near the Hatchie river. 
Skirmishing took place on the 4th, but the Federal forces had on that 
day marched twenty-four miles in the excessive heat and dust, and the 
chief attack was postponed until the n*xt day. The enemy intrenched 
themselves during the interval witli considerable skill. Early on the 
morning of the 6th, the Federals commenced to move. The. fourteenth 
Illinois and the twenty-eighth Indiana were thrown forward as skir- 
mishers. At nine o'clock the first serious encounter took place. It was 
to obtain possession of a hill, whose gentle slopes stretched nearly a mile 
to the bridge which spanned the stream. The Rebels had planted a 
battery in front of this bridge to protect their infantry as they advanced. 
These guns were responded to by Bolton's battery. The enemy then 
attempted with their infantry to outflank the Federal right wing; but 
this purpose was defeated by the effi^ctive fire of Burnap's battery, and 
by the expert marksmen of the infantry, which broke the advancing 
line of the enemy, routed them, and threw them into such confusion that 
they retired wholly from the field. 

And now all the troops on both sides, excepting those ju.st referred to, 
joined in battle. General Veatch commanded the first line of the 
Federal forces with great gallantry. His men were quickly engaged 
with those whom the enemy had thrown across the bridge. A des- 
perate contest here ensued, w-hich lasted twenty minutes, after which 
four hundred Rebels threw down their arms and surrendered. At the 
same time hundreds of them fled to the river, plunged in, and swam to 
the opposite shore. In this contest Colonel Davis, of the forty-sixth 
Illinois, was severely wounded. While this operation was progressing, 
General Hurlbut was bringing forward the remainder of the Federal 
forces to the charge. These all pressed forward toward the bridge, driv^ 
ing the enemy before them. The latter were soon compelled to cross 



EXPEDITION UP THE ST. JOHN'S BIVER. 363 

The Federals promptly followed. The twenty-fifth and fifty-third In- 
diana, the fourteenth and fifteenth Illinois, began the passage, amid a 
deluge of canister and grape-shot, which swept the bridge. Nothing, 
however, could dampen their ardor, though many fell in that desperate 
charge. The twenty-fifth Indiana, led by Colonel Morgan, was the first 
to gain the opposite side of the bridge. As soon as these troops, together 
with General Lanman's brigade had passed over, they charged upon the 
enemy with renewed determination. They soon drove them from every 
position which they had taken. The twelfth Michigan, sixty-eighth 
Ohio, and forty-sixth Illinois, fought with unusual determination. The 
Rebels, unable to maintain their position, removed their guns to new 
points in the rear. The Federal batteries were in turn brought forward, 
and the exchange of shot and shell resumed. But soon the guns of the 
enemy were silenced; and at four o'clock they moved off from the scene 
of combat. The Federal cavalry pursued. The Eebels hastened up the 
river six miles to Cram's Mills, whence they continued their flight south- 
ward. The fruits of the victory were four rifled howitzers, a thousand 
stand of arms, and four hundred prisoners. The Federal loss was 
thirty killed and ninety wounded. After this success they continued to 
explore the surrounding country for several days to capture fugitive and 
vagabond Eebels, after which they returned to their camp at Bolivar. 
The routed Eebels pursued their way to Holly Springs, where they formed 
a junction with the troops stationed there under General Pillow. 

During the first week of October, 1862, an expedition was sent out 
from Hilton Head, South Carolina, under the command of General Bran- 
nan, fot the purpose of attacking the Eebel batteries erected at St. John's 
bluff, and any other works which the enemy might have constructed on 
the St. John's river, in Florida. The land forces appropriated to this ser- 
vice numbered sixteen hundred men, and were composed chiefly of Con- 
necticut and Pennsylvania troops. They were conveyed by the trans- 
ports Boston, Cosmopolitan, Neptune, and Ben Deford. The expedition 
was accompanied by the gunboats Paul Jones, Water Witch, Cimerone, 
Hale, Uncas, and Patroon, the last commanded by Captain Charles Steed- 
man. After entering the mouth of St. John's river, several of these boats 
were sent up to the works on the bluff, for the purpose of reconnoitering 
them. But they were soon engaged in a spirited contest with them, 
which developed their real strength. A landing of the troops was subse- 
quently effected at Mayport Mills, near the mouth of the river, and nearly 
forty miles distant from the scene of action. The march over the inter- 
vening country threatened to be one of great difficulty, being intersected 
by numerous swamps and creeks, in consequence of which the troops 
were reembarked, and the infantry were subsequently landed at Buck 
Horn creek. It was found impossible to land the cavalry and artillery at 
that point. Colonel T. H. Good was ordered to proceed with the infantry 



364 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and marine howitzers to the head of Mount Pleasant creek, and there es- 
tablish a position to protect the landing of the cavalry and artillery. This 
movement was effected with skill and success, and on the 3d of OctoV)er 
the whole Federal force was disembarked, and placed in position at the 
head of Mount Pleasant creek, about two miles distant from the Eebel 
works on St. John's blufl". 

The force which the enemy had assembled here consisted of about 
twelve hundred troops, both cavalry and artillery. Their batteries con- 
tained nine heavy pieces of artillery. It was naturally expected that they 
would have made a vigorous resistance. The surprise of the Federal 
officers and men was therefore intense when, having advanced toward the 
works and commenced a regular bombardment of them, no reply was 
made. Their astonishment increased when it was subsequently discovered 
that the fortifications, and the guns in them, had been abandoned by their 
chivalrous defenders. They were instantly taken possession of, the stars 
and stripes unfurled from the flag-staS", and the camps and batteries occu- 
pied by the entire Federal force. The position was found to be one of 
superior strength. The works had Jjeen skilfully constructed. The natural 
advantages of the position wciie great, and they had been improved by 
every appliance of military art. The aftillery was soon placed on board 
the Federal gunboats. The magazi uls in the forts were blown up, and the 
works on the bluff were completely destroyed. 

After this easy and agreeable achievement, the expedition proceeded up 
the St. John's river as far as Jacksonville, for the purpose of overtaking 
the fugitive Rebels. Ilaving arrived at that point, G(^eral Brannan dis- 
covered that not only were there no troops of the enemy in the vicinity, 
but that the town had been deserted by nearly all of its inhabitants. Few 
were left behind but old men and children. A more perfect spectacle of 
desolation than the place presented could not possibly.be conceived. Here 
it was ascertained that the enemy commenced to evacuate their works on 
St. John's bluff immediately after the arrival of the Federal troops at 
Mount Pleasant creek, on the 'Jd of October. On the 6th, General Bran- 
nan was informed that several Eebel steamers had been secreted in a creek 
some distance up the St. John's river. He immediately despatched the 
Darlington, with a hundred men of the forty-seventh Pennsylvania, a 
crew of twenty-five men, and two twenty-four pounders, under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Williams, together with a convoy of gunboats, to se- 
cure them. This party returned to Jacksonville on the 9th, having in tow 
the steamer Governor Milton, which they had captured about thirty 
miles from the town of Enterprise. Subsequently, General Brannan con- 
ducted the whole expedition back again to Hilton Head, and arrived on 
the 13th of October. The enterprise was completely successful, though 
in consequence of the cowardice of the enemy in abandoning their works 
on St. John's bluff, no engagement occurred during its progress. The only 



THE BATTLE OP PERRYVILLE. 365 

disaster which had occurred was to the transport Cosmopolitan, which 
grounded in crossing the bar off Hilton Head, and was temporarily ren- 
dered unfit for service. 

A much more important and decisive event which occurred at this 
period was the desperate battle of Perryville, or Chaplin Hills, in Ken- 
tucky, in which General Buell encountered the Eebel hero Braxton 
Bragg, on the 8th of October. The immense army of Buell had been fol- 
lowing in leisurely pursuit of the enemy for some time, and the uniform 
distance between them on their route seemed to indicate that they would 
nev6r approximate each other. Nevertheless, the Rebels having proceeded 
from Frankfort toward Harrodsburg, were overtaken by General McCook's 
corps, of Buell's army, near Perryville, and an action, though probably 
not desirable by either commander-in-chief, became at length unavoidable. 

The two armies were drawn up on opposite sides of the town of Perry- 
ville. Of Buell's army only McCook's corps, with a part of Thomas's, 
were engaged. The division commanders were Rousseau, Sheridan, Jack- 
son, and Gilbert. The action began before daylight. The mellow light 
of the moon still threw its pale splendors over the sleeping world, when 
the skirmishers of the enemy commenced a sharp fire upon the eighty- 
fifth Illinois. Soon the contest oecame more general. New batteries of 
the enemy commenced to shell the Federal forces, who, upon the first 
alarm, had instantly formed in line of battle throughout the whole of the 
army. The enemy came on, pouring destructive volleys into the Federal 
ranks. They compelled the second Michigan cavalry to retire by the fary 
of their onset. They pressed forward, and came near taking the hill on 
which the thirty-sixth brigade had been stationed. This hill was in the 
centre of the Federal line, and its possession was a matter of the utmost 
importance. At that crisis, which was of importance to the issue of the 
day, the second Missouri regiment, commanded by Captain Hoppe, which 
had distinguished itself in the great battle of Pea Ridge, rushed forward 
with cheers and charged upon the enemy. They were opportunely sup- 
ported by the second Michigan and the fifteenth Missouri. After a des- 
perate battle-shock the Rebel ranks recoiled and broke up in confusion. 
They were pursued for more than a mile, and the defeat of this portion of 
their troops was for the time being complete. 

But this operation was only preliminary to the chief combat of the day 
It was now after ten o'clock. Thus far the cavalry had distinguished them- 
selves, prominent among whom was a portion of the ninth Pennsylvania. 
The artillery now came prominently into action on both sides. In front 
the legions of the enemy lay massed on wooded hills, which partially con- 
cealed their strength and precise position. At length, about eleven 
o'clock, the enemy, with their usual promptness and spirit, opened the 
struggle with a cannonade on the batteries of Simonson and Loomis, in 
whose vicinity the division of General Rousseau was posted. The Fed 



366 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

eral guns responded with vigor, and soon new batteries of the foe were 
revealed successively from new positions, as their forces came more com- 
pletely into action. At two o'clock the cannonade had become general 
audVerrific along the whole line of both armies. Man}' were slain on both 
sides by this distant assault. At three o'clock General Bragg brought hi.-j 
infantry into action. He led the charge in person. He made a ferocious 
assault upon the centre and left centre of the Federal lines. At this 
point he made a combined attack of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. 
General Rousseau maintained his position, and hurled back the tumultu- 
ous and ferocious masses of the advancing foe with complete success. Hi3 
guns ploughed bloody avenues of death through their serried columns. 
Volleys of musketry mowed down whole ranks of them as their tides 
rolled forward frantically toward the Federal lines. They retired from 
this portion of the field in confusion, leaving the ground covered with 
multitudes of their dead and wounded. 

But the Confederates gained more success in another portion of this 
field. Compelled to retire before Rousseau, they made a charge upon the 
division of General Jackson with better effect. This division was on the 
extreme left wing. Buckner led the assault in this portion of the field, 
which exceeded in ferocity any thing \^ich the war had yet exhibited. 
In spite of a brave reception at the beginning of this charge, the Rebels 
soon proved themselves irresistible, and the twenty-first Wisconsin, 
eightieth Illinois, and one hundred and fifth Ohio, gave way and fled 
before the mad onset of the foe. The artillery connected with Captain 
Parsons' battery abandoned their guns, all of which fell into the hands of 
the enemy. Soon the panic spread. The entire division of Jackson be- 
came disorganized, and fled a quarter of a mile. At that point they 
were stopped, and gradually reformed. In this deadly charge Generals 
Jackson and Terrell were slain, while heroically attempting to steady 
their men, and correct the disgraceful rout and panic which had overtaken 
them. 

Emboldened by this success General Bragg determined to resume his 
attack upon the division of Rousseau, and particularly on the seventeenth 
brigade, commanded by Colonel Lytle. His cho.sen legions now ap- 
proached the Federal lines in heavy and formidable masses. As they 
emerged from the woods to which they had retreated, and advanced down 
the slopes of the hills, their appearance was extremely imposing. Their 
long lines of burnished bayonets gleamed brightly in the sun. The pre- 
cision and regularity of these movements, their many proud secession 
banners waving gracefully in the passing breeze, the spirit-stirring sounds 
of martial music ; above all, the siugular apparition of their commander 
in-chief, who could be seen marching at their front, mounted on a magnifi- 
cent white charger, surrounded by a numerous and brilliant staff, all riding 
horses of the same color — these features of the scene presented one of those 



INCIDENTS OP THE BATTLE AT PEERTVILLB. 367 

sublime spectacles of the glorious pomp and circumstance of war which 
form the bright, delusive side of a picture in which horror, misery, and 
death so sadly and so universally predominate. 

Having arrived within artillery range the enemy quickly planted a 
dozen cannon, so as to rake the third Ohio and forty-second Indiana with 
terrible effect. Their infantry continued to advance under the cover of 
their fire. These two Federal regiments responded to the Rebel fire with 
great gallantry, until a full third of tlieir numbers strewed the ensanguined 
field with their fallen bodies. Colonel Bently, of the third Ohio, was re- 
markable for his dauntloss heroism in the midst of that terrific storm of 
musketry. His men stood as firmly as rocks in the midst of an ocean 
tempest, and hurled continuous volleys of flame and shot into the ranks 
of the enemy ; but they were compelled at last to give way by a cause 
which they could not control. A barn filled with hay, near which the 
right wing of the third Ohio rested, took fire. It soon became enveloped 
in flames. The heat was so intense that the faces of many of the men 
were blistered. At length they were compelled to break their ranks, and 
retire from their position. The fifteenth Kentucky, after resisting the 
enemy for a while with great heroism, was also compelled to retire. But 
the success of the enemy in this part of the field was not yet ended. The 
retreat of the third Ohio and fifteenth Kentucky left the gallant tenth 
Ohio regiment in an exposed position. Colonel Lytic expected to receive 
a charge on his front. But the Rebels, whom the rising ground here par- 
tially concealed, stole around unobserved to their flank, and suddenly 
rushed upon them from an unexpected quarter. The tenth had been 
ordered to lie upon their faces. The Rebels surprised them in that unfa 
vorable position. They sprang to their feet instantly, and made a des- 
perate effort, to change their front and charge upon the foe. It was 
impossible, however, to accomplish this under the withering fire which 
assailed them, and they soon broke and fled. It was in this awful mo- 
ment of chaos and terror that the gifted and dauntless Lytle fell pierced 
with balls while in vain attempting to stem the overwhelming tide of 
disaster and defeat. 

During the progress of these events an immense body of Rebels, filing 
to the left, attacked the divisions of Generals Sheridan and Mitchel, who 
occupied the Federal right and' right centre. They charged up the hills 
on which these troops were posted ; but their audacious valor was vain. 
They met a reception which shattered their masses into bloody fragments. 
They were eventually compelled to retire, and were pursued by the 
valiant legions of Mitchel beyond Perryville. By this time the seven- 
teenth brigade had been reformed, and charged on the foe, supported by 
the ninth and twenty-eighth brigades. Then ensued a desperate combat 
half an hour in duration. It was now nearly sundown. Once more the 
Rebels made a furious charge upon the Federal lines, as if determined to 



368 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

grasp the victory from unwilling fate. The discharges of artillery on 
both sides became terrific. At length its thunder ceased, as darkness 
spread its sable mantle over the scene. The Union army reposed upon 
their arms during the night, while the enemy leisurely resumed their 
retreat, and ultimately escaped into Tennessee through Powell's gap. The 
Federal forces did not- pursue them. It was, in fact, little better than a 
drawn battle. The Federal loss in the division of General Eousseau was 
nineteen hundred and fifty killed and wounded. The loss in the remain- 
ing portions of the army was about four thousand, including killed, 
wounded, and missing. The enemy captured three hundred of theseduring 
the engagement. 

The invasion of the soil of Kentucky, which General Bragg had con- 
ducted, proved eminently successful to the Rebel interest, and the oppo- 
sition which General Buell had effected to his purposes amounted to very 
little. Bragg succeeded in capturing fifteen hundred wagon loads of pro- 
visions, clothing, and other necessaries for his army. He obtained 
several thousand valuable horses and mules, five thousand beeves and 
other cattle, together with an immense amount of groceries and domestic 
goods, gathered from the stores of Lexington, Frankfort, Danville, Uar- 
rodsburg, and other places. In consqeuence of Buell's slow pursuit he 
was permitted to retire to a safe retreat, in posseswion of all this plunder, 
without having been attacked more than once during the period of five 
months, in which that general held command of the numerous and power- 
ful army of the Ohio. Bragg had been allowed to traverse the richest 
portions of the State of Kentucky undisturbed ; to perpetrate the farce 
of inaugurating a governor at Frankfort ; to rob, defraud, and terrify the 
citizens of one of the most wealthy and populous States in the Union, and 
then to make good his escape without the least interference. It is not 
singular, therefore, that this commander was removed by the Federal 
Government. This was done on the 30th of October, and General Rose- 
crans was appointed in his stead. The campaigns of General Buell had 
borne so little fruit in the way of Union successes that a more energetic 
and efficient commander was needed. 

During the concluding portion of the month of September, and in Octo- 
ber, 1862, a number of events occurred of minor importance, a brief allu- 
sion to which will here be sufficient. Ori the 20th of September, a con- 
flict took place at Shepardstown ferry, Virginia, in which the Corn 
Exchange regiment of Philadelphia fought bravely and suffered severely. 
On the 22d of that month General Bragg advanced upon Louisville, and 
on the next day he demanded its surrender to the Rebel forces. On the 
28th a skirmish took place on the Blackwater river, Virginia. On the 
1st of October skirmishing occurred near Louisville, Kentucky ; and the 
Sabine Pass, in Texas, was captured by Federal troops. On the 4th of 
October Federal gunboats shelled Galveston, Texas, -and compelled the 



SUMMARY OP EVENTS IN OCTOBER, 1862. 369 

Rebels to evacuate the place. On the same day a battle was fought at 
Bardstown, Kentucky, after which the town was occupied by the Union 
troops. On the 6th of October Richard Hewes was inaugurated by Brax- 
ton Bragg at Frankfort, as Governor of Kentucky. Treasonable speeches 
were made on the occasion by that general, and by Humphrey Marshall. 
On the same day they burned the railroad bridge at Frankfort, and the 
new governor evacuated the place immediately afterward. On the 9th an 
engagement took place between a small number of Union and Rebel 
troops in the same vicinity. On the 11th spirited skirmishes occurred at 
Helena, Arkansas, and at Danville, Kentucky. On the 15th a successful 
Federal expedition proceeded up the Apalachicola river, Florida. On the 
same day Union troops occupied the town of Paris, Kentucky. On the 
16th skirmishes took place near Shepardstown and Charlestown, Virginia. 
On the 20th a battle occurred at Neuga creek, Missouri. On the 22d 
skirmishes were fought at Hedgesville, Virginia; at Maysville, Arkansas; 
at Pocotaligo and Frampton, South Carolina. On the 25th another fight 
occurred on the Blackwater, Virginia, and the Union troops entered 
Donaldsonville, Louisiana. On the 30th skirmishes took place at Upper- 
ville and Petersburg, Virginia, and the Union troops occupied Thibo- 
deaux, Louisiana. On the 31st of October another contest occurred on the 
Blackwater, and the town of Franklin, Virginia, was destroyed. On the 
same day Union gunboats bombarded the Rebel batteries at Lavaca, in 
Texas, and took possession of Tampa Bay, in Florida. 

24 



370 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

SXPLOITS OF THE CONFEDERATE CRUISER, TUE ALABAMA — HER PECDLIAR STRUCTURE — 
EFFORTS MADE TO CAPTUHE IIER — THEIR FAILURE — THE EXPEDITION SENT BY GENERAL 
MITCHEL AGAINST THE CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH RAILROAD — INCIDENTS OF THB 
UNDERTAKING — BATTLES — THEIR RESULTS — RETURN OP THE EXPEDITION — VARIOUS RECON- 
NOISSANCES MADE BY THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — IMPORTANT RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED 
BY THEM — OCCUPATION OF SNICKER's, ASHBy's, AND THOROUGHFARE GAPS BY THE FEDERAL 
TROOPS — BRILLIANT KNQAGEMENT NEAR MAYSVILLE, ARKANSAS — FLIGHT OF THE REBELS — 
SUCCESSFUL RECONNOISSANCE OF CAPTAIN DAHLGREN TO FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA — 
SKIRMISHES AT PHILOMEL AND NEW CREEK, VIRGINIA, AND AT WILLIAMSTON, NORTH 
CAROLINA — ABORTIVE ATTEMPT OP THE REBELS UNDER MORGAN AND FORREST TO CAPTURE 
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — FEDERAL EXPEDITION TO THIBODEAUXVILLE, LOUISIANA — RECON- 
NOISSANCE OF GENERAL m'pHERSON TOWARD HOLLY SPRINGS, MISSISSIPPI — APPROACH OP 
THE FEDERAL ARMY UNDER BURNSIDE TO FREDERICKSBURG — THE CITY Sl'MMONED TO SUR- 
RENDER — TUE REFUSAL EMBARRASSING DELAY OF BURNSIDE's OPERATIONS. 

Among the many sources of annoyance to the loyal citizens of the 
United States which occurred during the progress of this civil war, the 
achivements of the Rebel steamer Alabama were not the least trouble- 
some. This vessel became the most renowned of those piratical cruisers 
which were called into existence by the proclamation of Jcfi'cr.son Davis, 
referred to in the preceding part of this volume, and which granted 
letters of marque and reprisal to such citizens of the Confederate States 
as might apply for them. The boldness an^ skill of her ofTicers and 
crew soon rendered her formidable on the high seas; and the number 
and rapidity of her conquests earned for her a prominent though un- 
enviable place in the annals of the war. 

This vessel was commanded by Captain Semmcs, a person who, until 
his promotion to tliat post, had been unknown to fame. Among her 
other ollicers was Lieutenant Uowell, a brother-in-law of Jefferson Davis. 
She registered twelve hundred tons burthen ; was two hundred and 
twenty feet in length, thirty-two in width, had two decks, and was painted 
black. She carried three long thirty-two pounders on each-side, and was 
pierced for two more amidships. She had a hundred pound rifled pivot 
gun forward on the bridge, and a sixty-eight pounder on the main deck. 
She had also tracks laid forward for a pivot bowgun, as well as tracks 
aft for a pivot stern-chaser. Her cannon were all of English manufac- 
ture. She was barque-rigged, and could sail thirteen knots an hour under 
canvas, fifteen knots under steam. She was provided with the flags of 
all nations, which she used as occasion required; but she generally un- 
furled the Red Cross of St. George to the breeze when she approached a 
vessel, .llor crew numbered a hundred and thirty' men, whom .-^he took 



^^\BUS(y^ 




EFFORTS TO CAPTURE THE ALABAMA. 371 

oa board, near the Western Islands, from an English ship. She was 
generally provided with eight months provisions, and rarely used steam 
except in particular emergencies. During the year 1862, her conquests 
Were numerous, and she may be said to have checked and damaged the 
commerce of the loyal States very materially. Among the vessels which 
she captured were the ship Brilliant, of New York; the whalers Benja- 
min Tucker, Virginia, and Elisha Dunbar, of New Bedford ; the barque 
Ocean Rover, of Mattapoisett, and the ship Tonawanda, of Philadelphia. 

Captain Semmes destroyed the majority of his prizes, after plunderinc 
them, and taking their crews on board the Alabama. These were after- 
ward set on shore and paroled. In a few instances he demanded bonds 
for the payment of the value of the captured ship and cargo, as in the 
case of the Philadelphia vessel, to be redeemed after the termination of 
the war, and then released them. 

The vigor and success of this daring cruiser at length attracted the 
attention of the public to such a degree, that the Federal Government 
felt the necessity of making special efforts to capture and destroy her. 
For this purpose Commander Ronckendorff was despatched with the San 
Jacinto, which vessel was supposed to be a match for the Alabama. But 
although he encountered the object of his search on one occasion, in the 
port of Fort Roj'al, in Martinique, she succeeded in eluding his grasp by 
a clever trick, and escaped to sea. Thus the year 1862 wore away with- 
out the capture of this redoubtable pirate having been effected. His 
protracted career of triumph and impunity continued to be a reproach 
to the Federal navy; and the nations of Europe still observed his achieve- 
ments with mingled astonishment and applause. At the same time his 
singular success greatly encouraged the disloyal inhabitants of the Con- 
federate States in their hope of final victory over the Federal Government 
and gained for him their enthusia.stic admiration as one of the most 
efficient and valiant agents of the Rebellion. 

On the 21st of October, 1862, an expedition which had been planned 
by General Mitchel, the enterprising commander of the Department of 
the South, started from Hilton Head. Its purpose was to destroy the 
tressel-work bridges of the Charleston and Savannah railroad. These 
bridges crossed three streams, bearing respectively the euphonic and 
mellifluous names of the Pocotaligo, the Taliafinney, and the Coosawhat- 
chie, which flow into the Broad river. As a necessary preliminary to 
the achievement of this enterprise, it was important to make a landing 
of the troops which composed the expedition, at Mackay's Point, eleven 
miles from the village of Pocotaligo, where they could be disembarked 
under the protection of gunboats, and thence advance, by a rapid march 
to the scene of conflict. 

This expedition consisted of portions of the first and second brigades 
of the Tenth army corps, numbering about four thousand five hundred 



372 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

troops. Tbey were commanded by Generals J. M. Brannan and A. H. 
Terry, the former being tlie senior officer. The troops were conveyed 
to their destination by three transports, nine gunboats, and several 
schooners. They left Hilton Head at midnight on the 21st of October* 
and reached Mackay's Point at six o'clock the next morning. Some small 
boats had been sent in advance, with a company of .soldiers of the seventh 
Connecticut, under Captain Gray, to surprise and capture the pickets of the 
enemy, which had been stationed near that point ; but the effort was only 
partially successful. Lieutenant Banks, who commanded the post, was 
taken with three men; but a number escaped and conveyed to the liebel 
forces in the vicinity information of the invasion. The process of landing 
the troops was promptly effected ; and at ten o'clock, all of them had been 
transferred to the shore, except a detachment of the third Ehode I.'sland 
volunteers, who were detained at some distance by an accident to the 
gunboat Marblehead, by which they had been conveyed thither. 

Having disembarked his men, General Brannan led them forward 
toward the village of Pocotaligo without delay. Their road lay through 
a fertile cotton-growing country ; yet the scourge of war had desolated 
it, and the sumptuous mansions, once the abodes of opulence and luxury, 
which lined their pathway, were abandoned, while a saddening air of 
loneliness and ruin overspread the once blooming and flourishing face 
of nature. The forces of the Rebels advanced bravely, seven miles from 
Pocotaligo, to meet the Federal troops. They had posted their artillery 
on both sides of the road, on the summit of a small elevation. In order 
to advance, the Federals were compelled to cross a wide open space, and 
then a narrow causeway, during which operation they would be exposed 
to the fire of the enemy's artillery. As the forty-seventh Pennsylvania, 
which led the van, approached, they were assailed by a vigorous and 
well directed cannonade of grape and shrapnel, to which they responded 
with musketry, and with Lieutenant Henry's artillery. The fire of the 
enemy was very effective. The extent of the damage done by them may 
be inferred from the fact, that out of six hundred men who went into 
the engagement, nearly one hundred and fifty were killed and wounded. 
Notwithstanding this terrible havoc, the heroes pressed forward with 
enthusiastic cheers. The fourth New Hampshire regiment supported 
them manfully, and also suffered severely, losing fifty men in killed and 
wounded. The remaining Federal troops then came up, and after a 
desperate resistance the llebels were driven from their position with 
heavy los.ses. 

A chase of several miles in extent then ensued, after which the enemy 
halted, again presented a hostile front, and made a determined resistance. 
The result, however, was the same as before. They fled, and at last 
rallied at the bridge over the Pocotaligo, half a mile from that village. 
Here again the artillery of the foe demonstrated its deadly efficiency. 



THE EXPEDITION UNDER GENERAL MITCHEL. SfS 

Their guns were more numerous than the guns of the Federals. The 
former were twelve in number; the latter were only four Parrott guns 
and three boat howitzers. These were commanded by Lieutenant Phcenix. 
Notwithstanding this serious disadvantage, the Federal infantry charged 
bravely upon the enemy, routed them, and drove them in confusion over 
the bridge. As they made their retreat across this structure, they effect- 
ually destroyed it. 

It was now sis o'clock in the evening. The Eebels had escaped be- 
yond the reach of the Federal forces. At the same time, the sound of 
locomotives and the rumbling of trains were heard in the distance. It 
was evident that these were bringing reinforcements from Charleston or 
Savannah to the enemy. It was therefore high time to retire. The ex- 
pedition had proved a failure; night was approaching, and longer delay 
or further effort would only lead to the infliction of severer losses. Gen- 
eral Terry conducted the retreat, which was effected in admirable order. 
The dead and wounded were all brought away. The Federal loss was 
two hundred killed and four hundred wounded. A portion of the ex- 
pedition had been detached from the rest, sent up the Coosawhatchie, 
and disembarked near the village of that name. There they encountered 
five car loads of Eebel troops which were on their way from Savannah 
to Pocotaligo. Colonel Barton, who commanded this portion of the ex- 
pedition, immediately opened upon them with small arms and a boat 
howitzer, killed and wounded about thirty, and then shelled the town. 
The arrival of large masses of the enemy at the scene of conflict soon 
compelled him to fall back to the steamer Planter and the gunboats 
Vixen and Patroon, which had conveyed his forces thither. The entire 
expedition reached Hilton Head on the morning of Friday, the 24th of 
October, without having accomplished the chief purpose of its mission. 
On the 30th of the same month, General 0. M. Mitchel, the efiSoient com- 
mander of the Department of the South, died at Port Royal, South 
Carolina, of yellow fever. 

The most important operation of the Federal armies at this period, and 
the chief interest in the popular mind concerning them, centred, during 
the early portion of the month of November, 1862, around the army of 
the Potomac which had fought at Antietam, and which still remained 
under the command of General McClellan. But several weeks elapsed, 
which were occupied in minor movements, in reconnoissances, and in 
skirmishes, which, though not productive of very decisive results, may 
here be briefly alluded to. At this period it was evident that the future 
plans of the commanding generals of the two armies were incomplete or 
undeveloped, and these explorations were necessary to obtain informa- 
tion of the respective positions of the rival hosts, and to clear the way 
for more decisive undertakings afterward. The country which was about 
to become the scene of conflict was very intricate in its topographical 



374 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

peculiarities, marked by a number of mountain gaps, which it was neces- 
sary to explore and to occupy in order to prevent the enemy from using 
them as loopholes through which to make raids upon the rear of the 
Federal army. 

At this perod the Eebel army under Lee occupied the Shenandoah 
valley. Ilis own headquarters were at Berryville. He had been rein- 
forced by the troops who had recently evacuated Western Virginia. This 
accession added very materially to his strength. The mountain range 
which runs cast of the Shenaiidoah river was of great strategic impor- 
tance to both armies. Tiie gaps which divided it, especially Snicker's, 
Ashby's, and Thoroughfare gaps, from their location, could be used, if 
possessed, to immense advantage. Hence, reconiioi-ssances were sent out 
by General McClellan to explore and occupy them. One of these was 
despatched to Snicker's gap on the 2d of November, under Generals 
Hancock and Couch. As the Federal troops approached this place they 
discovered that it was occupied by a considerable body of Rebels. Gen- 
eral Hancock soon placed his men in position. General Caldwell was 
posted with his brigade on the right, the left was occupied by the Irish 
brigade, under Meagher, and the regiment of Colonel Zook. The bat- 
teries were also planted in commanding positions. After a time the dark 
masses of the enemy were seen approaching by the scouts who had been 
sent to the summit, and were looking down into the valley which bloomed 
below between the Blue Ridge and Winchester. Their cavalry were in 
the van, then came the artillery, then their infantry. When they reached 
a position within range of the Federal guns, tliey were saluted with ,a 
heavy cannonade. Several discharges went directly through their columns. 
The utmost confusion and panic immediately ensued among them, and 
they quickly filed to the left and disappeared in the woods. The Federals 
then advanced and took full possession of the gap at Snickerville and tiie 
surrounding country. 

At the same time a similar achievement was performed by Generals 
PJeasonton and Averill, near Purcellville and Upperville, in the valley 
of the Shenandoah. There the Federal troops encountered the renowned 
Rebel cavalry under Stuart. The force of the enemy numbered four 
thousand men, with two batteries. Various skirmi.shes took place, during 
several days, between the parties. At length Pleasonton's cavalry' made 
a resolute charge UDon the Rebels, and drove them several miles toward 
Ashby's gap. The Federals pursued their advantage, and in the end 
obtained possession of ttiis position after some resistance. On the 3d of 
November General Sigel advanced with a portion of his corps, and occu- 
pied Thoroughfare gap without much opposition from the enemy. On 
the same day a reconnoissance was made from Fairfax beyond Bull Run, 
by a portion of General Sickles' command, which revealed the fact that 



FEDERAL TRIUMPH AT MAYSVILLE, ARKANSAS. 375 

the Eebels were posted there in force. It was also ascertained that a por 
tion of them were then posted at Warrenton. 

Such are some of the preliminary operations which were progressing, 
in anticipation, doubtless, of another decisive engagement, when suddenly 
the community was surprised by the announcement that General McClellan 
had been removed from the command of the army of the Potomac; that 
be had been ordered to report himself at Trenton, New Jersey ; and that 
he had been superseded by General Burnside. This order was conveyed 
to him by General Buckingham, and reached him at eleven o'clock at 
night, at his headquarters in Salem, Virginia. The reasons assigned for 
this act by the popular voice were the apparent tardiness and inefficiency 
which had characterized the movements of General McOIellan since the 
battle of Antietam. Winter was rapidly approaching; several months 
of inactivity had elapsed after that battle was fought; the enemy had not 
been pursued ; and to the unskilled eyes of a portion of the public, an 
inexcusable delay, if not a treasonable complicity with the enemy, seemed 
to disgrace the conduct of the commander of the Potomac. By this 
class in the community the removal of McClellan, and the appointment 
of Burnside in his place, were regarded as fortunate and propitious events. 
General Burnside announced his acceptance of this difficult post to the 
army in a brief address, characterized by great prudence and discretion. 
He expressed his sentiments of regard and esteem for their late com- 
mander, his diffidence in his own abilities, his confidence in the patriotism 
and valor of the troops, and his firm hope of future success and victory. 

While the two chief armies of the rival Republics were preparing for 
their next colossal engagement, other conflicts of minor importance were 
occurring elsewhere, to which we will now direct our attention. 

On the 22d of October, General Blunt, who commanded a portion of 
the army of the frontier, overtook a body of Confederate troops at "old 
Fort Wayne," four miles from Maysville, Arkansas, and achieved a bril- 
liant triumph. The Rebel army in that region had been divided into two 
parts, one of which, commanded by Marmaduke and Rains, proceeded 
southward toward Huntsville; the other, under Cooper and Standwaite, 
advanced through Bentonville into the Indian territory. lu order to 
confront this arrangement, the Federal forces were also separated into two 
bodies. Those under Schofield and Totten started in pursuit of Marma- 
duke and Rains. Those under Blunt followed after Cooper and Stand- 
waite. General Salomon was left with his command, including the 
batteries of Stockton and Blair, at Pea Ridge, in order to keep open the 
communication of the Federals with the rear. 

General Blunt led his troops rapidly in pursuit of the foe. When he 
came up with them, near Maysville, he was accompanied only by a portion 
of the second Kansas regiment and his body-guard, all of whom together 
amounted to only six hundred men. Their artillery consisted of two 



376 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

small howitzers. General Blunt ordered his men to dismount and engage 
the foe on foot. These had taken their position, and were prepared to 
receive the attack. Their artillery numbered four large brass pieces, and 
were advantageously posted. The action commenced between the artil- 
lery. After this had progressed for some time, General Blunt ordered his 
men to charge upon the enemy. These numbered at least three thousand ; 
but so determined and ferocious was the assault of the brave Kansas 
troops, that they broke under the shock, and fled in confusion, leaving 
their four field-pieces in the possession of the Federals. The enemy then 
retired under cover of the woods. At this stage of the combat the sixth 
Kansas, headed by Colonel Judson, came galloping to the scene of battle. 
They were followed by Rabb's battery, consisting of six pieces. These 
were quickly unlimbered and opened upon the shelter of the foe. Then 
came the eleventh Kansas, and afterward the first and third Indiana regi- 
ments. These were all formed in line of battle, and the order given to 
advance. The Rebels did not wait to receive the assault, but fled from 
the woods, and made their retreat with such rapidity that the best efforts 
of the Federals to overtake them proved unavailing. The result of the 
brief but successful achievement was important. It delivered the south- 
western portion of Missouri, and the northwestern part of Arkansas, from 
the supremacy of the Rebel forces, and restored the influence of the Fed- 
eral arms and Government. The loss on the part of the victors was slight, 
being seven killed, fifteen wounded. 

Not less heroic, though performed on a smaller scale, was the exploit 
of Captain Ulric Dahlgren, of the staft" of General Sigel, who made a 
recoimoissance with sixty men of the first Indiana cavalry into Fredericks- 
burg, Virginia, on the 8th of November. It was ascertained that a con- 
siderable body of Rebels were stationed at that place, forty miles distant, 
consisting of five companies of the fifteenth, and three companies of the 
ninth Virginia. On his march thither Captain Dahlgren was joined by a 
detachment of the sixth Ohio cavalry, under Major Stedman. The entire 
force crossed the Potomac at half-past seven on the morning of the 9th 
of November, bravely entered the town, and soon encountered the enemy. 
A desperate hand-to-hand combat ensued, which continued for some time. 
The result was that the Rebels eventually gave way and retreated. The 
Federals captured thirty-nine prisoners, their horses, accoutrements, a 
Rebel banner, and several wagons filled with army cloth. The forces 
then returned to camp with these trophies of their gallantry, having lost 
but one man killed, three missing. On the same day General Stahel drove 
in the Rebel pickets which had been stationed near Snicker's and Ash by 's 
gaps, and succeeded in gaining important information respecting the po- 
sition and movements of the enemy. 

On the same day, the second brigade of General Doubleday's division, 
commanded by Colonel nofTman, together with General Pleasonton's 



EXPEDITIONS IN NOYEMBER, 1862. 377 

cavalry, charged upon the detachment of the Eebels posted at Philomel, 
on the Winchester turnpike, and compelled them to retire beyond Upper- 
ville. The enemy consisted of three thousand cavalry, commanded by 
General Stuart. The Federal loss was four killed, eighteen wounded. 

On the 9th of November, an expedition under General Kelley, com- 
prising eight hundred men, left their camp at New Creek, Virginia, for the 
purpose of attacking the Rebels under General Imboden, who was sta- 
tioned four miles from Moorefield. When they reached the camp they 
found that its occupants had deserted it. They were rapidly pursued, and 
were overtaken fifteen miles beyond it. A skirmish ensued, which re- 
sulted in the total rout of the foe, who scattered in every direction through 
the adjacent mountains. The federals captured thirty-eight prisoners, 
among whom were two captains and two lieutenants. The victors then 
returned to their camp, with the loss of only one killed and two wounded. 

On the 10th of November, General Foster organized an expedition for 
the purpose of sailing up the Tar river, in North Carolina, and capturing 
two Eebel regiments, with artillery, which had been sent to attack Ply- 
mouth. A skirmish took place at Williamston on the way to Tarboro', 
in which the Marine artillery, Belger's battery, a portion of the third New 
York artillery, and the forty-fourth Massachusetts, were engaged. As 
the Federals approached Hamilton, the enemy abandoned their intrench- 
ments, nearly a mile in length, which they had erected on Eainbow bluffs. 
These were soon occupied by the Federals. Several reconnoissances were 
then sent out to ascertain the strength of the enemy, as it had been dis- 
covered that they were receiving large reinforcements. The result was 
that the general commanding was convinced of the impolicy of attacking 
the foe with so great disadvantage in numbers, and ordered the expe- 
dition to return to Newbera. The Federal loss during the operations of 
this fruitless expedition, was six killed, ten wounded. 

Nearly contemporaneous with these events, was the bold attempt made 
by the Rebel forces under Generals Morgan and Forrest to capture the 
city of Nashville, Tennessee. General Negley was the commandant of 
the Federal troops appropriated to the defence of this place. The first 
approach to it by the enemy was made by the cavalry of the famous 
Morgan. He dashed into the town of Edgefield, captured the Federal 
pickets posted there, fired the railroad depot, destroyed a number of cars, 
and burned the tressel-work of the bridge of the Nashville and Louisville 
railroad. While engaged in this work he was attacked by a portion of 
Abbot's first Tennessee battery, commanded by Lieutenant Beach, and 
compelled to retreat from the vicinity. 

But the more formidable body of Rebels who purposed to capture the 
capital of Tennessee, approached it at the same time in two bodies, on the 
Murfreesboro' and Franklin turnpikes. They were commanded by Gen- 
eral Forrest. General Negley having received information of his ap- 
proach, advanced from the fortifications of Nashville, on the Franklin 



SIS TIIK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

road, to confront him. He was accompanied by Stokes' first Tennessee 
cavalry, a portion of the seventh Pennsylvania cavalry, with four pieces 
of artillery, the sixty-ninth Ohio, the seventy-eighth Pennsylvania, and 
the fourteenth Michigan. When near Brown's creek, they encountered 
the cavalry of the foe, accompanied by three field-pieces. General Neg- 
ley immediately prepared to attack them. He posted his guns advan- 
tageously, and ordered them to open on the enemy. He also directed his 
cavalry to charge upon them. A contest of some energy and ferocity 
then ensued, the result of which was that the Rebels eventually broke 
and fled. The Union troops promptly pursued them, and continued the 
chase to Brentwood, within four miles of Franklin, and seventeen from 
Nashville. 

While Negley was confronting the enemy on the Franklin road. Colonel 
Roberts had advanced with another Union force from Nashville, on the 
Murfreesboro' turnpike, to meet the Rebels approaching on that route. 
He commanded a bi-igade of Palmer's division, consisting ch.iefly of troops 
from Illinois. He soon met the approaching enemy, whose cavalry, im- 
mediately upon perceiving him, advanced to the charge, with frantic yells. 
At the same time the Rebels commenced to shell the Federals with their 
guns, which they quickly posted on an eminence. Colonel Roberts re 
sponded vigorously to the latter with Beebe's and Hewitt's Kentucky 
batteries. The assault of the Rebel horse was bravely met, and effectually 
broken, so that they soon fled in confusion. The Union troops of all 
arms promptly pursued them, and the chase continued for some miles, as 
far as Mill Creek hill, where it was abandoned. In this fight, the Rebels 
lost four killed and seventeen wounded. The rout was complete of both 
detachments of the force of the enemy ; and Nashville, whose inhabitants 
had been suddenly overwhelmed with terror at the apprehenson of com- 
ing horrors from the occupancy of the city by the Rebels, was relieved 
from its temporary agonies by the bravery and energy with which the 
invading troops were routed. The Federal loss on tliis occasion was sin- 
gularly small. It consisted of one killed, five wounded, twelve missing. 
This immunity is the more remarkable from the fact that the artillery of 
the enemy numVjered twelve pieces. The entire Rebel loss was ten killed, 
thirty wounded, forty prisoners, and the capture of several hundred valua- 
ble horses by the Federals. 

On the 24th of October, an expedition was sent from Carrollton to take 
possession of Thibodeauxville, Louisiana. It was composed of the Reserve 
Brigade of Federal troops in the Department of the Gulf, under General 
Butler, and was commanded by Brigadier-General Weitzel. The troops 
consisted of the eighth New Hampshire, thirteenth Connecticut, seventy- 
fifth New York, and first Louisiana regiments. These were embarked on 
board the transports at Carrollton, and commenced to ascend the Missis- 
sippi. They were escorted by four gunboats, and were disembarked at 
a point several miles below Donaldsonville. They marched through 



EXPEDITION TO THIBODEAUXVILLE, LOUISIANA. 319 

tliis deserted town, and then proceeded down tbe Bayou Lafourche. As 
the troops advanced, they were joined by multitudes of fugitive negroes 
men, women, and children, who sought by this means to escape from their 
servitude on the adjacent plantations. But most of these unfortunate and 
half-starved creatures fell back by the wayside, from exhaustion and 
fatigue, after accompanying the march for a few miles. The enemy were not 
encountered in any strength until, after three days, the force reached the 
vicinity of Labadieville, when an action of some importance took place. 
Thompson's battery was sent forward to open with shot and shell upon 
the enemy, who were discovered in the distance. Their batteries, which 
were posted on both sides of the bayou, responded with spirit. The neces- 
sary dispositions for attacking the foe were then made. The eighth New 
Hampshire regiment was placed on the right. The twelfth and thirteenth 
Connecticut were ordered to cross the bayou, with some artillery, and 
there form in line of battle. The enemy opposed the crossing with a vig- 
orous discharge of artillery ; but their resistance was fruitless. The eighth 
New Hampshire immediately charged upon the enemy with great spirit, 
through underbrush, over ditches and fences. The enemy here took to 
flight; but their escape was prevented by the timely approach of the 
twelfth Connecticut, who succeeded in flanking nearly the whole of their 
left wing. This manoeuvre intercepted their flight, and resulted in the 
capture of a large portion of them. During this operation Colonel Mc- 
Pheeters, the commander of the Rebels, was slain. He was subsequently 
buried in a field by the roadside, by his own men who were taken prisoners. 
In the same spot were entombed Captains Ealston, Warren, and Kellahar, 
of the eighth New Hampshire regiment, who fell fighting nobly for the 
cause of the Union. The enemy still contended with desperation ; and 
their artillery were served with such skill and precision that they pro- 
duced considerable havoc in the Union lines. But after a struggle of sev- 
eral hours' duration, they retired from the field leaving one of their pieces 
in the hands of the Federals. The Union cavalry charged upon them as 
they retreated. The victors then advanced and occupied the battle-field. 
Later in the day they entered Thibodeauxville, and took possession of it. 
A further engagement was expected to occur in this town ; but the enemy 
had retired with no intention of renewing the contest. In their retreat 
they partly destroyed the two railroad bridges which crossed Bayou La- 
fourche and Bayou Terrebonne. The route which they took was toward 
Berwick Bay. The Federal loss in this action was eighteen killed, seventy- 
four wounded. But the whole number of prisoners taken by them, some 
of whom were afterward paroled, was two hundred and eight, including 
several officers. The result of the expedition was to re-establish the Fed- 
eral authority throughout a considerable portion of the State of Louisiana. 
Equally successful in its results was the expedition which started from 
Lagrange, Tennessee, on the 8th of November, under the command of 
General McPherson. Its purpose was to make a reconnoissance in force 



380 THE CIVIL WAR IN TEE UNITED STATES. 

in the dirccticn of Holly Springs, Mississippi, and ascertain the strength 
and movements of the enemy posted in that vicinity. The exploring force 
consisted of the first, second, and third brigades of McPherson's division 
of Grant's army, together with a body of cavalry. Having reached Old 
Lamar, the enemy were discovered in the front waiting to intercept their 
progress. The Federals were immediately drawn out in line of battle. 
Skirmishers were thrown forward to feel the enemy, who were found 
to be posted along the road to Holly Springs. The' action soon com- 
menced with great energy, between the artillery and infantry of both sides. 
During the progress of this contest in front, Colonel Lee was ordered to 
make a detour with his cavalry along a road running southward, attain 
the rear of the Rebels, and attack them. Tiiis order was obeyed with ad- 
mirable promptness and skill. No sooner did the enemy perceive that 
they were attacked both in front and rear, than they fled in disorder and 
dismay. At that moment General McPherson directed several companies 
to deploy on the right of his position and make a charge upon their flank. 
This movement completed the rout of the enemy. A general chase of the 
fugitives ensued, which continued as far as Coldwater creek. It was not 
deemed expedient to advance nearer than that point, wliich was five miles 
distant from the large body of troops who it was ascertained still occupied 
and defended Holly Springs. The Rebel loss during the engagement was 
twelve killed, fifteen wounded. The Union loss was insignificant, being 
only two slightly wounded. A hundred and sixty-five prisoners were cap- 
tured from the foe, among whom were ten officers. After this achieve- 
ment the Federal troops returned without any further casualty to their 
camp at Lagrange. 

By the 20th of November, 1862, the immense army commanded by 
General Burnside had been consolidated in the vicinity of Falmouth, op- 
posite Fredericksburg, on the Rappahannock. The most intense interest 
of the ration was concentrated upon the movements of this formidable 
force. Their acknowleged destination was known to be the Rebel capital. 
Their advance would be the fourth attempt made by the most powerful 
army of the Republic to capture and reduce the chief citadel of this Rebel- 
lion, and the successful termination of its enterprise was confidently ex- 
pected by millions of patriots, who knew the strength of the invading 
army, who had boundless confidence in the valor and ability of its generals 
and soldiers, and who had never despaired for one moment, even in the 
darkest hour of preceding discomfitures, of the final subjugation of the 
revolted States. 

On the 21st of November, General Sumner, who commanded the right 
grand division of the army, by order of General Burnside, sent General 
Patrick, the provost marshal of his troops, with a requisition to the civil 
authorities of Fredericksburg, demanding the immediate surrender of the 
city to the Fefleral authorities. General Patrick crossed the Rappahan- 
nock under a flag of truce. The written summons of General Sumner set 



OPERATIONS AT FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA. 381 

forth that the city had been used by the enemy as a cover for their hostile 
operations against the Federal army ; that shots had been fired from the 
houses upon the Federal troops ; that their mills and manufactories had 
furnished provisions and clothing to the Confederate soldiers ; that their 
railroads had been employed to convey supplies to the Confederate armies ; 
and that these outrages must be terminated by the surrender of the city 
to Federal authority. Sixteen hours from the delivery of this letter were 
allowed for the removal of women and children, the sick and wounded, 
before the bombardment of the place would begin, if the requisition were 
not complied with. 

This communication was conveyed to General Longstreet, who com- 
manded the Rebels at that point. In a short time an answer was returned 
apparently from the municipal authorities, but really under the dictation 
of that general, to the effect that the injuries complained of should be re- 
dressed, so far as the firing of pickets, and the furnishing of supplies to 
the Confederate army were concerned ; but that the possession of the city 
by the Federal forces would be resisted to the last extremity. After the 
receipt of this spirited reply, an immediate advance upon the city wag 
confidently expected; but the events which ensued illustrated in a remark- 
able manner, the uncertainty which inevitably attends all military opera- 
tions, even when connected with the designs of the most prudent and 
patriotic of commanders. General Burnside was utterly unable to execute 
his threat against the recreant city. The neglect or inefficiency of others 
completely paralyzed his efforts. It was found, upon inquiry, that the 
pontoon bridges, by which his army must needs cross the Rappahannock, 
had not arrived, notwithstanding the fact that express orders had been 
given by the proper authorities to that effect some time previously, and 
although General Burnside had been assured by the same authorities that 
the bridges would be ready for his use at the time he might require them. 
It was not until the 11th of December, that the crossing of his army was 
eventually effected. During this long interval the commanders of the 
Confederate troops had ample time to concentrate their forces in the 
vicinity of Fredericksburg, to erect the most formidable breastworks, 
and to mature every possible preparation with which to receive and 
destroy the Federal army when they advanced to the attack. The Rebel 
generals improved this advantage with the greatest diligence and with 
consummate skill. Robert E. Lee was the most eminent among them both 
in rank and in genius. He was assisted by Jackson, Longstreet, the two 
Hills, and many others, who had already won by their perverted zeal 
and talents a distinguished name in the annals of the Rebellion. But 
before we proceed to describe the colossal and sanguinary contest which 
subsequently took place between the flower of the Federal and Confed- 
erate armies assembled at Fredericksburg, we will notice some preliminary 
events which demand our attention. 



/ 
3S2 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

ASSEMBI.INO OF THE FEDERAL CONGRESS, DETEMBER IsT, 1862 — ANNUAL MESSAGE OP PBESf- 
DENT LINCOLN — ITS CIIARAOTERISTICS — ITS DISCUSSION OF TUB NATIONAL FINANCES — OF 
TUE EMANCIPATION OF THE SLATES — PLAN PROPOSED BY THE PRESIDENT — OFFICIAL RB- 
PORT OF THE SECRETARY OF TUE TREASURY — ITS LEADING FEATURES — FINANCIAL DETAIL3 
— SKIRMISH AT FRANKLIN, ON THE BLACKWATER, VIRGINIA — CAPTURE OF UNION TROOPS 
AT HARTSVILLE, KENTUCKY — GENERAL GEARy's RECONNOISSANCE TO CHARLESTOWN AND 
WINCHESTER — SURRENDER OF WINCHESTER — STUARt'S RAID ON THE TOWNS OF DUMFRIES 
AND OCCOQUAN — EXPEDITION OF GENERAL WASHBURNE FROM HELENA TO COFFEEVILLK, 

MISSISSIPPI ITS RESULTS, AND RETURN THE CAPTURE OF THE STEAMSHIP ARIEL BY TUB 

PIRATE ALABAMA — INCIDENTS CONNECTED WITH IT — HER FINAL RELEASE — DEPARTURE OF 
THE banks' expedition FROM NEW YORK — INFAMOUS FRAUDS PERPETRATED UPON THE 
GOVERNMENT — ARRIVAL OF THE EXPEDITION AT NEW ORLEANS — GENERAL BANKS SUCCEEDS 
GENERAL BUTLER — EFFECT OF BUTLER's ADMINISTRATION — RESULTS OP TUE BLOCKADE OF 
TUE SOUTHERN PORTS. 

The third session of the thirty-eighth Congress of the United States 
commenced at Washington on December 1st, 1862. A full attendance of 
the members of both houses graced the splendid halls in which they con- 
vened. The condition of the country was in many respects critical ; and 
tiie eyes of a loyal nation were directed with eager interest at that mo- 
ment toward their capital. A still intenser feeling was experienced in 
regard to the spirit and measures which might be disclosed in the annual 
message of President Lincoln. This important document was sent to 
the Senate and the House immediately after their organization, and be- 
came at once the subject of universal scrutiny and attention. It was 
characterized by that sound sense, that earnest and devoted love of country, 
that simplicity, directness, and clearness, which adorned all the official 
])roductions of that functionary. His message on this occasion discussed 
the usual topics which appertained to the administration; but it dwelt 
with special minuteness and force upon two grand cardinal themes, which 
exerted a vital influence upon the progress of the wa-" and on the destiny 
of the nation. These were the regulation of the finances, and the eman- 
cipation of the slaves. 

In regard to the national finances, the President set forth, with great 
truth, that the immense expenditure involved in the prosecution of the 
war, both on land and on sea, had been met with promptitude, and that 
the public credit had been amply sustained. But the continuance of hos- 
tilities in future, and the accompanying expense, demanded the serious 
attention of the national legislature. The suspension of specie payment 
by the banks throughout the country, soon after the commencement of the 
Eebellion, rendered it necessary that immense issues of United States 



ANNUAL MESSAGE OP PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 383 

notes should be made. These notes had been rendered more valuable and 
reliable by the judicious action of Congress, making them receivable for 
the payment of troops, for loans, for internal duties, and as legal tenders 
for other debts, thereby saving large sums to the community in discounts 
and in exchanges. The President, however, contended that a return to 
specie payment should be kept in view. But he regarded it as doubtful 
whether a sufficiently large amount of United States notes could be per- 
manently maintained to serve as a universal equivalent for coin, and pay- 
able therein. He therefore recommended as a remedy for this unavoida- 
ble difficulty the organization of banking associations, under a general act 
of Congress, to which the Federal Government might furnish circulating 
notes ou the security of the United States bonds deposited in the Treasury. 
These notes being always convertible into coin, would protect the com- 
munity from the evils of a vitiated currency, would facilitate commerce by 
cheap exchanges, and would diminish that part of the public debt which 
was employed as securities. The present condition of the Treasury was 
favorable. During the preceding year the virtual receipts had been 
$487,788,324 97. The entire expenditure in that period had been 
$474,744,788 16, thus leaving a small balance in the Treasury. So far 
the Government of the United States had sustained the colossal burden 
imposed upon it by the vast expenditures involved in the war with mar- 
velous vigor, prudence, and success. 

The President proceeded to say that a much more difficult and anom- 
alous question than that of the national finances demanded the attention 
of the legislature. The irrepressible negro and his future fate had assumed 
more than their usual importance in connection with the prosecution of 
the war, and that great enigma must, if possible, soon be solved by the 
assembled wisdom of the nation. 

Mr. Lincoln then referred to his preceding proclamation in regard to 
"compensated emancipation." He affirmed and demonstrated that dis- 
union was no adequate remedy for the difficulties connected with the des- 
tiny of the slave. He proved that there were inseparable objections to 
the division of the Union ; that the geographical features of the country 
forbade it; that the outlets of the Mississippi river, by an eternal law of 
nature, belonged in common and forever to all the inhabitants of that great 
valley through whose capacious and verdant bosom the father of waters 
rolled the mighty burden of his flood to the distant ocean ; that there was 
no line, either straight or crooked, which the ingenuity of man could devise 
that would form a propitious boundary-line between the two hostile sec- 
tions ; that even the institution of slavery itself would be damaged and 
weakened by the establishment of such a dividing line; that disunion 
would entail countless evils and miseries on both communities ; that slavery 
was the chief producing cause of the Eebellion ; that the extinction of 
slavery would inflict a death-blow upon that Rebellion, and that there was 



384 THE CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

a plan of gradual, prudent, equitable emancipation, whicli, if adopted, 
would remove this tremendous evil gently, propitiously, and efficiently. 
That plan he then proceeded to reveal, to expound, and to commend. It 
was as follows : 

He proposed so to amend the Federal Constitution that every State in 
which slavery existed at that time, which should abolish the same within 
its limits at any period before the 1st of January, A. D. 1900, should re- 
ceive compensation therefor from the Federal Government ; that the Presi- 
dent should deliver to every such State bonds of the United States, bear- 
ing interest, in payment for each slave proved to have been living therein 
by the eighth census of the United States ; these bonds to be delivered by 
instalments, or in one parcel, at the completion of the abolition of slavery 
within such State, according as the same may have been efiected, gradu- 
ally or immediately. Should any State, after having abolished slavery, 
and after receiving these bonds, introduce it again within its limits, the 
bonds delivered to it should be returned to the United States, and be 
valueless. The President suggested further, that all slaves whom the 
chances and vicissitudes of the war had at any time enfranchised should 
continue to be free, though their former masters, if they had remained 
loyal to the Union, should be compensated for their losses in a reasonable 
manner. The President then set forth the advantages of this plan with 
great earnestness. He said the measure was to be made constitutional by 
a formal amendment of the Federal Constitution. To accomplish this it 
is necessary that the concurrence of two thirds of the members of Con- 
gress, and afterward of three fourths of the States should be obtained. 
The approval of three fourths of the States would involve the concurrence 
and consent of seven of the slave States. If they would co-operate now, 
that act would effectually terminate the war, and would restore the Union, 
lie concluded this remarkable message with the following appeal, which 
was as impressive as it was original, both in thought and in language : 
" The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. The 
occasion is piled high with difficulty, and we must rise with the occasion. 
As our case is new, so we must think anew and act anew. "We must dis- 
enthrall ourselves, and then we shall save our country. We cannot escape 
history. We of this Congress and this administration will be remembered 
in spite of ourselves. No personal significance or insignificance can spare 
one or another of us. The fiery trial through which \ve pass will light us 
down in honor or dishonor to the latest generation. The way is plain, 
peaceful, generous, just — a way which if followed, the world will forever 
applaud, and God must forever bless." 

This message was received by both houses of Congress with that respect 
which was djc to it, and by the nation with very general admiration and 
applause. Even that portion of the loyal community who disapproved of 
any action on ihe subject of slavery, however moderate and conservative 



REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OP THE TREASURY. 



385 



it might be, commended the unquestionable honesty, sincerity, and patri- 
otism which illumined and adorned every line of this production. 

Of the official reports made to the President by the members of the 
Cabinet on this occasion, the most remarkable was that of Mr. Chase, the 
Secretary of the Treasury. It displayed that profound financial ability 
for which that officer had already become distinguished. It set forth 
among other topics the state of the national finances as they then existed ; 
and proceeded to the much more difficult task of expounding a method by 
which the immense exigencies of the future might be met. If the war 
continued until July 1st, 1863, a deficit of about two hundred and seventy- 
sevefl millions of dollars would exist over the receipts from existing cus- 
toms, excise, lands, and other income. If the war should be prolonged 
until July, 1864, a deficit of about six hundred and twenty-three millions 
over all existing revenues would have accumulated, and must be provided 
for. To accomplish this herculean task, Mr. Chase recommended the adop- 
tion of two important measures. The first was the passage of a general 
law authorizing the organization of banking associations. The other was 
the acquisition of money by loans, without increasing the issue of the 
United States notes beyond the amount fixed by law, unless an imperative 
exigency should demand it. This report indicated the line of policy which 
Mr. Chase pursued more minutely, and to its practical results, during 
the progress of the succeeding session, and was received by the Presi- 
dent and by the members of the Federal Legislature with respect and at- 
tention. 

While the several departments of the Government at Washington were 
engaged in the performance of their respective duties, the active opera- 
tions of the war progressed in the field, and battles and slaughters still 
continued to occur between the armed champions and enemies of the 
Union. 

On the 2d of December, 1862, a spirited skirmish took place near 
Franklin, on the Blackwater river, Virginia. On that day a detachment 
of Federal troops was sent out from Norfolk under Colonel Spear. It 
consisted of the eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry, four regiments of infantry, 
and a battery of artillery. Their orders were to proceed to a point within 
three miles of the Blackwater, as far as a building known as the Beaver 
Dam church, from which videttes should be sent out to reconnoitre the 
adjacent country, in which the enemy were known to have been posted 
in some strength. This order was promptly executed. The videttes soon 
encountered a body of Rebels who were out on a foraging expedition. 
They were the second Georgia regiment, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Towne. A brisk firing commenced, and the Federal videttes immediately 
sent to the main army for reinforcements. Three companies of the cavalry 
under Major Stratton were, in reponse to his command, ordered forward 
at a gallop. They soon reached the scene of conflict. A desperate com- 
25 



•8« 



THK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



bat then ensued. The Federal troops charged upon the enemy with great 
gallantry, and after a short collision the enemy broke and fled in confu- 
sion. The Federals then pursued the fugitives with cheers. They quickly 
overtook them, and cutting to right and left with their sabres among their 
disorderly masses, slew many of them. The cha-se was continued for two 
miles, with great excitement and disorder, until both sides reached the 
vicinity of Franklin, where the Rebels had erected strong fortifications. 
It then became expedient for the victors to retire and to return to Norfolk. 
The results of this engagement were the capture of twenty -two prisoners, 
two pieces of rocket battery, forty muskets; and ten horses. The most 
singular feature in the whole expedijtion was that not a single person on 
the Federal side received the slightest injury, although the fighting was 
at one time quite severe. 

Very different was the result of a sudden surprise and assault which 
was inflicted by the Rebel guerrilla Morgan upon the thirty-ninth brigade 
of Union troops of Dumont's division, at Hartsville, Kentucky. These 
forces were commanded by Colonel Moore, and consisted of the hundred 
and fourth Illinois, the hundred and sixth and hundred and eighth Ohio, 
a small portion of the second Indiana cavalry, and Nicklen's battery. 
They were surprised by an unexpected charge at daylight on the 7th of 
December. Morgan's troops consisted of three regiments of cavalry and 
two of infantry. The fight continued over an hour. A portion of the 
Federal troops, notwithstanding the unfavorable circumstances of the case, 
fought bravely. But the remainder did not support their comrades with 
any alacrity, and at length broke up in confusion. The result was dis- 
astrous to the entire force, who were, after a sbdrt fight, surrounded and 
compelled in the end to surrender to the enemy. Nearly the whole of the 
brigade were captured. The enemy then burnt the Federal camp and 
took possession of the teams and trains of tlie brigade. The loss of the 
Union troops during the battle was sixty killed and wounded. After the 
engagement closed, and when the disgrace and injury were complete, a 
body of troops under Colonels Ilarlin and Mellen were sent in pursuit of 
Morgan; but he had already crossed the Cumberland river with his 
usual promptitude of movement and was safely be3'ond their reach. 

In the army of the Potomac there were some skirmishes and actions 
of no great moment, but which displayed in a creditable light the courage 
and daring of the Union officers. General Geary, commanding a division 
in Slocum's (twelfth) army corps, had throughout the war shown himself 
a skilful and able pfiicer, and wherever he had been entrusted with re- 
sponsibility, had acquitted himself with great credit. The corpf to which 
he belonged had formed the rear-guard in crossing the Potomao-sobsequeut 
to the battle of Antietam, and his divi-sion was for some time assigned to 
garrison duty at Uarper's Ferry and the fortifications in its vicinity. On 
Friday, December 2d, he was ordered to make a reconnoissance in force. 



SURRENDER OP WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA. 38t 

with a body of three thousand infantry, twelve pieces of artillery, and a 
squadron of cavalry, toward Winchester, Virginia. 

At Charlestown, Virginia, they encountered a small force of Rebel 
cavalry, who were speedily routed and fled toward Winchester. General 
Geary then ordered his troops to move forward, and at a point two miles 
beyond Berryville, they encountered the cavalry in still larger force, and 
a short action ensued in which four Rebels were killed, twenty wounded, 
and seven horses disabled. 

Information was received the next morning that the Rebel General A. 
P. Hill was at Winchester with fifteen thousand men. General Geary was 
hardly willing to risk an engagement with a force five times as large as 
his own, yet he was not disposed to return without ascertaining more defi- 
nitely the position and strength of the enemy. He accordingly moved 
only a few miles on the 3d, and camped at night on the banks of Opequan 
creek, having skirmished through the day with the Rebel cavalry. 

On the 4th he pushed toward Winchester. In sight of it, he found a 
line of Rebel cavalry drawn up to dispute his entrance into the town. He 
ascertained that the Rebel forces, except the cavalry, had left the city, 
and sent a flag of truce to the mayor demanding an unconditional surren- 
der of the place. In a short time he received a reply from Major Myers, 
the commander of the Rebel cavalry, offering to evacuate the city if an 
hour's delay were granted for such non-combatants as wished to leave the 
place. This General Geary refused to grant, and informed Major Myers 
that he should move immediately upon the town, and the citizens would 
not be allowed to leave, but would not be disturbed unless they fired upon 
his troops. The Rebel major, however, had not waited for a reply, but 
had left with his cavalry with all haste, and the bearer of the flag of truce 
went on and found the mayor of the city, who surrendered at once. The 
small-pox was prevalent in the town, and General Geary's troops did not 
enter it ; but the General and his staff took possession of the forts and the 
town, and paroled one hundred and twenty-five Rebel soldiers who were 
sick or wounded in the hospitals, and having driven off ;.he Rebel cavalry 
by a few well-directed shells, he returned with his troops to Bolivar 
Heights, Harper's Ferry. 

General Geary soon after moved with his division southward, and on 
the 11th of December occupied Leesburg without resistance, and a few days 
later took possession of a part of the road from Aquia creek to Alexan- 
dria, guarding the prominent points from Fairfax Court House to Dum- 
fries. On the 27th of December, the Rebel General J. E. B. Stuart, at the 
head of about three thousand five hundred cavalry and a battery of artil- 
lery, crossed the Rappahannock for a raid through the Union lines. His 
first point of attack was Dumfries, where were four regiments (three of 
infantry and one of cavalry) and a section of artillery, belonging to Gen- 
eral Geary's division, but under the immediate command of Colonel 



388 'iDB CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Charles Candy.. The enemy surprised and captured the pickets, about 
fifty in number, aad thea opened upon the town with artillery, and made 
repeated charges upon the Union troops, but were repelled with great 
promptness and vigor. The fight lasted from two P. M. till eight P. M., 
when, after a desperate but unsuccessful attempt to flank the Union force, 
the Rebels retired, discomfited and beaten, to theNeobsco river, four miles 
above Dumfries. 

General Geary was promptly notified of the movements of Stuart, and 
moved the same evening (December 27th) from Fairfax Court House 
to Wolf Run Shoals, with the remainder of his division, and the next 
morning crossed the Occoquan and advanced. General Williams' division, 
of the twelfth army corps, following several miles in his rear. The Rebels 
left their camp on the Neobsco early on the morning of the 28tb, and 
moved on the road from Brentsville to Occoquan, and on their way sur- 
prised the second and seventeenth Pennsylvania cavalry, taking nearly 
one hundred of them prisoners, and killing and wounding about twenty. 
Some of these routed cavalrymen took refuge in General Geary's lines. 
Ten minutes later he came up and took position near the Brentsville road, 
and threw out a company of cavalry as a bait to draw the Rebels under 
his fire. In a few minutes about five hundred of Hampton's Legion 
charged down the hill upon them, firing and yelling like demons. The 
infantry opened their lines to admit the retreating Union cavalry, then 
closed and presented a solid front, and greeted the advancing foe with 
volleys of musketry and a storm of shell. At this unexpected reception 
they turned and fled in confusion, having lost twenty killed and 
■wounded in a very few moments. They formed again, with reinforce- 
ments, in a wood not far distant, but were again driven back and across 
the Occoquan. 

Nearly contemporary with the occurrence of this engagement was the 
expedition which was made from Helena into the State of Mississippi, 
under the command of General Washburne. The purpose of it was to 
reach Cofl:eeville, in that State, attack and rout a detachment of Rebels 
posted there, and destroy the bridges and telegraph offices which they 
used in furtherance of their purposes. The troops appropriated to this 
service were some cavalry, chiefly from Illinois and Iowa, numbering 
about nineteen hundred men, and six hundred infantry. They left 
Helena on the 27th of November, having embarked on boats provided for 
their conveyance. They landed at Delta, and immediately commenced 
their march into the interior of the country. On the first day they ad- 
vanced thirty-five miles, as far as the junction of the Tallahatchie river 
with the Coldwater. On the next day they succeeded in crossing the 
former stream, and resumed their march toward Grenada. No incident 
of importance occurred until they reached the vicinity of the Central Mis- 
sissippi railroad. Major Buje was then despatched with the ninth Illinois 



CAPTURE OP THE ARIEL BY THE PIRATE ALABAMA. 389 

cavalry, and a hundred men armed with carbines, crow-bars, and axes, to 
destroy the telegraph and the bridges connected with it. This service 
they performed with energy and success. The expedition then proceeded 
toward Coffeeville. At Mitchell's Cross-Eoads they encountered a detach- 
ment of Eebel troops, and a skirmish ensued, in which the latter soon 
gave way and retreated in disorder. The march was then continued 
through Panola and Oakland. The enemy, numbering fifteen hundred, 
evacuated the latter place as the Federals entered it. They were rapidly 
pursued, and beyond the town a brisk engagement occurred. The Rebels 
fought for a while with considerable resolution. They succeeded in cap- 
turing one of the Federal guns which had been imprudently posted too 
far in the advance. Some Qnion soldiers were wounded. The loss of the 
enemy in killed and wounded was more severe, as a number were after- 
ward found in the houses adjacent to the battle-field. They fled toward 
Coffeeville after having fought bravely for some time. At this point 
General Washburne obtained intelligence that a large force under Price 
had assembled at Coffeeville, much superior in numbers to his own troops. 
He therefore deemed it expedient not to advance further. At this period 
also he received a despatch from General Hovey, to the effect that, as the 
chief object of the expedition had been accomplished, he should imme- 
diately return. The order was instantly obeyed ; and after a laborious 
journey of several days through a country which had been rendered ex- 
tremely difficult by the continual rains which fell, the expedition reached 
Helena by the same route in safety. It had been absent six days, and had 
traversed two hundred miles on land. 

On the 7th of December the Confederate piratical vessel Alabama, 
achieved another of her signal successes upon the high seas. As the mao-- 
nificent steamship Ariel was sailing from New York, bound to Aspinwall, 
when oft' Cape May, near the eastern extremity of Cuba, she had the mis- 
fortune to come within sight of this formidable vessel. She was crowded 
with passengers enroute for California. She soon discovered the approach 
of her unwelcome visitor, and increased her speed to the utmost of her 
ability. Though she did her best it soon became evident that the superior 
sailing qualities of the Alabama rendered escape impossible. The latter 
gained upon her rapidly, and at length fired a blank shot at her. To this 
the Ariel paid no attention. A more imperative summons soon followed. 
She fired two shotted guns. One ball passed over the hurricane deck, and 
the other struck her foremast and severed it. The Ariel then promptly 
hove to, as the next salute would have been a full broadside. A boat 
soon reached the vessel, which afterward conveyed Captain A. G. Jones, 
her commander, on board the Alabama. Captain Semmes met him on 
deck, and informed him that his ship was a prizp ; that the passengers 
would be landed at a small settlement on the eastern end of Cuba, and 
that the vessel should be destroyed. Captain Jones protested against the 



390 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

cruelty of such a course to the large number of passengers, comprising 
many women and children, who were on board. Two days elapsed 
during which time negotiations progressed between the two commanders 
in regard to the destination of the Ariel. In this interval her sails were 
thrown overboard, and her steam valve taken away, to prevent her 
escape in case the Alabama should give chase to any other vessel. At 
length Captain Semmes determined to put the passengers on shore at 
Kingston, Jamaica, and both vessels were headed for that port. But the 
appeals of Captain Jones eventually prevailed, and Captain Semmes 
finally agreed to take bonds for the value of the vessel and cargo, and re- 
lease them. At eleven o'clock at night, on the 9th of December, the 
arrangements were completed. Securities were entered into by Captain 
Jones for the sum of two hundred and twenty-eight thousand dollars, 
payable to Jeflerson Davis immediately after peace was declared. The 
money in the ship, amounting to nine thousand five hundred dollars, was 
plundered by the pirate. A hundred and twenty United States marines 
were captured and paroled. All the arms and cannon on board were 
taken, but the private property of the passengers was respected and un- 
disturbed. It must also be admitted that the conduct of the officers and 
crew of the cruiser toward those on board the Ariel, during the several 
days of her detention, was courteous and gallant in the extreme. All the 
details of the capitulation and release having been arranged, the Ariel re- 
sumed her voyage to Aspinwall, and the Alabama sailed away to resume 
her lawless depredations on the high seas. 

Raphael Semmes, who had thus distinguished himself by his energy 
and rapacity in behalf of the Confederate Government, was born in 
Maryland, and entered the United States navy in April, 1826. He 
obtained the rank of lieutenant in February, 1837. During this long 
interval he had studied law in Cincinnati, and entered upon its practice 
in that city. He served two years in the Federal navy under Commodore 
Dallas, in 1838 and 1839. Subsequently he obtained the post of second 
in command of the brig Somers, in which the famous tragedy of Slidell- 
Mackenzie was enacted. After the termination of that voyage, Semmes 
became a resident of Mobile, and there resumed the practice of the law. His 
success in this profession was limited, and he eventually obtained from 
Mr. Buchanan the position of inspector of the light-house at Mobile. He 
was soon afterward transferred to "Washington as secretary of the light- 
house board. Secretary Dix dismissed him from this office at a later 
date for frauds upon the Federal Treasury. He remained unemployed 
until the outbreak of the Rebellion, when he tendered his services to the 
Confederate Government, was accepted, and placed in command of the 
Alabama. 

During the month of November, 1862, extensive preparations wera 
made in the city of New York to equip and send forth an expedition 



INFAMOUS FRAUDS UPON THE GOVERNMENT. 391 

under the orders of Geaeral Banks, whose purpose and destination were 
as yet unknown. This expedition started from that port on the 4th of 
December. No warliise undertaking was ever entered upon by the 
United States, during the progress of any war, in which the villainy of 
those with whom the Government had negotiated for transports and 
supplies was as excessive and unblushing, as ruinous to the interests of 
the public, or as dangerous to the lives of hundreds of the brave defenders 
of the Union, as in this instance. Jn purchasing vessels for the transport 
of the troops, old and rotten boats, which had long been thrown aside as 
wholly unfit even for the service required by commerce along the 
seaboard and on the inland lakes, were sold at enormous prices to the 
agents of the Government, under the pretence that they were perfectly 
secure and able to encounter all the perils and storms of the deep. As 
might be expected, tnany of these came very near being wrecked ; and all 
on board of them would have perished had they not in some cases been 
taken off by other vessels, and in others had they not put into some port 
before half the voyage was completed. Nearly twenty transports out of 
the whole number which conve3'ed the expedition were ultimately found 
to have been worthless, unseaworthy, and infamous impositions upon the 
Government. The remainder of the vessels reached their destination on 
the 14th of December. New Orleans proved to be the point for which 
the expedition had been destined, and its ultimate purpose was conjec- 
tured to be to proceed up the Mississippi, at some future period, to assist 
in the attack and capture of Vicksburg. On arriving at New Orleans, 
General Banks superseded General Butler in the command of that im- 
portant post. The latter welcomed his successor heartily, and gave him 
all the information and advice which he might desire for his guidance in 
the future performance of his duties. Five thousand of the troops who 
accompanied the new commandant were landed at New Orleans, to be 
ready for immediate operation.^!. He issued a proclamation, in which he 
set forth the motives which should induce the people of that region to 
remain loyal to the Federal Government, and announced his determina- 
tion to secure the rights and just interests of all the citizens. 

It must be admitted that the administration of General Butler had 
been eminently vigorous and efficient. He had indeed performed some 
acts which the inhabitants of the Confederate States stigmatized as 
barbarous and inhuman ; but these were regarded by General Butler as 
unavoidable and imperative under the peculiar circumstances of the case 
One thing, however, was perfectly evident, that the measures which be 
had adopted and executed resulted in the complete subjection of the in- 
habitants of that region to the Federal Government, so far as outward 
conformity was concerned, whatever the real sentiments and predilections 
were which many of them may have secretly cherished. After resigning 



892 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

his important trust into the hands of his successor, General Butler 
returned to the North* 



* The blockade of the southern ports, which had now been maintained for nearly 
two years, had produced very perceptible effects upon the commercial and social con- 
dition of the inhabitants of the Rebel States. The truth of this assertion will be 
demonstrated by an allusion to the prices of the necessaries of life which prevailed at 
this period among them. We may instance the figures which ruled at Charleston, 
South Carolina, as a sample of what generally existed. Flour was thirty-six dollars 
per barrel, corn two dollars and fifty cents per bushel, potatoes four dollars per 
bushel, coffee two dollars and seventy-five cents per pound, common calico two 
dollars per yard, shoes sixteen dollars per pair, butter one dollar and thirty cents per 
pound, salt forty-seven dollars per bushel, wood twenty-two dollars per cord. Such 
are some of the items which demonstrate that the Federal blockade had been suffi- 
cieutly " ^ective." 



LAYING OF THE PONTOONS AT FKEDERICKSBURG. 393 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

TEE BATTLE OF FREDERICKSBDRG — THE LATINO OP THE PONTOON BRIDGES — THE P0VTONIER8 
DRIVEN AWAY — RENEWAL OF THE ATTEMPT — ITS SECOND AND THIRD FAILURE — BOMBARD- 
MENT OF FREDERICKSBURG — THE BRIDGES ARE CONSTRUCTED — THE FEDERAL TROOPS CROSS 
THE RAPPAHANNOCK — PREPARATIONS FOR TUB CONFLICT — STRENGTH OF THE WORKS OF 
THE REBELS — SUPERIOR ADVANTAGES OF THEIR POSITION AND NUMBERS — COMMENCEMENT 
OF THE ENGAGEMENT BY GENERAL FRANKLIN — INCIDENTS OP THE BATTLE ON THE LEFT 
WING THE RESULTS — THE CONTEST ON THE RIGHT AND THE CENTRE — MOVEMENTS OF GEN- 
ERALS MEADE AND GIBBON— HEROISM OF SOMNER — IMPREGNABLE POSITION OF THE ENEMY 

A GALLANT CHARGE — HEAVY LOSSES OF THE REBELS — OPERATIONS IN THE CENTRE UNDER 
GENERAL HOOKER — PLAN OF WILCOX AND BURNS — GENERAL RESULTS OF THE ENGAGE- 
MENT — FEDERAL AND REBEL LOSSES — SKETCH OF GENERAL FRANKLIN — OF GENERALS JACK- 
SON AND BAYARD — EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE BATTLE — RESIGNATION OP MR. SEWARD— 
POPULAR CENSURE — GENERAL BURNSIDE ASSUMES THE RESPONSIBILITY — THE CABINET 
REMAINS UNCHANGED — BATTLE AT CAVE HILL, IN ARKANSAS — FEDERAL VICTORY. 

At four o'clock in the morning of the tenth of December, 1862, the 
tardy pontoon trains, upon which the army commanded by General Burn- 
side was to cross the Rappahannock at Fredericksburg, proceeded to the 
banks of the stream. They were in charge of the seventeenth and fiftieth 
New York engineers, and under the orders of General Woodbury. The 
operations commenced with an attempt to throw these bridges across the 
river, two of which were opposite Fredericksburg, the third at a point 
where the railroad bridge had formerly existed. The weather was fa- 
vorable to the success of the enterprise, for a heavy fog concealed the 
labors of the pontoniers from the observation of the enemy. One half 
of the stream had been spanned, when the mist partly cleared away, and 
revealed the progress which had been made to the foe. An attack was 
instantly commenced upon the Federal workmen in the stream by the 
Rebel sharpshooters, who were posted in rifle-pits along the opposite 
shore, and from the windows of the adjacent houses. This fire was so 
brisk and deadly that the pontoniers were compelled to abandon their 
work, and retreat to the laud, beyond the reach of the enemy. 

After a short interval, the fugitives were again formed and sent back 
to resume their work. The Rebels immediately commenced the attack, 
which proved to be more formidable and destructive than before. They 
swarmed in large numbers on the opposite bank, and in the streets of the 
town, and soon the boats and planks were riddled with their shot, and 
many of the pontoniers were slain. Again they were compelled to retire, 
and it was evident that it would be almost impossible to construct the 
bridges in the face of the foe. The bombardment of the town across the 
stream was then determined on. The batteries of the ninth corps, com- 
manded by Edwards, Benjamin, and Miihlenburg, together with others on 



394 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the right and left of the town, began to throw their shot and shell into 
the houses occupied by the Rebel riflemen. These were soon demolished. 
The bombardment continued from seven until one o'clock, and much 
damage was done to the edifices of that ancient city. During the prog- 
ress of this assault the third attempt was made to construct the bridges. 
But the enemy had not been dislodged from their position in the rifle- 
pits, and from these concealed retreats the attack was again continued 
with destructive effect. After a short time the whole party was ordered 
back from the pontoons. To drive these sharpshooters from their rifle- 
l)its was indispensable, and in the afternoon of the 11th, volunteers were 
called for, and portions of the seventh Michigan and nineteenth Massa- 
chusetts volunteered, and crossed over in pontoon-boats under a heavy 
fire, and charging upon the sharpshooters, drove them from their pits, and 
secured the laying of the bridges without further interruption. In this 
ttisk they were assisted by the eighty-ninth New York regiment, under 
the command of Colonel Fairchild. . . i ; , 

The passage of the Federal troops over the bridges immediately com- 
menced. This process occupied the morning and night of the 11th of 
December. The corps of General Franklin composed the extreme left 
of the line, and crossed three miles below Fredericksburg. General Sum- 
ner commanded on the right wing. To General Hooker was assigned a 
position in the centre. In a council of war which was called by General 
Burnside some time previous to the crossing of the troops. General Hooker 
had proposed that he should pass over the stream with his corps at one 
of the fords ten miles above the city, and by a rapid march along the 
south banks of the river move on Fredericksburg and take possession of 
the hills in its vicinity ; and that a combined attack should then be made 
upon the enemy posted in the rear of the town from two opposite direc- 
tions. Whatever might have been the ultimate result of such a line of 
operations, it was rejected by the commander-in-chief. The plan of battle 
adopted was, that Franklin should open the assault by attacking and 
breaking the lines of the enemy on the Federal left, and as soon as that 
was accomplished Sumner was to fall upon the centre of the position of 
the enemy, to be followed by a charge on the right by Hooker's grand 
division. The assault on the right was not to be made until the rest of 
the Federal troops had obtained possession of a new road which ran in 
the rear of the city, crossed the heights which existed there, and connected 
the two wings of the enemy together. By severing that connection, an 
assault in the centre and right, as General Burnside supposed, would be 
made with destructive effect upon their whole line. The issue of events, 
as they subsequently occurred, proved to be very different from that which 
that officer so confidently anticipated. 

The preparations which the enemy had made to receive and repel the 
Federal army, were of the most formidable description. They had erected 



STRENGTH OF REBEL WORKS AT FREDERICKSBURG 



335 



a series of powerful batteries, which extended for six miles, in the form 
of a semi-circle, from one extremity at Port Royal, to Guiney's station, 
on the Richmond railroad, at the other. The most important position in 
this line was that occupied by the Washington Artillery, which was com- 
manded by Colonel Walton, of New Orleans. It was posted on the heights 
immediately in the rear of Fredericksburg. A short distance to the 
southeast of this position stands a still higher eminence, from which the 
whole range of the impending battle could be clearly seen. On this 
height General Lee, the Confederate commander-in-chief, took his position. 
Stuart's cavalry were posted on the extreme left of the Rebel lines. The 
troops of Longstreet in the centre, of Jackson on the right of the hills as 
reserves, were prudently distributed along the vast extent of their works. 
Impartial as well as intelligent observers subsequently affirmed that the 
position of the Rebel host had been so strongly and so skilfully fortified 
that it would have been impossible for almost any body of men, however 
numerous and valiant, to reduce it by means of an assault, or an open 
attack in front. 

During Friday, December 12th, the Federal troops which were destined 
to take part in this memorable engagement were transferred to their re- 
spective positions on the other side of the river. A hundred and forty- 
five cannon were placed in position. During the day skirmishing took 
place between the pickets of the two armies ; and in the afternoon some 
of the Federal guns continued to thunder across the stream into the works 
of the Confederates on the opposite heights, and into the city. During 
the ensuing night the hostile outposts were within a hundred yards of 
each other ; and the busy hum of preparation in both the rival hosts was 
continually heard as the solemn hours of the night wore oh. But the 
passage of the Rappahannock and the transfer of the troops had not been 
accomplished without heavy loss. 

At length Saturday, December 13th, dawned. It was a day destined 
to be invested through all coming time with a melancholy and imperish- 
able interest. The first few hours were obscured by a heavy fog, which 
burdened the horizon on every hand. At nine o'clock it partly rose, and 
revealed to view as magnificent a spectacle of martial splendor as the 
most glowing imagination could conceive. The batteries of the enemy, 
which could be seen extending along a series of heights in the rear of 
Fredericksburg, supported by an army of eighty thousand men, frowned 
upon the plain below, in which forty thousand valiant troops stood under 
their glittering and gleaming arms ready to commence the contest. As 
soon as the combatants became visible to each other the engagement 
began. Every advantage both of numbers and of position belonged to 
the Confederates, yet the dauntless heroes of the Union eagerly courted 
the contest. 

The action opened with the assault of General Franklin's division on 



396 THE CITTL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the extreme right of the Rebel forces. The enemy had here advanced a 
single battery, consisting of four guns, commanded by Captain Carter 
Braxton, which annoyed the Federal columns exceedingly by its spirited 
and accurate firing. The ninth regiment of the New York State militia 
were ordered to charge upon this battery and capture it. They advanced 
rapidly at a double-quick, with colors flying and muskets glittering. The 
earth shook beneath their heavy tread. But the enemy met them with 
fierce and unflinching fortitude, and after a desperate struggle the ninth 
were compelled to fail back, defeated in their purpose. They were soon 
rallied, and then, supported by General Tyler's brigade, they advanced a 
second time to the charge. Another furious struggle ensued, but the 
noblest valor was in vain. The enemy again prevailed, and the Federals 
recoiled and again retreated. After another short interval the same 
troops were reformed, and brought forward once more to the charge. 
The battery in dispute was supported by a numerous body of Rebel 
troops posted in the adjacent woods, from which, when the Federals 
reached a point in their advance within their range, a sheet of flame 
issued, masking a deluge of rifle shots, which decimated the approaching 
column, and covered the line of their march with wounded and dead. 
This circumstance accounts for the difficulty and defeat which attended 
these several efforts to capture the battery in question. Tliis battery 
finally remained uijtaken; but now the engagement gradually extended 
along the whole left of the Federal line. Here Franklin was confronted 
by " Stonewall" Jackson. All the art and energy of that able commander 
v/ere summoned to his support. One of the most desperate combats re- 
corded in military annals took place on this portion of the field. Gen- 
eral Franklin at length prepared to storm the tremendous works erected , 
on the hills before him. He commenced this effort about half-past eleven 
o'clock, and commanded the movement in person. He ordered six 
brigades to advance to the attack. His chief effort was to turn the posi- 
tion of the enemy on the Massaponax, and drive him beyond that creek. 
Then ensued a long and sanguinary struggle, which continued with 
various and shifting vicissitudes during some hours. The Rebels fought 
from tlieir sheltered and elevated positions with great resolution. But 
the Union troops were equally determined ; after a protracted contest the 
enemy began to yield, and retire from some small hills on which their 
first line had been posted. The Federals pressed upon them, and followed 
up the advantage which they had gained. At one o'clock General 
Franklin had a decided superiority over the foe. But about three o'clock 
they received heavy reinforcements on their right wing, and made so firm 
a stand that the Federals in vain attempted to drive them further from 
their position. Many incidents occurred during this portion of the con- 
test which indicated how ferocious the struggle was. Here it was that the 
gallant Bayard was mortally wounded on the Federal side. He was con- 




a 






MOVEMENTS OP GENERALS MEADE AND GIBBON. 397 

versing with General Franklin, when a cannon ball struck him on the 
hip. The blow threw him far out of his saddle, and it was soon evident 
that it was mortal. As if to counterbalance this loss, it was at this period 
that General Thomas R. R. Cobb, of the Rebel army, was struck in the 
thigh by an exploding shell, and soon after expired from the wound. It 
was here also that three hundred of General A. P. Hill's division, belong- 
ing to Jackson's corps, were captured and marched off to the rear. 

1 he resolution and skill with which the enemy fought in this portion 
of the field were not singular. The troops engaged here were the veterans 
who had taken part in the battles of Cedar Mountain, the second Manassas, 
and Antietam. Nevertheless, General Franklin succeeded during the 
progress of the day in driving back the troops opposed to him nearly 
a mile. When the day closed he held the position which he had wrested 
from the enemy by the most tremendous exertions. In his portion of 
the field the Federal forces had gained a success, and had the same 
good fortune attended their eflbrts in the remainder of the far-reaching 
scene of slaughter and blood, the issue of the day would have been very 
different from that which actually occurred. 

On the Federal right and centre, which occupied positions nearer to 
Fredericksburg, the action did not commence as early in the day as on 
the left. The fog, which in the morning rendered every thing invisible, 
did not clear away until toward noon. While its thick and heavy folds 
still enveloped the hills and vales, random shooting from artillery was 
kept up by both sides. But this produced little effect, though the sullen 
roar of great guns, as peal after peal rang responsively through the 
murky air, produced a sublime and solemn effect. As soon as the sun 
appeared, the infantry of the divisions of Generals Meade and Gibbon 
were ordered forward. These were soon engaged iu close action with 
the veterans of Longstreet and Stuart. Soon the divisions of Doubleday 
and Stoneman were sent forward to their assistance. By great effort the 
ejQeray were compelled to yield somewhat in the left of the centre. On 
the extreme right, where the veteran hero Sumner commanded in person, 
the contest was equally severe. The troops engaged here consisted of 
the seventh and ninth corps. They won imperishable honor for them- 
selves, though they suffered heavily. It was here that the superior ad- 
vantages of the elevated and intrenched position of the enemy became 
most conspicuous. It soon became evident that it would be impossible 
to dislodge the Rebels from their breastworks except at the point of the 
bayonet. General Sumner therefore ordered General French to charge 
with his division on the hostile batteries. General Howard's column 
acted as their support. The Federal troops rushed bravely forward to 
the charge across the intervening plain, until they reached a point only 
a few yards distant from the earthworks. Then a terrible fire opened upon 
them, which cut down whole ranks, strewed the earth with wounded and 



398 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

dead, and compelled them to retire in confusion to a ravine in the dis 
tance. Here these troops were reformed, strengthened by an a<lditional 
body of infantry, and brought up again to the attack with fixed bayonets 
at a double-quick step. As they advanced they were overwhelmed by a 
still more deadly hailstorm of shot and shell than before. The enemy 
concentrated both their artillery and musketry upon them. Hundreds 
here strewed the ground with their dead or mangled bodies. So terrible 
was this assault that these resolute troops were completely shattered and 
unable to withstand it. They were thrown into confusion and dismay 
more complete than before. They gave way and fled. For the third 
time they were rallied and brought back. On each advance their ranks 
became thinner and thinner, the piles of dead and wounded were more 
and more numerous. At length it became evident that further attempt 
to take the heights by storm would be utterly futile ; the troops were 
withdrawn on the Federal right, and all the available artillery were 
brought into play for the purpose of shelling the redoubtable enemy in 
their stronghold. This cannonading continued until darkness put an 
end to the abortive and bloody contest. But the loss of the enemy had 
also been severe in this part of the field. The brigade of South Carolina 
troops, commanded by General Kershaw, suffered terribly. Here General 
Maxey Gregg was mortally wounded. Here the third regiment of South 
Carolina volunteers was almost annihilated. Early in the fight its colonel, 
lieutenant-colonel, major, senior and second senior captains, were all slain. 
The shattered ranks of that once gallant and formidable body of men 
furnished appalling proof of the terrible energy and skill with which the 
Federal troops had assailed and crushed them.* 

The centre of the Federal lines, in which the third and fifth army corps 
under Hooker were placed, came into the action about noon. These 
were then ordered forward to storm the works of the enemy in their 
front. The same gallant charges were here made in the face of the same 
desolating hailstorms of shot and shell, attended with the same tempo- 
rary panics, partial successes, and final retreats which characterized the 
operations of the right wing. At one time General Wilcox detached 
the division under General Burns, and sent it to the left of the centre, for 
the purpose of forming a junction with the left wing under Franklin. 
Burns therefore crossed Hazel Run and took a position on Deep Run, 
near to which Franklin's right wing extended. The object of this move- 
ment was to support any operations which might be undertaken between 
Deep Run and the corps of General Couch. But nothing of the kind 
occurred, and Burns' troops did not take any part in the engagement. 
During the day General Sturgis was ordered to support Couch in attack- 
ing the Rebel batteries in the right of their centre, which had enfiladed 

• The Richmond Despatch of December 16th, 1863. 



SKETCHES OP GENERALS JACKSON AND BAfARD. 399 

the troops of that general. Ferrero's brigade led the charge upou these 
works. Sturgis ordered Naglee to assist Ferrero, and he himself charged 
valiantly upon the foe. By a dashing assault some of these troops suc- 
ceeded in crossing the intervening space, rushed up the hills, carried 
their crest, and approached witliin eighty feet of the Rebel intrenchments. 
But so fearful was the discharge from the guns of the enemy that it was 
impossible to advance any further. The troops were eventually compelled 
to retire from the scene of their heroism, and take a position beyond the 
reach of the deadly and murderous batteries of the unconquerable foe. 

Such was the position of affairs over the widespread and revolting 
scene when the sun descended beneath the horizon and darkness threw its 
mantle over the exhausted combatants. Of all the Federal troops engaged 
those under General Franklin alone had obtained any advantage. It was 
expected that on the following day the struggle would be renewed. Such 
however was not the case. The memorable battle of Fredericksburg had 
been fought and ended. Its blood-stained record was complete. During 
the night which followed, both armies reposed in the positions which they 
held before the engagement. A portion of the Federal troops occupied 
the town, whose obscure name has been rendered renowned from its con- 
tiguity to this melancholy and unmerited defeat of the army of the Union. 
The fourth attempt of the Federal generals to realize the wish of the 
nation for an advance upou Richmond had proved futile. During the 
action the Federal gunboats which were in the Rappahannock approached 
the scene of conflict and shelled that portion of the works of the enemy 
which came within their range; but their well directed fire coai4 ^ot 
materially alter or avert the general issue of the day. 

Among the casualties of this battle were the deaths of Generals Bayard 
and Jackson, and the wounding of Generals Vinton, Gibbon, Kimball, 
Caldwell, and Meagher. The loss of the two first named officers was a 
serious calamity. 

Conrad F. Jackson was a native of Pennsylvania. His military career 
began with the commencement of the war. He then received the com- 
mand of the ninth regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserves, under General 
McCall. When the Federal army advanced into Virginia, in December, 
1861, the corps to which the ninth regiment belonged was posted between 
the Great Falls, the Chain Bridge, Alexandria, and the Leesburg railroad. 
On the 20th of December, General Jackson distinguished himself in the 
battle of Dranesville, in the brigade commanded by General Ord. Sub- 
sequently his regiment was transferred to the army of General McDowell, 
which was posted at Fredericksburg. In June, 1862, he was ordered to 
join the force of McClellan in the Peninsula with the Reserves under 
McCall. He took part in the engagement at Mechanicsville and G-aines' 
Mill, as well as in the more important contests around Richmond. He 
fought with honor under Pope at Manassas, under McClellan at South 



'400 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Mountain and Antietam. When General Ord was transferred to the 
West, he was placed in command of his brigade, led them gallantly into 
action at Fredericksburg, and there died upon the field of honor. 

A similar fate befell General George D. Bayard, the gallant cavalry 
officer who had obtained and merited the epithet of the Murat of Burn- 
side's army. This officer was a native of New York, and entered West 
Point in 1852. He graduated in 1856, and was immediatdly after ap- 
pointed second lieutenant in the first United States cavalry. In August, 
1861, he was promoted to a captaincy, and toolc command of the first 
Pennsylvania cavalry, attached to General McCall's Reserves. He took 
part with that brave corps in all the battles ia which they served in the 
Peninsula and in Maryland. He was raised to the rank of brigadier 
general in June, 18t52. He had distinguished himself by his bold and 
dashing charges upon the foe in many a desperate engagement. He was 
extremely chivalrous and gallant in his deportment as an officer, and 
seemed destined by nature for no other sphere than that of a soldier. It 
was his pride and glory to command a formidable body of horse; and 
though only twenty-eight years of age at the period of his death, he had 
already acquired renown as one of the most brilliant, skilful and daring 
cavalry officers in the armies of the Union. He died as he had lived — 
bravely, grandly, nobly, and like his great prototype of immortal memory, 
" without fear and without reproach." 

The losses suffered by the Federal forces engaged at Fredericksburg 
were very heavy. They were eleven hundred and twenty-eight killed, 
nine thousand one hundred and five wounded, two thousand and seventy- 
eight prisoners. The loss of the Confederates in killed and wounded was 
about three thousand five hundred. This disproportion resulted from the 
superior advantages of position and protection which the latter enjoyed, 
and from the vast number of their guns. 

No fighting of importance occurred on Sunday, the 14th of December. 
The combatants on both sides were nearly exhausted, and both were en- 
gaged in the humane work of burying the dead and removing the 
wounded. During the 15th some skirmishing took place between small 
and detached bodies. It was expected by both armies that on that day 
the general assault would be renewed. But a council of war having been 
convened by General Burnside, the conclusion was arrived at that a 
further attempt to carry the works of the enemy would only involve an 
enormous sacrifice of life without any probability of success. General 
Burnside therefore determined to withdraw his forces across the Rappa- 
hannock to their first position. This purpose was accomplished with 
great skill, and with perfect success, during the night of the 15th of De- 
cember. Neither men, artillery, nor baggage were lost during the opera- 
tion, nor were the enemy aware of what was transpiring until the trans- 
portation was completed. The reason assigned for this step by General 



ilVENTS AFTEE THE BATTLE OF FREDEEICKSBURG. 401 

Buroside, in a public despatch upon the subject, was the fact that it had 
become a military necessity either to renew the attack or to retire ; and 
because a repulse would have been extremely disastrous to the Federal 
cause under existing circumstances. 

It would be difficult to describe the intensity of that disappointment 
which filled the public mind upon the receipt of the intelligence of this 
defeat. It was regarded as the greatest misfortune and disgrace which 
had yet befallen the Federal arms since the commencement of the war. 
The chief blame, in the popular mind, rested upon the commander-in- 
chief, who it was affirmed should not have undertaken to carry by assault 
a series of works which had been rendered impregnable to any attack by 
the energy and skill of the Confederate generals during the long interval 
which had been allowed them by the delay of the pontoon trains. The 
Republican members of the Federal Senate, then in session, especially the 
more radical portion of them, conceived the idea that a change should be 
made in the Cabinet, and in the policy which governed the conduct of the 
war, before such disasters would be avoided in future, and victory be won 
by the arms of the Union. These Senators held several private meetings, 
compared their views together, and at length appointed a committee to 
• wait on the President, in order to demand the removal of Mr. Seward, the 
Secretary of State, and the reconstruction of the Cabinet. Before this 
committee could perform their functions Mr. Seward received information 
of their purpose, and instantly sent in his resignation to the President, to- 
gether with that of his son, the assistant secretary. This action of the 
Republican Senators resulted from the fact that Mr. Seward was regarded 
by them as the master-spirit, whose influence was paramount in the Cabi- 
net, and who directed its whole policy and movements with resistless 
potency. In the end, however, the proposed alterations were not effected. 
Mr. Lincoln, after some days of deliberation, declined to accept the ten- 
dered resignations, or to make any change in his Cabinet officers. At a 
still later period General Burnside publicly assumed the responsibility 
for making the attack upon the enemy at Fredericksburg, and affirmed 
that all the blame and the consequent odium, if any such there were, ap- 
pertained to him alone. This declaration was very honest and ingenuous 
on his part, but from the testimony afterward given before the Com- 
mittee on the Conduct of the War it appeared that the delay in the for- 
warding of the pontoon trains, which was the real cause of the disastrous 
character of the battle, was the fault of other parties, and that General 
Burnside was not in any respect blameworthy for that delay. On other 
fields, since that time, General Burnside has nobly redeemed his reputa- 
tion from any charges of unskilful generalship, and his prompt assump- 
tion of the blame on this occasion, when most men would have shrunk 
from it, was in unison with the generosity and manliness o; his character, 
and won him more friends than his misfortunes had lost. 
26 



402 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

On tbe 28th of November, a severe battle was fought near Boones- 
borough, or Cane Hill, in Arkansas, between the Federal troops, com- 
manded by General Blunt, and the Eebels, led by Generals Marmaduke 
and Shelby. The former consisted of three brigades, with four batteries 
and six mountain howitzers. The latter numbered eight thousand men. 
The purpose of General Blunt was to attack and expel the enemy from the 
position which they had taken in that vicinity, which contained the richest 
grain-growing region in Arkansas; for if they were driven thence they 
would suffer from famine more severely than from a defeat in the field. 
The army advanced as rapidly as possible over the mountain roads, and 
at length reached the pickets of the enemy. Some of these were captured ; 
the rest were driven in. An attack upon the foe was commenced as soon 
as their main body was reached. The Federals began the assault from a 
hill which overlooked the town of Boonesborough and the camp of the 
enemy. The artillery commenced the action. The Rebels responded 
with spirit, but as soon as a charge was made with the bayonet by the 
first brigade, led by Colonel Ware, they broke and fled. The Federals 
pursued them with deafening shouts. A running fight then followed, 
from one hill to another, through one ravine after another, the Eebels 
making a brief stand from time to time, and then breaking away again in- 
disorder. Thus the pursuit had continued from ten o'clock in the morn- 
ing until night. It was kept up over an area of mountainous country ten 
miles in extent. At last, when night came, it found the enemy inclosed 
in a wild deep mountain-gorge, in which they could not be attacked with 
much success in the darkness. The Federal troops then suspended their 
labors. Finding himself destined to inevitable defeat if the battle was 
renewed, the Rebel General Marmaduke sent a flag of truce asking per- 
mission to remove his dead and wounded, and under cover of this escaped 
with his demoralized forces to Van Buren, where a considerable force of 
Rebels from other portions of the State were concentrating under General 
Hindman. 

The Rebels were greatly chagrined at this defeat, and resolved to avenge 
it, destroy Bluut's little force, and obtain possession of the wheat region 
of northwestern Arkansas. For this purpose Hindman commenced mov- 
ing forward with his army of about thirty thousand men, on the 2d of 
December, toward Crane Hill. General Blunt was promptly informed 
concerning his movements, and telegraphed at once to General llerron, 
then at Wilson's creek, Missouri, one hundred and ten miles distant, to 
come to his aid by forced marches. Herron received his despatch on the 
morning of the 3d of December, and in three hours was on the road with 
his advance column, the others following immediately. The whole dis- 
tance was accomplished in three days, and Herron's force, consisting of 
about seven thousand men, encountered the enemy in a long valley, run- 
ning from west to east, called Prairie Grove, about ten miles above Cane 



FEDERAL VICTORY AT CANE HILL, ARKANSAS. 403 

Hill, on the morning of December 7th. General Blunt, during three days 
which intervened, had been skirmishing with the enemy at points eight, 
ten, and fifteen miles below Cane Hill, endeavoring to prevent them from 
passing up the mountain road to the east of Cane Hill, and thus intercept- 
ing Herron before he could join him, or pouncing upon his own train, 
which was at Ehea's Mills, nearly opposite, and to the west of Prairie 
Grove. On the morning of the 7th he found to his regret that Hindman 
had succeeded in pushing his main column past his army, and would be 
likely to attack Herron single-handed. He accordingly pushed north- 
ward with all speed with his little force of about five thousand, saw that 
his trains were transferred to a safe place, and passing through the valley 
of Prairie Grove, attacked Hindman in the rear, about three o'clock in the 
afternoon. General Herron's little force had fought with desperate bravery 
for five hours, and were becoming exhausted in contending against more 
than four times their numbers ; but the sound of Blunt's cannon, and the 
charges of his men upon the rear of the enemy, infused new vigor into their 
wearied limbs, and they rushed with energy into the fight, and soon began 
to drive the enemy before them. At nightfall the Union forces occupied 
the ground on which the enemy had first formed, and both parties slept on 
their arms, the Union troops expecting to renew the contest in the morn- 
ing ; but toward daylight General Hindman requested an interview with 
General Blunt, and kept up a parley for five hours, meanwhile repeating 
Marmaduke's trick of withdrawing his troops during the flag of truce. 
The Union loss was about seven hundred, that of the Rebels over fifteen 
hundred. 



404 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXVL 

THE EXPEDITIOK OP OKNgRAL FOSTKB TROM NEWBERN TO KIN38T0N AND OOLDSBOBO COM- 
MENCEMENT OF THE MARCH — SKIRMISH AT SOUTHEAST CREEK — ITS RESULTS — THE FEDERALS 
CONTINUE THEIR MARCH TC KINSTON — BATTLE AT THAT PLACE — INCIDENTS OF THIS KN- 
OAOEMENT — ITS RESULTS — OPERATIONS OF THE FEDERAL FLEET WHICH ACCOMPANIED THB 
EXPEDITION — SKIRMISH AT WHITEHALL — BATTLE AT OOLDSBORO — THE RETURN OF THB 
IIPEDITION — SKIRMISUINO WITH THE ENEMY — EXPLOITS OF MAJOR GARRARD AND PITZ- 
SIMMONS — ARRIVAL OF THE EXPEDITION AT NEWBERN — ITS RESULTS — FEDERAL LOSSES — 
SKETCH OF GENERAL FOSTER — CAPTURE OF HOLLY SPRINGS — BATTLE OF DAVIs' MILI^ IK 
MISSISSIPPI — HEROISM OF COLONEL MORGAN — DEFEAT AT VAN DORN — POSITION OF AFFAIRS 
TOWARD THE CLOSE OF THE YEAR 1802 — PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMA- 
TION — ITS PB0VI8I0NS — FEELINGS WITH WHICH IT WAS REGARDED BY DIFFERENT CLASSES 
OF THE COMMUNITY — ITS INFLUENCE UPON THE FUTURE EVENTS OF THE WAR. 

At the time that the cause of the Union was receiving a calamitous blow 
at Fredericksburg, the general gloom was somewhat mitigated by the intel- 
ligence of a successful movement of General J. G. Foster from Ncwbcrn 
into the interior of North Carolina. The expedition organized by that 
officer started from Newbern on the morning of the 11th of December, 
1862. Its object was the capture of Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro, 
and the severance of some of the railroad lines which connected Richmond 
with various portions of the Confederate States. Preparations for this 
undertaking had been progressing with energy for some time. The forces 
detailed to this service consi.sted of the ninth New Jersey, which was 
placed in the extreme advance, the brigade commanded by General 
Wessel, with those of Generals Peck, Avery, Lee, and Stevenson. The 
majority of these troops were from Massachusetts. They were accom- 
panied by the third New York artillery, the Belger battery, the first Rhode 
Island artillery, commanded by Colonel Ledlie, and the third New York 
cavalry, led by Colonel Mix. 

Having left Newbern, the expedition marched up the Trent road about 
ten miles, where it halted. At three o'clock in the afternoon the pickets 
of the enemy were first encountered, and three of them were captured. 
The march had been already rendered difficult from the fact that the road 
had been obstructed by felled trees and by other impediments. It was 
necessary that these should be removed before the advance could be con- 
tinued. This work was accomplished during the ensuing night, and the 
ninth New Jersey infantry then proceeded until within three miles of 
Trenton. On Friday morning, the 12th, the march of the main body was 
resumed. During this day they encountered a body of Rebel cavalry, and 
Rn ambush of their infantry. A portion of the third New York cavalry 



n 



SKIRMISH AT SOUTHEAST CREEK. 406 

charged upon them, driving tbem from their position, and taking a few of 
them prisoners. Additional skirmishing took place during the day with- 
out any very important result. On Friday night the column halted, and 
it being evident that the forces of the enemy were posted in the vicinity 
in considerable strength, they encamped in line of battle. No fires were 
allowed to be kindled, and no noise of any kind was permitted. Early 
the next morning the march was resumed toward Kinston at a slow and 
cautious pace. At eleven o'clock they reached a point about seven miles 
from Kinston, where the Whitehall and Kinston roads unite. It was ex- 
pected that the enemy would concentrate their forces there, and that it 
would become the scene of a desperate combat. The Federal troops were 
formed in line of battle in an open area on the left of the road to Whitehall, 
and in front of a wood in which it was suspected the enemy had concealed 
themselves. At nine o'clock a company of the third New York cavalry 
encountered a part of the Eebel troops at a spot called Southeast Creek. 
Here the latter had thrown a breastwork across the road, and had posted 
several guns behind it. In front of this position there was a bridge, which 
the enemy had partially destroyed, so that it was not passable. They 
opened with their guns upon the Federals before them. These responded 
with their carbines. Soon afterward a section of the third New York 
artillery, commanded by Lieutenant Day, arrived, and commenced to fire 
upon the enemy with good effect. At ten o'clock the ninth New Jersey, 
together with Morrison's battery, were brought forward and placed in 
action. The latter took a position on a hill two hundred and fifty yards 
from the battery of the Rebels, and commenced to shell them. A spirited 
cannonading from both sides then ensued, which lasted nearly an hour. 
The enemy then began to retire. As they did so the ninth New Jersey 
were deployed as skirmishers to the left of the road, crossed the stream 
on a mill-dam, attacked the Rebel battery on the flank, and captured one 
of the guns — a rifled six pounder — together with several prisoners. The 
enemy left six killed and wounded behind them. The stars and stripes 
were instantly unfurled from the Rebel works, and cheers arose from the 
whole Union force. 

Three hours were then consumed in repairing the bridge for the transfer 
of the troops and the artillery. The column then passed over it and pro 
ceeded toward Kinston. When four miles distant from that place they 
halted and encamped for the night in line of battle, strong pickets being 
posted in all directions. Just before making this point, they again en- 
countered a portion of the enemy with two pieces of artillery, stationed 
behind a wood. A brilliant charge by the third New York cavalry soon 
expelled them from that position, and thus ended the operations of the 
I8th.* 

* " On Saturday morning Company K, Captain Cole, third New York cavalry, took 



406 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The Federal column, with the cavalry under Mix, and Wessel's brigade 
in the advance, commenced to move cautiously at daybreak on the morn- 
ing of Sunday, the 14th. After proceeding two miles they drove in the 
pickets of the enemy. A mile further on, they met their main body near 
Kinston. They numbered six thousand men, and were commanded by 
General Evans, the Rebel hero of Ball's Bluff. His troops consisted of 
three regiments of South Carolina infantry, together with a large body of 
cavalry and artillery from North Carolina. General Foster inr.mediately 
made his dispositions for the engagement. The enemy were drawn up in 
line of battle on a ground which was partially covered with woods and a 
dense undergrowth. Their artillery was posted in the centre and on their 
flanks. They presented a form somewhat similar to a triangle, the base 
of which faced toward the Federals. The latter were po.sted as follows : 
In the first line the ninth New Jersey was placed on the right, with 
Wessel's brigade in the centre and on the left. In the second line, the 
twenty-third and forty-fourth Massachusetts were posted, while the forty- 
fifth Massachusetts, the troops of Emory's brigade, together with those of 
Stevenson and Lee, were held as reserves. The artillery were distributed 
at intervals along the right, the left, and the centre of the line. 

Tne engagement began at half-past ten. The artillery opened the com- 
bat with energy on both sides, and continued without intermission till the 
termination of the battle. Soon after the commencement of this artillery 
duel the infantry came into action. The enemy fought bravely, and were 
as bravely assailed. During the progress of the battle a flank move- 
ment was made by the troops of General Wessel upon a battery of the 
enemy on the left. Anotlor portion of the Federals moved to the right, 
and obtained a position in an open field in that direction, which enabled 
them to play upon the line of the enemy with great effect. At length the 
ninth New Jersey, after a furious struggle with the foe, in which both 
sides lost heavily, obtained a position near the bridge, which was the key 
and centre of the line of the enemy. In this achievement they were ably 

the advancQ, »nd while moving forward captured two prisoners, belonging to Nether- 
cote's battalion, who gave some valuable information. Proceeded thence to Southwest 
creek, about five miles from Kinston. On Captain Cole's approach, the enemy were 
found engaged in endeavoring to destroy the bridge over the creek. Captain Cole dis- 
mounted a platoon and fired a volley upon the enemy while they were at work. The 
enemy then retreated, but soon after fired from a battery of two six pounder howitzers 
upon our advance, wounding one man — a private, named John Costello — who was 
shot through the head. Colonel Hickman, of the ninth New Jersey, (the advance 
guard of the infantry,) here came forward and ordered the ninth to deploy as skir 
mishers. This order was quickly excituted, and had the effect of partly dispersing the 
enemy, and Schenck's third New Yiik battery coming up fired about a dozen shells, 
driving the enemy entirely away. ( in the ninth New Jersey crossing the bridge, four 
of the enemy were found dead, tlie wounded being carried on with the retreating 
enemy. The ninth succeeded in capturing one of their howitzers, which was brought 
M a trophy into Newborn."— Spectoi Corretpvndent of the New Fork Herald. 



THE BA'rrLE NEAB KINSTON, NORTH CAROLINA. 407 

supported by the seventeentli Massachusetta. It was soon discovered that 
the Rebels had erected an iatrenchment on the opposite bank of the Neuse^ 
nearly two hundred feet in length, which completely commanded all the 
approaches to the bridge. To capture this fortification a combined move- 
ment now became necessary. The forty-fifth and twenty-third Massa- 
chusetts were ordered forward on the right to execute a flank movement 
in that direction. The third New York cavalry and some light artillery 
were posted on the left. Another diversion was made with a detachment 
of cavalry, infantry, and artillery, under Major Garrard, upon the centre. 

This result of this combination was decisive. After a contest of more 
than three hours the Rebels were compelled to evacuate their works and 
retreat. As they did so they fired the bridge over the Neuse in several 
places. But the energy ojf the Federals, led on by the provost marshal. 
Major Franklin, baffled and defeated their purpose. They succeeded 
in extinguishing the fires before any material damage had been effected. 
The Federal troops in the advance immediately crossed the bridge, and as 
they did so the last of the Rebel forces evacuated Kinston. The tenth 
Connecticut chased their rear-guard as they were clearing the opposite out- 
skirts of the town. They had fired the railroad depot and other buildings, 
some of which were ultimately saved through the exertions of the provost 
marshal. 

The loss of the enemy in this battle was two hundred and fifty killed 
and wounded, several hundred prisoners, one thousand rounds of heavy 
ammunition, eleven pieces of artillery, and five hundred stand of arms. 
The Federal loss was about two hundred in killed, wounded, and missing. 
After the close of the battle General Foster despatched a flag of truce 
after the retreating Confederate general, demanding the surrender of his 
forces. The latter were then hurrying along the main road and through 
various by-ways toward Goldsboro and Snow Hill. General Evans re- 
fused to comply with this requisition, but sent a flag of truce in turn, 
requesting that an interval might be allowed for the removal of the women 
and children from Kinston, as he had determined to resume the combat at 
that place with his artillery. This reasonable request was granted. A 
period of several hours was allowed, and elapsed without further hostile 
operations. At its termination it was ascertained that this plea of hu- 
manity was a mere imposition, and that the Rebel troops had in the mean- 
time made good their escape from the vicinity of the Federal forces. 
After the retreat of the enemy the troops encamped for the night in and 
near Kinston. One of the chief casualties of this engagement was the 
death of Colonel Gray of the ninety-sixth New York volunteers. The 
Federal gunboats, which had been sent to assist this expedition, were the 
Delaware, Seymour, and Shawsheen, commanded by Captain Murray. 
The steamboats were the Ocean Wave, Allison, North State, Port Royal, 
and Wilson, under the orders of Colonel Manchester. The gunboats 



408 THE OmL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were unable to proceed furtlier than fifteen miles, and took no part in the 
action. But the steamboats which conveyed the marines under Colonel 
Manchester reached the scene of conflict. As these proceeded up the stream 
they were occasionally fired on from the shore. When several miles from 
Kinston they were assailed by an eleven-gun battery, which opened on 
the Allison, which led the van of the flotilla, as she rounded a point of 
land and suddenly came in presence of one of the Rebel fortifications, not 
twelve hundred yards distant. Before she could retire from this danger- 
ous position she was repeatedly struck with shot and shell, and although 
she returned the fire with her forward thirty pound Parrott gun, she was 
materially damaged. The top of her pilot-house was torn ofl", her smoke 
stack was pierced by a shell, and her steam safety-pipe was cut away. 
She eventually backed down the stream, the channel being too narrow for 
her to turn around, and reached a point of safety beyond the reach of the 
Rebel batteries. On the 14th, the steamboats continued to descend the 
stream, inasmuch as the water had fallen fifteen inches during the pre- 
ceding night, and threatened by a further reduction to prevent their re- 
turn altogether if'they delayed much longer. During their passage they 
were assailed by guerrillas from the shore. It was an incident worthy of 
notice that the bullets which struck the vessels were found, upon exami- 
nation, to have been steeped in verdigris, or had copper wire attached to 
them, for the purpose of poisoning the wounds which they inflicted, and 
rendering them incurable and mortal. 

During the 15th, the expedition continued its advance toward Golds- 
boro. It left Kinston early in the morning, and marched seventeen 
miles through an impoverished and hilly country until nightfall, without 
coming in contact with the enemy. As soon as the camp was chosen, 
Major Garrard was sent with a portion of the third New York cavalry and 
a section of the third New York artillery, to proceed four miles to a 
village on the banks of the Neuse, named Whitehall, for the purpose of 
making a reconnoissance. At that place they found a Rebel gunboat 
nearly completed, and a detachment of the enemy posted to protect it. 
A skirmish ensued between the troops without any very decisive result 
to either party. But the gunboat was battered to pieces with shot and 
shell. After this exploit the Federals returned without further incident 
to their camp. On the 16th the main column under General Foster con- 
tinued its march toward Whitehall. The enemy were now concentrated 
there in stronger force than before, and disputed the passage of the 
troops. An engagement of several hours' duration ensued. The Rebels 
succeeded in destroying the bridge which here crossed the Neuse, as if 
to stop the further advance of the Federals in that direction. But such 
was not their intended line of march. General Foster deceived the 
enemy by making several feints, one of which was an attempt to rebuild 
the bridge. The Federal artillery under Colonel Ledlie drove the Rebels 



THE BATTLE AT GOLDSBORO. 409 

from their position on the opposite side of the stream. But while they 
were occupied by these simulated operations several important reconnois- 
Bances were in progress by the Federals unobserved by the main body 
of the foe. Major Garrard was sent with a detachment twenty miles off, 
to Mount Olive station, on the Wilmington and Goldsboro railroad. 
He there surprised a train about to start, captured the mail bags, de- 
stroyed the telegraph and the railroad track for some distance, and burnt 
a bridge and tressel-work. At the same time Captain Jacobs was 
despatched toward Goldsboro to destroy the railroad track, several 
culverts, and a bridge. This purpose was successfully accomplished, after 
which the troops returned to the main column. 

On the morning of the 17th the march of the entire force toward 
Goldsboro was resumed. Their route lay through an open country ; on 
their right Howed the river Neuse, on their left was a long stretch of 
woods. Having reached the vicinity of the Goldsboro bridge, it was 
soon evident that the enemy had been reinforced, and were prepared to 
dispute the further progress of the Federal troops. Their first position 
was on the near side of the river, and close to the railroad bridge. They 
withdrew to the other side, however, after a short interchange of cannon- 
ading. Then followed the chief struggle for the possession of the bridge 
and for the mastery of the position. Colonel Ledlie's battery commenced 
to assail the enemy with great energy. The ninth New Jersey supported 
him with spirit. The seventeenth Massachusets, under Colonel Fellows, 
moving toward the left, crossed a mill stream, and advanced on the rail- 
road directly in front of the enemy. In this operation several men were 
drowned by the sudden opening of the flood-gates of the dam. The chief 
aim of the enemy was to protect this railroad bridge. The express pur- 
pose of General Foster in advancing thus far into the interior of the 
country was to destroy it. The contest, therefore, centred around this 
structure. To Colonel Hickman was assigned the duty of setting fire to 
it. That officer called for volunteers to assist him in performing this 
task. A crowd of brave men instantly rushed forward from the seven- 
teenth Massachusetts and ninth New Jersey, ready to devote themselves 
to the dangerous task. Lieutenant Graham, of the Eocket battery, was 
the first tc apply the torch. Soon the bridge was in flames, notwith- 
Btanding the determined opposition of the enemy. The ruin was com- 
pleted by the destruction of the adjacent railroad track, the ties and rails 
of which were so efiectually injured as to be rendered wholly useless for 
several miles. This achievement was accomplished while a desperate 
resistance was kept up by the enemy, and a spirited engagement was going 
forward between the two hostile forces. 

And now, the purposes of the expedition having all been attained, 
General Foster commenced his return toward Newbern. No sooner did 
the Rebels discover this retrograde movement than they advanced more 



410 TilK CIVIL WAR IN THE UMTKD STATES. 

bravel}' to the charge. The Federal supply train being placed in front, 
the enemy were received with a deadly salute, which greatly checked their 
ardor. Two South Carolina regiments, which undertook to make a charge 
with the bayonet on Morrison's battery, were repulsed with immense 
losses, for they were assailed at the same moment by the guns of Morri- 
son, by Belger's battery, which put in a destructive cross fire, and by 
Lee's brigade, which attacked them in front. The rapidity with which 
they retired much exceeded the velocity with which they advanced. Two 
hours were occupied in this combat. After its termination the march 
was resumed. During its progress other exploits were performed by 
the invading forces. Major Fitzsimmons, with a portion of the third New 
York cavalry, made an excursion to Dudley station, five miles from the 
Goldsboro railroad bridge, and captured a train of four cars, tore up 
the track for three miles, burned a bridge and some tressel work, and de- 
stroyed the telegraph line. Major Garrard proceeded in another direc- 
tion to Tompkins' bridge, over the Neuse river. lie found the structure 
already in flames, and surrounded by a detachment of the enemy, con- 
sisting of four regiments of infantry and eight guns. After a combat of 
several hours the enemy broke and fled, leaving the Federals in posses- 
sion of the scene of conflict. After its termination the troops under 
Garrard rejoined the main body. 

The expedition reached Newbern on the 20th without any further in- 
cident worthy of narration. It had proved a complete success, notwith- 
standing the fact that General Evans, who had vainly resisted and har- 
assed it during its advance and return, published an official report which 
indicated the contrary, but which clearly proved that he had permitted 
his imagination to embellish his narrative at the expense of his veracity 
and accuracy. Nevertheless, the Federal successes had not been obtained 
without considerable losses. In the four combats at Southeast creek, 
Kinston, Whitehall, and Goldsboro, there were ninety killed, three hun- 
dred and fifty-four wounded. The losses of the enemy could not be 
ascertained, but they were evidently heavy, from the results of the several 
engagements which occurred. 

General John G. Foster, the commander of this successful expedition, 
was born in Whitefield, New Hampshire, in 1823. He entered West Point 
in 1842, where he graduated with honor iu 1846. He had exhibited a 
fondness for the profession of arras from his youth. After concluding 
his studies at West Point, he immediately received the rank of brevet 
second lieutenant of engineers. In January, 1847, he was ordered to 
Mexico in the army of General Scott, as lieutenant in a company of sappers 
and miners. He was present in all the engagements which touk place 
in the march from Vera Cruz to Molino del Rey. In the latter action he 
was severely wounded while leadmg a division of the storming party iu 
the assault which was made on the Casa Mala, in which two thirds of the 



BATTLE AT DAVIS'S MILLS, MISSISSIPPI. 411 

entire command were destroyed. He subsequently received three brevets 
for his gallant conduct in Mexico. The first was at Contreras, the second 
at Churubusco, the last at Molino del Eey, where he obtained the rank 
of captain. After TL^covering partially from his wound he was ordered, 
in 1859, to Charleston, South Carolina, as engineer, to repair and com- 
plete the Federal forts in the vicinity of that harbor. After the surrender 
of Fort Sumter by Major Anderson, he tendered his services to the 
Federal Government. They were accepted, and he was at first employed 
in superintending the construction of the great fort at Sandy Hook. He 
was soon after ordered into active service in the army of the Potomac, 
with the rank of brigadier-general of volunteers. When General Burn- 
side organized his expedition to Roanoke island, he was placed in com- 
mand of one of its divisions, and contributed greatly to the success which 
attended the expedition. He subsequently distinguished himself both at 
Newbern and at Fort Macon. When Burnside was transferred to the 
army under McClellan, General Foster was placed in command of all the 
Federal forces remaining in North Carolina. The expedition to Golda- 
boro, by its uniform success, added to his already well deserved and very 
considerable renown. 

A spirited contest took place at Davis's mills, Mississippi, on the 21st 
of December, in which Colonel W. H. Morgan, of the twenty-fifth Indiana 
regiment, with a small body of troops, attacked and routed a much larger 
force under Van Dorn. This place is about twenty miles north of Holly 
Springs, and is situated on a narrow and deep stream called Wolf river. 
Several bridges here crossed it. Van Dorn had captured fifteen hundred 
Federal troops, and destroyed a large amount of government stores at 
Holly Springs a short time previous ; and information had reached Colonel 
Morgan that the Rebel general was then marching northward to attack 
him at Davis's mills. Morgan determined to dispute the passage of the 
foe at one of the bridges, and to oppose their advance from two favorable 
points, the saw-mill and the Indian mound. The mound was quickly con- 
verted into a block -house by the use of several rows of cotton-bales, which 
were placed at the ends, while the intervening sides were protected by 
thick walls of bridge timber. A breastwork of earth, three feet in height, 
was also thrown up around the base of the mound. This fort and the 
mill were then provided with ammunition and stores sufiBcient to stand an 
assault of twenty-four hours; and a portion of the twenty-fifth Indiana, 
with some dismounted cavalrymen, were placed in the saw-mill. The 
remainder of the troops occupied the block-house. The former was termed 
Fort Morgan, the latter was named the Redan. 

About mid-day the expected force of the enemy arrived in the vicinity 
of Davis's mills. They drove in the Federal pickets, then dismounted and 
formed in line of battle. They advanced rapidly toward the works with 
colors flying, and making the air resound with their exulting shouta 



412 THE CmL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

They rapidly approached one of the bridges. The Federals reserved their 
fire until the enemy were well within range. They then poured several 
vollies successively, and with immense effect, into the crowded masses 
before them. The enemy were evidently taken by surprise, and the utmost 
confusion followed. Many were slain upon the bridge, and many fell into 
the stream. In a short time, however, they recovered from their astonish- 
ment, and rushed forward to attack the forts ; but before they could reach 
them another volley was fired from each, inflicting still greater and heavier 
losses. Soon they spread themselves along the banks of the river and 
behind the breastwork of the dam, and commenced to attack the works 
from their shelter. Subsequently they made additional attempts to cross 
the bridges, but they were fruitless. On each advance they were received 
with such a shower of bullets as compelled them to retire. Thus the 
contest continued until four o'clock in the afternoon. They then attempted 
to cross the stream half a mile further down, where a bridge had formerly 
existed, but had been destroyed by the orders of Colonel Morgan. At 
this point they were repulsed by a portion of the fifth Ohio cavalry, 
under Lieutenant Slade, who opposed their passage with great heroism. 
Seeing that a further prosecution of the attempt to cross the stream at 
either point would only entail heavy losses upon him, Van Dorn at length 
concluded that it would be more prudent to retire. He then proceeded 
ten miles west of Lagrange, where he crossed the Wolf river, advanced 
toward Bolivar, passed through the Federal lines at Middleburg, and made 
his escape. Ilis loss at Davis's mills was twenty dead, and thirty severely 
wounded, whom he left behind him in his flight. 

The circumstances under which the Confederates had previously ob- 
tained possession of Holly Springs on the 19th of December, were 
peculiar. The Federal troops had occupied it about a month ; but most 
of them had been gradually withdrawn, so that when a Rebel force under 
General Forrest approached it became an easy capture. They entered the 
town at dawn of day, and found the Federals asleep, and wholly unsus- 
picious of an attack. They were quickly overpowered. Then com- 
menced the work of plunder and destruction. Five hundred thousand 
dollars' worth of goods, consisting chiefly of army clothing, was taken or 
destroyed, together with a vast quantity of cotton, which was consigned 
to the flames. After this achievement, Forrest, whose force numbered 
six thousand well mounted cavalry, proceeded to cross the Tennessee river 
at Clifton, and advanced toward Jackson. Uis purpose now was to get 
possession of the Mobile and Ohio railroad, by which the supplies for 
General Grant's army were procured. lie hastened on toward Jackson. 
At Lexington, on his way thither, he encountered Colonel Ingersoll, in 
command of about twelve hundred men. A brisk engagement ensued, in 
which Forrest held the advantage, capturing two guns, some prisoners, 
ond driving back the Federals to Jackson, and eventually to Trenton. 



THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION. 413 

This latter post was commanded by Colonel Jacob Fry, of the sixty-first 
Illinois. His force was feeble, and wholly unable to cope with so large a 
body of troops as that commanded by Forrest. He concentrated his men 
in the railroad depot, which he had fortified by surrounding it with bales 
of cotton, and made a desperate resistance ; but again the vast superiority 
in numbers possessed by the enemy compelled him, in the end, to sur- 
render. His men were captured and paroled. Forrest then proceeded as 
far as a point twelve miles distant from Columbus, destroying as he went 
the railroad, its buildings, its bridges, and its track. By this achievement 
he cut off for the time being the avenue of supplies to the army of Gen- 
eral Grant, compelled him to make new dispositions of his troops, and 
effected no inconsiderable damage to the Union cause in that region of 
country. 

With events and contests such as these the end of the memorable year 
1862 approached. During its progress two great and powerful communi- 
ties had been engaged in mortal conflict, with indomitable resolution and 
perseverance. The tide of victory had been variable and fluctuating. 
On both sides, "remarkable energy, skill and heroism had been exhibited. 
Armies of colossal proportions had been brought into the field and sus- 
tained, which exceeded in magnitude and efBciency the most numerous 
and formidable forces which the nations of Europe had ever produced. 
Yet the result remained undecided. The final issue of the conflict seemed 
as uncertain as it had been at any previous period of the contest. The 
great disaster to the Federal arms at Fredericksburg cheered and re- 
freshed the inhabitants of the Confederate States with unaccustomed joy, 
while it cast an unwonted shadow of gloom over the loyal millions who 
had already done and suffered so much to restore the once glorious Fed- 
eral Union. 

Under sucb auspices the old year closed. On the first of January, 1863, 
President Lincoln introduced a novel feature into the struggle, which at 
• once attracted the attention of the whole community, both in the north 
and in the south. In accordance with the proclamation which he had 
issued on the 22d of September, 1862,* in which he had declared that 
all persons held as slaves within any State or part of a State which should 
be in Rebellion against the Federal Government on the first of January, 
1863, should thenceforth become forever free, and that the Federal Gov- 
ernment and all its agents should thenceforth assist all such persons, in 
all lawful ways, to assert and maintain their freedom — and whereas the 
Executive had promised in the said proclamation of the 22d of Septem- 
ber, 1862, to designate the States and parts of States which should be in 
Buch a position of resistance to the authority of the Federal Government 
on the 1st of January, 1863^therefore he proceeded to designate, in this 



* See both proclamations in the Appendix. 



414 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

last proclamation, the localities which should be thenceforth subject to 
the operation of this law.* Having specified these, he proceeded to decree, 
by virtue of the authority vested in him, that all persons then held as 
slaves within the designated States and parts of States should, from and 
after the 1st of January, 1863, be and remain forever free ; and that the 
Executive Government of the United States, including both its military 
and naval authorities should recognize and maintain the freedom of all 
such persons. 

In this same proclamation the .President enjoined upon the persons 
thus enfranchised to abstain from all violence except such as might be 
absolutely necessary to their self-defence, and to labor with industry and 
faithfulness for reasonable wages. He also announced that freedmen of 
suitable condition would thenceforth be received into the armed service 
of the United States, to garrison forts and other warlike stations, and to 
man vessels in the naval service. On this solemn and important yet 
beneficent measure, he then invoked the "considerate judgment of man- 
kind, and the gracious favor of Almighty God." 

The publication of this proclamation produced an unusual degree of 
commotion and excitement throughout the nation. The extreme radical 
party regarded it with boundless exultation, as being a measure in accor- 
dance with their own peculiar views, and as a mortal blow aimed at the 
detested institution of slavery. The more conservative inhabitants of 
the loyal States generally received it with approbation, as a movement 
powerfully adapted to assi-st in crushing the Rebellion, and in diminishing 
the strength and resources of those who were in arms against the Federal 
Government, and were striving to destroy the Union. Even the most 
moderate of those who condemned secession approved of it on the ground 
that all the property of Rebels who were guilty of treason against the 
Federal Government, and were aiming to destroy it, was justly forfeited 
to the State ; and they could see no reason why the slave property of such 
persons should be exempt from a penalty which, in all civilized countries, 
was invariably annexed to the heinous crime of treason. It was in the Con- 
federate States alone that this proclamation of Mr. Lincoln evoked a storm of 
defiance and oDudemnation more furious and frantic than had yet been 
elicited by any event of the war. No terms of execration and opprobrium 
w ere sufficiently extravagant to express the full extent of the ferocious 

* The States and parts of States designated in this proclamation were as follows : 
Arkansas, Texas, Louisiana, (p.\cept the parishes of St. Bernard, Plariucmincs, Jcffor- 
Bon, St. James, Ascension, Assumption, Terrebonne, Lafourche, St. Martin, and 
Orleans, including the city of New (Orleans, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, 
South Carolina, and Virginia, (except the forty-eight counties designated as West 
Virginia, and also the counties of Berkeley, Accomac, Northampton, Elizabeth City, 
York, Princess Ann, and Norfolk, including the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth.) 
These excepted parts were for the time being left precisely in the same condition as if 
this proclamation had not been issued. 



JEFF. DAVIS ON THE EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION 416 

condemnation which was heaped upon it and upon him, both by the 
general voice of the press and of the community. And, as they evidently 
feared, its subsequent influence upon the fortunes and incidents of the 
civil war were extremely potent and influential * 



* Jefferson Davis, in his third annual message to the Confederate Congress, 
expressed his convictions in reference to the emancipation proclamation of President 
Lincoln in the following language : 

" In its political aspects this measure possesses great significance ; and to it, in this 
light, I invite your attention. It affords to our whole people the complete and 
crowning proof of the true nature of the designs of the party which elevated to power 
the present occupant of the Presidential chair at Washington, and which sought to 
conceal its purpose by every variety of artful device, and by the perlidious use of the 
most solemn and repeated pledges on every possible occasion. The people of the 
Confederacy, then, cannot fail to receive this proclamation as the fullest vindication 
of their own sagacity in foreseeing the uses to which the dominant party in the United 
States intended from the beginning to apply their power ; nor can they cease to re- 
member with devout thankfulness that it is to their own vigilance in resisthig the first 
stealthy progress of approaching despotism that they owe their escape from conse- 
quences now apparent to the most skeptical. It is, also, in effect, an intimation to 
the people of the North that they must prepare to submit to a seperation now become 
inevitable ; for that people are too acute not to understand that a restoration of the 
Union has been rendered forever impossible by the adoption of a measure which, from 
its very nature, neither admits of retraction nor can coexist with them. Humanity 
shudders at the appalling atrocities which are being daily multiplied under the sanction 
of those who have claimed temj orary possession of power in the United States, 
and who are fast making its once fair name a by-word of reproach among civilized 
men. Not even the natural indignation inspired by this conduct should make us, 
however, so unjust as to attribute to the whole mass of the people, who are subjected 
to the despotism that now reigns with unbridled license in the city of Washington, a 
willing acquiescence in its conduct of the war. There must necessarily exist among 
our enemies very many, perhaps a majority, whose humanity recoils from all partici- 
pation in such atrocities, but who cannot be held wholly guiltless, while permitting 
their continuenec without an effort at repression." 



416 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATKa 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

CONCLUSION OF T*E YEAR 1862 — THE ARMIES OF ROSECRANS AND BRASO APPROACH EACH 
OTHER AT MURFREKSBOBO, TENNESSEE — POSITION OF THEIR RESPECTITE FORCES — NUMBER 
OP TROOPS ENGAGED — BEGINNING OF THE BATTLE — INCIDENTS OF TUK FIRST DAT — TUB 
FEDERAL RIGHT WING DRIVEN BACK — PURSUIT BY THE CONFEDERATES — THE RETREAT 
STOPPED — END OF THE FIRST DAY's COMBAT — THE ENGAGEMENT RESUMED — ARTILLERY 
DUEL — FURIOUS CHARGE BY THE REBELS — HEROISM OF GENERALS NEGLEY AND DATIS — 
THE REBEI.S FINALLY OVERPOWERED — A GENERAL CHARGE ON THEIR LINES — ITS RESUI.T-r- 
COMPLP.TE DEFEAT OF THE REBEL ARMY— REVOLT OF THE ANDERSON CAVALRY — ITS ALLEGED 
CAUSES — THE LOYALTHREE HUNDRED — FEDERAL LOSS IN THE BATTLES AT MURFREESBORC — 
LOSSES or THE CONFEDERATES — FIELD ORDER OF GENERAL ROSECRANS RESPECTING TH> 
ANDERSON CAVALRY. 

The conclusion of the year 18G2, and the commencement of 1863, were 
signalized by the occurrence of one of the most protracted and desperate 
struggles of the war, for during that period was fought the battle of Mur- 
freesboro, in Tennessee. The Federal forces were under the orders of 
General Rosecrans. The Rebel host was led by Braxton Bragg. The.se 
commanders had been approaching each other for some time, and assidu- 
ously preparing for a combat which should tell effectually one way or the 
other on the fortunes of the rival Republics under whose banners they 
respectively fought. The Federal army numbered about forty-seven thou- 
sand men ; that of the Rebels, fifty thousand. Among their ofiBcers were 
many on both sides whose names had already become renowned, or 
notorious, in the annals of the Rebellion. The enemy, after having been 
driven from Nolansville, had taken a strong position in and around Mur- 
frcesboro ; had fortified it with admirable skill, and they awaited the attack 
of the Federal troops, who were now advancing from Nashville. The 
last day of the expiring year, 1862, found the two armies at last in pres- 
ence of each other; and on Wednesday, the 31st of December, this 
memorable engagement of several days' duration commenced. 

The Confederate army was drawn up in line of battle on Stone river, 
extending from Murfreesboro on their right to the Franklin road on their 
left. Hardee commanded their left wing. Here were posted the divisions 
of Cheatham, McCoun, Wither, and Cleburne. General Polk led the right 
wing of the foe, which included the divisions of Breckinridge and Preston 
Smith. General Kirby Smith was posted in the centre. On the Federal 
side, General McCook commanded the right wing, consisting of the divis- 
ions of Davis, Sheridan, and Johnson. The right centre was commanded 
by General Thomas, under whom were Generals Rousseau and Ncgley. 
Rousseau's division constituted the reserve of the centre. The left wing 



FIRST DAY'S BATTLE AT MUEFREESBORO. 417 

was placed under the orders of General Crittenden, in whose column Pal- 
mer occupied the right, Wood the centre. Van Cleve the left. The battle- 
field consisted of an extensive plain, three miles in extent, for the most 
part cleared, but with occasional patches of woodland. It was traversed 
by a turnpike, on both sides of which there were gentle elevations. The 
lines of the Eebels reached across the Stone river, a stream which, taking 
its rise in Eutherford county, and traversing Campbell county, emptied 
into the Cumberland, ten miles below Davidson. A western branch of 
this river flows by Murfreesboro, and bisected the Rebel lines on this 
occasion. 

The contest began at break of day on Wednesday, on the right of the 
Federal forces. There the whole mass of the foe, under McCoun, Cheat- 
ham, and Cleburne, had advanced with great impetuosity, and charged the 
linfe^f Johnson and Davis. A part of Johnson's infantry gave wa}'^ and 
retreated. In vain did the Federal officers endeavor to stop the flight. A 
panic .soon spread through the whole division, and a disgraceful flight 
commenced. The enemy now succeeded in surrounding the right flank. 
The confusion became complete and overwhelming. General Eosecrans, 
perceiving the peril of the moment and of the disaster, despatched one 
brigade and battery after another from the divisions of Palmer and Neg- 
ley, to the assistance of the overpowered and shattered troops ; but these 
reinforcements were in their turn crushed by the impetuous onsets of the 
now triumphant enemy, and carried away in the whelming torrent of the 
fugitives. The panic then spread from the division of Johnson to that of 
Davis, and the whole right wing was soon involved in an unmitigated and 
disastrous rout. They were driven two miles by the enemy with great 
slaughter, and the fortunes of the day seemed already to have been irre- 
trievably lost. 

But the misfortune did not terminate here. The retreat of the divisions 
of Johnson and Davis left that of Sheridan exposed to the onset of the foe. 
The Eebel commanders followed up their advantage promptly, and charged 
with fury on this division, whose flank was unprotected. The troops 
which composed it resisted the terrible battle-shock of the enemy for some 
time ; but at length they also gave way, and were driven, thoug'r not in 
much confusion, with heavy losses, to join in the tumultuous flight of 
their comrades. Before they thus yielded, one fourth of their number lay 
either dead or wounded on the ensanguined field, proving how determined 
their resistance had been. The result of this rout of the Federal nghv 
wing was that they were hurled back in their flight toward the centre and 
left of the Federal army, which remained firm and immovable in its posi- 
tion, facing the woods through which the Eebels were advancing. In the 
interval which yet existed between them, a turnpike and railroad ran, 
which was the key of the whole Federal position. There the immense 
trains of wagons which belonged to the Federal army were placed. If 
27* 



418 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

that were lost all would be ruined. And now tte horrible spectacle was 
presented of thousands of retreating soldiers, who were running in the 
utmost confusion before the pursuing foe, through the woods and over the 
plains, making both resound with their maniac yells, either of exultation 
or of despair. Thus the chaotic mass of fugitives and of pursuers rapidly 
approached within range of the guns of that wing of the Federal army 
which remained unbroken, and which was waiting in stern and determined 
fortitude to receive the enemy with an annihilating salute as soon as their 
serried masses came within range. It was a moment decisive of the des- 
tinies of thousands — pregnant with the fate of an empire. With admirable 
skill General Eosecrans now prepared to confront and repel the on-rolling 
deluge. He posted his regiments and batteries along the turnpike which 
fronted his line, so that when the Rebels emerged from the woods in pur- 
suit of the flying and scattered Federals, they should receive such a hail- 
storm of shot and shell as might check their advance, break their power, 
and turn the tide of victory. At length that vast sea of discordant fugi- 
tives appeared in view. So complete had become their confusion and 
chaos that all distinctions of regiments and divisions, of horse and foot, 
had been lost. Closer and closer the deluge approached, with the exulting 
foe pursuing hard upon them. General Thomas commanded that portion 
of the Federal army to whose skill and valor the salvation of the day had 
been entrusted. Calmly and firmly he rode along the ranks, cheering and 
encouraging his men to confront the coming storm with steadiness. 
Silence as of the grave pervaded his steady columns, while frantic yells 
resounded from the advancing hordes of the foe. The critical moment had 
at last arrived. The stern word of command was given. Instantly a daz- 
zling sheet of flame burst from the firm ranks of the Federal heroes, which 
penetrated the masses of the enemy. It was quickly followed by the roar 
of their numerous and well served artillery, which shoolc the very earth, 
and crushed into flying fragments the thick masses of the enemy. Then 
came the awful confusion, the sudden recoil, the broken flight of the Confed- 
erates, who had till then exulted in the fancied success of the day. Whole 
ranks were swept from the field by the terrific fire of the Federals. Entire 
regiments were battered to pieces. When the heavy mantle of smoke 
arose, after a few minutes, from the scene, it displayed an appalling spec- 
tacle. The ground was literally covered with piles of killed and wounded, 
so terrible had been the destruction. The Federals were then ordered to 
advance. The enemy gave way and retired through the woods, and were 
in turn driven over a small portion of the ground which had just witnessed 
the ignominious rout and flight of the Federal right wing. The artillery 
pursued them with inexorable and destructive vengeance along the scenes 
of their marvelous success, and followed them as they retired toward the po- 
sition which the Federals occupied at the commencement of the engagement. 
Thus ended the first day of this great battle. During its progress Gert 



SECOND DAY'S BATTLE AT MURFREESBORO. 419 

eral Rosecrans had superintended in person the operations of his army, and 
rode bravely over the field amid hailstorms of bullets. It was while thus 
engaged that Colonel Gareschd, his chief of staff, a valuable and accom- 
plished ofiicer, was killed close at his side, and his orderlies fell rapidly 
around him. Nevertheless, the general results of this day were not very 
favorable to the Federal forces. The shock given by the defeat of the 
right wing had been too terrible not to be severely felt. It was evident 
that a desperate blow must be struck on a later day, before a complete 
triumph could be claimed by the champions of the Union.* 

Neither party seemed disposed to renew the engagement on Thursday. 
Both were exhausted, both had many dead to bury and wounded to pro- 
vide for, so that it was not until Friday, January 2d, that the contest was 
resumed. During the interval some changes had been made in the 
positions of the Federal forces. General Van Cleve's division of Crit- 
tenden's corps was transferred, so that its left wing rested on the Lebanon 
road, with its right on Lytle's creek. General Palmer's troops were 
placed east of the Na.shville road, Eousseau's were posted between the turn- 
pike and the railroad, McCook's corps lay on the right of Eousseau, and 
Negley's was held as reserves in the rear. 

The battle commenced on Friday morning by an attack from the 
enemy upon the batteries of Eousseau's division, commanded by Colonel 
Loomis. A furious artillery duel ensued. The deafening reverberation 
of the guns aroused the whole of both armies, who now seemed eager for 
the contest. But as yet the strife was confined exclusively to the artil- 
lery. In a short time several of the Rebel batteries were disabled and 
silenced, and it was evident that the advantage was with the Federals. 
As soon as this result became apparent the enemy withdrew the rest of 
their guns from the contest, and an interval of several hours took place, 
which was employed by the enemy in reconnoitering the position of the 
Union forces. It was nearly four o'clock in the afternoon when they 
renewed the engagement. 

At that time they advanced in immense columns, under the command of 
General Breckinridge, and attacked Van Cleve's division, which was then 
commanded by Colonel Beatty, of the nineteenth Ohio. General Van Cleve 
had been wounded and disabled on Wednesday. This division made a 
gallant resistance for half an hour; but the troops of Breckinridge were 
reinforced successively by those of Anderson and Cleburne, so that they 

* General Bragg claimed in his official report to the Confederate Secretary of War, 
respecting the fight on the 31st of December, that he had captvjed two brigadier- 
generals, four thousand prisoners, thirty-one pieces of artillery, and two hundred 
wagons and teams. But he ingenuously admits that his own losses were very heavy. 
His estimate of the number and value of his prizes was made too soon to permit him 
to arrive at any thing like even an approximation to the truth ; hence it was charac- 
terized by great exaggeration and ludicrous fallacy. 



420 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were soon overpowered by a resistless superiority of numbers. The 
Rebels here fought with unusual determination. Soon two brigades of 
Beatty's troops gave way and retired slowly. They were charged upon 
by the pursuing foe, and driven as far as the banks of Ly tie's creek. A 
third brigade was about to follow in retreat, when Negley's divison was 
opportunely sent to their assistance. This division had been placed by 
Rosecrans with great wisdom and prudence as a reserve, and now it came 
to the rescue at a critical moment, and with most propitious effect. His 
troops rushed forward with loud shouts of enthusiasm, and having 
reached the banks of the creek, opened a fire upon the enemy which 
completely decimated and destroyed their close masses. They were soon 
so much broken that they retired in confusion. At that crisis the troops 
of Jeflerson C. Davis arrived on the scene, to complete the triumph of 
Negley. They rushed forward, plunged into the stream, reached the 
opposite side, and charged furiously on the confused enemy. The seventy- 
eighth Pennsylvania, led by Colonel Sirwell, was the first to cross the 
stream. That officer then ordered his men to charge up the hill. The 
order was obeyed with enthusiasm. A desperate fight ensued between 
the seventy-eighth and the twenty-sixth Tennessee infantry. At its con- 
clusion a large portion of the latter were captured, and their colors fell 
into the hands of the victors. Bat the latter had paid dearly for their 
advantage, for many of their bravest comrades had fallen on the bloody 
field. Colonel Scott and Major Guthrie were severely wounded. Captains 
Chandler and Camseller were killed. The nineteenth Illinois had lost 
nearly fifty men. The sixty-eighth Ohio and seventy -eighth Pennsylva- 
nia suffered heavily. But the Federals were the conquerors. They drove 
the enemy out of the woods and across the corn-fields, which were covered 
with their dead and wounded over an area of a mile and a-half in extent 
until they reached the vicinity of Mufreesboro. Several of their colors 
were captured, together with a battery and a large number of prisoners. 

While General Negley was achieving this grand success against the 
enemy before him, General Rosecrans was perfecting the victory through- 
out the remainder of his columns. lie now ordered the whole line to 
advance. Then came a terrific and resistless charge. Hope and en- 
tliusiasm had given fresh power to the Federal troops. As their grim 
and stern batile-line advanced upon the foe, a far extending sheet of 
deadly fire and flame issued from them, which melted down the serried 
columns of the enemy like frost-work. In their centre and on their lefl, 
which were now assaulted, they made a desperate resistance. But their 
right wing was broken and pursued by Negley. The distant cheers of 
the victors came floating on the breeze, to their unwilling ears, and 
seemed the knell of their own inevitable doom. They gave way at length, 
and retired slowly, until they reached their intrenchments beyond Lytle's 
creek, close to Mufreesboro. At that moment night descended upon the 



fr DIAGRAM ', 1 -™roseoLms« 

OpOSITION OF ARMIES DE? 31 '^^nPXaqS&m^ 




EBVOLT OF THE ANDERSON GUARDS. 421 

scene, and necessarily suspended the struggle. It saved the works of the 
enemy from an immediate assault and from inevitable capture. In this 
pursuit the Federal cavalry under General Stanley had fought with great 
heroism, and had Contributed effectually to turn the flight of the foe into 
a confused rout. 

At the close of the day the Federal victors occupied and possessed the 
ground from which the enemy had been driven. During Friday night 
their position was intrenched with great industry. When Saturday 
dawned it found the works completed. During that day the enemy were 
shelled by the Federal artillery, but no regular engagement took place. 
The rain descended in torrents, and both armies seemed disposed to await 
its cessation before resuming hostilities. Another great battle was then 
anticipated ; but during Saturday night the Confederate forces evacuated 
their intrenchments and retreated toward Tullahoma, thus furnishing the 
most conclusive evidence of their discomfiture and defeat. On Wednesday 
they had captured twenty-eight pieces of artillery, several thousand prison- 
ers, and their other successes were not inconsiderable. But the events of 
the concluding struggle on Friday demonstrated that the victory at last 
remained unequivocally with the champions of the Union. 

An incident happened in connection with this battle which possessed 
a peculiar character and interest ; and was unparalleled among the trans- 
actions which occurred during the progress of the Eebellion. It was the 
revolt of a portion of the regiment known as the Anderson cavalry. 
This troop had been originally recruited in Pennsylvania during the 
period that General Buell held command of the army of the Cumberland, 
for the express purpose, and with the distinct understanding, that they 
should serve exclusively as the body-guard of that officer. An enlist- 
ment under such circumstances was in itself an anomaly in military affairs 
■which was not very indicative of self-sacrificing patriotism. The removal 
of General Buell from command after the termination of his campaign in 
Kentucky, necessarily rendered the fulfillment of the precise terms of the 
enlistment of this troop an impossibility ; nor had General Rosecrans, 
his successor, as yet possessed the leisure or opportunity to make such 
a disposal of them as might be more congenial with the views with which 
they had entered the service. Their position thus remained undefined 
and uncertain, when the great struggle at Murfreesboro approached. 
The troop had reached the camp only a few days previous to the fight. 
As it was necessary to summon every energy and resource to assist in 
crushing the formidable power of the enemy arrayed against him, General 
Eosecrans immediately assigned this troop to General Stanley's division 
x)f cavalry. This order was the signal for the outbreak of a treasonable 
spirit, which terminated in the refusal of the whole troop, with the ex- 
ception of about three hundred, to continue in the service, or to take part 
in the impending conflict. The recusants suddenly deserted the camp 



423 THE CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

and returned to Nashville. Tbe reasons assigned for this act were, that 
they had been recruited to serve as the body-guard of General BucU 
alone, and for no other purpose ; that they had no confidence in the officers 
vho had been placed over them ; and that they had not been furnished 
with proper provisions and supplies. Those members of the troop who 
remained faithful to their colors, and declined to unite with their associates 
in deserting the service on these grounds, took part in the several engage- 
ments which occurred in the vicinity of Murfreesboro, and greatly dis- 
tinguished themselves. Their most gallant achievement was in the pre- 
liminary combat which took place on Tuesday, previous to the main 
actions. On that day several detached struggles occurred between frag- 
ments of the two armies ; and it was in one of these, when charging upon 
the Eebel horse, that these young heroes displayed the bravery and valor 
of veterans. In this fight they lost about eleven killed and thirty 
wounded. Among the former was Major Eosengarten. After the termi- 
nation of the contest General Rosecrans complimented those members 
of the troop who had remained loyal, notwithstanding the efforts which 
had been made to seduce them, in just terms of applause and commenda- 
tion, lie ordered the remainder to be placed under arrest at Nashville. 
These were seven hundred in number, and they were reserved to be 
subjected to the future scrutiny of a court-martial.* 

* The special field-order of General Rosecrans, in reference to this subject, was 
as follows : 

" XVIII. The jreneral commanding announces his high satisfaction with those 
brave and determined men of the Anderson Guards who promptly marched, under 
tlic gallant Majors Rosongarten and Ward, to aid liim in his advance on Murfreesboro. 
These yoimg soldiers and their brave commander vied with our most veteran cavalry 
in their steadiness under fire, and the intrepidity of their advance on the enemy, and 
nobly sustained the honor already won by the seventh Pennsylvania cavalry for the 
Keystone State. While he deplores the early death of the brave young Rosengarten, the 
sorrow he feels at his loss is mingled with a soldier's pride, to know that he fell like 
a hero, and for the sacred cause of nationality. lie trusts that Major Ward, recov- 
ering from his desperate but honorable wounds, will live to gather fresh laurels on 
many a field in his country's service. 

"The general commanding is grieved to learn that about seven hundred of those 
noble Guards — said to belong to families of good standing at home — have chosen, 
under some pretext or other, not to follow their companions in arms to the field, to 
share with them the dangers and the glories of the fourteenth army corps. 

" lie could not imagine what could have moved men in whom he laid such hopes to 
a course so base and selfish. He cannot conceive how they could shame their own 
kin, and stain the clear honor of their native State by conduct not merely appearing 
base and cowardly, but so criminal as to deserve the penalty of death. 

" IJcfore proceeding to do what his duty requires, and having them dealt with as 
their conduct merits — before covering them with that deserved infamy which will 
blast thein forever in the esteem of their fellows — the general commanding wishes 
this order read to them ; and, to all who are not too lost to a sense of honor, to step 
forth and confess that whatever may have been their private wants and griefs, the 



FEDERAL LOSS AT THE BATTLE OF MUKFEEESBOEO. 423 

The Federal loss iu the battles near Murfreesboro was fifteen hundred 
and thirty-three killed, including ninety -two officers ; seven thousand two 
hundred and forty-five wounded, together with several thousand prison- 
ers. Among the Federal officers wbo fell on this famous field of glory 
were Brigadier-General J. W. Sill, Colonels Eoberts and Schaffer, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Garesche. Among the wounded were Major-General 
Alexander McCook, and Brigadiers Willich, Kirk, Wood, and Van Cleve. 
The Federal loss amounted to twenty per centum of their whole force 
engaged. That inflicted upon the Confederates in this great contest was 
heavier than that suffered by the victors. General Bragg in his official 
report acknowledged a loss of over ten thousand killed and wounded ; and 
did not include in this, twenty-eight hundred prisoners and wounded left 
in our hands. That this statement was much below the truth is certain. 
In no struggle since the commencement of the war had the enemy fought 
with more desperate resolution ; in none had they been met with more 
determined fortitude, than on the blood-stained field of Murfreesboro; 
and in few had they suffered a. more signal and disastrous defeat. 

hour of their country's need and peril was not the time to stand back and falter, or 
expose their brothers in arms to danger and death without help. Let them .resolve 
on some reparation which will give them an opportunity to save some of them from 
impending disgrace and ruin." 



424 THE CIVIL WAR IN TDE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XXXVm. 

THE LOSS OF THE FEDERAL IRON-CLAD MONITOR AT SEA — HER PECULIAR 8TRUCTURR — HE* 

DEPARTURE FROM HAMPTON ROADS — A RISINO STORM — THE MONITOR BE(^OMES DISABLED 

CAUSE OF THE MISFORTUNE — HER SITUATION BECOMES DESPERATE — REMOVAL OF HER 
CREW TO THE RHODE ISLAND — HER FINAL DISAPPEARANCE — THE FEDERAL ARMY UNDER 
GENERAL SHERMAN ATTACK VICKSBURO, MISSISSIPPI — LANDING OF THE TROOPS AT JOHN- 
SON'S FERRY, ON THE YAZOO — THE ATTACK COMMENCED ON THE 27tB OF DECEMBER — 
PARTIAL SUCCESS OF THE FEDERAL FORCES — THE ASSAULT RESUMED ON THE 'itlTn — DES- 
PERATE FIGHTING — THE FIRST LINE OF WORKS CARRIED — SHERMAN ORDERS A GENERAL 
CHARGE — THE FEDERALS REPULSED AND DEFEATED — TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER — THE UNION 

ARMY WITHDRAWN — GENERAL SHERMAN SUPERSEDED BY m'cLERNAND FEDERAL LOSSES 

— CAUSES OP THEIR DEFEAT — MINOR ENGAGEMENTS AT SPRINGFIELD AND HART8VILLE, 
MISSOURI. 

The commencement of the year 1863 witnessed a scene of intense and 
thrilling interest, connected with the naval service of the United States, 
which has rarely been surpassed in the annals of the great deep. At that 
period the Monitor, the first and oldest of the Federal iron-clad war 
vessels, foundered at sea. This vessel had become renowned from her 
successful combat with the Confederate iron-clad Merrimac, which took 
place in Hampton Roads on the 9th of March, 1862. After a struggle of 
five hours, she compelled her antagonist to retire disabled into the port 
of Norfolk. She was a hundred and seventy -two feet in length, forty-one 
in breadth. Her turret was twenty feet in diameter, and nine in height. 
Her turret and the pilot-house were the only objects visible above her 
deck, which was so low in the water as to afford scarcely any surface for 
the balls of an enemy. Every thing else was below the water line. She 
was covered with rolled-iron armor five inches in thickness. Her hull 
was constructed of solid white oak, twenty-six inches thick. The turret 
was protected by rolled-iron plate, an inch thick, over which were riveted 
five layers of similar plates, each an inch in thickness. The port-hole of 
the turret was only large enough to permit the muzzle of the gun to be 
run through it. The turret revolved by means of auxiliary engines. The 
ofiicers' rooms below were large and comfortable, and lighted by dead- 
lights placed in the deck. 

Tiie ilonitor left Hampton Roads, in tow of the steamer Rhode Island, 
on the 29th of December, at half-past two in the afternoon. She passed 
Cape Henry at six on the same day. Every thing proceeded favorably. 
The weather continued to be propitious until five o'clock the next morning, 
when a gale commenced from the southwest. The vessel was commanded 
on this trip by Captain John P. Bankhead, who had succeeded the gallant 



LOSS OF THE lEON CLAD MONITOR AT SEA. 425 

Worden. The sea soon began to break over the pilot-house, at some 
distance in front of the tower, and reached the base of the tower itself. 
At that moment it was discovered, for the first time, that the packing of 
oakum, under and around the base of the tower, had become partly 
loosened by the working of the ponderous tower, which was produced by 
the pitching and rolling of the vessel, but the bilge-pumps were as yet 
able to keep her perfectly free from water, and no apprehensions for the 
safety of the vessel were entertained by her commander. 

Her condition continued the same during the remainder of the 30th. At 
half-past seven the wind increased in strength, and caused the sea to be- 
come more rough. The vessel began to tow badly, to yaw very mu^-h, 
and to make more water around the base of the tower. The Worthington 
pump was then put on to assist in keeping her free, and the centrifugal 
pump was prepared for use. At this time, which was about eight o'clock 
in the evening, the sea began to rise rapidly, and to become so rough that 
the vessel plunged more heavily, completely submerging the pilot-house. 
It was now noticed that when she rose to the swell of the angry deep, 
the flat iron under-surface of her projecting armor came down with tre- 
mendous force, causing a heavy shock to the whole vessel, and loosening 
still more the packing around the base of the tower. The condition of 
the Monitor was evidently becoming critical. Captain Bankhead at length 
signalled to the Rhode Island to stop, in order that he might ascertain 
whether, by suspending her progress, the vessel would ride easier and 
would ship less water. The result was that no difference was perceptible, 
and what was worse, she fell off immediately into the trough of the sea, 
and rolled more fearfully than before. The centrifugal pump was now 
started, in addition to the other pumps, but with no benefit. The sea 
continued to rise, the water in the hold was not diminished, and it soon 
rose several inches above the floor of the engine-room. 

It now became certain that the situation of the Monitor was hopeless. 
All the resources of able seamanship had been exhausted in vain in her 
preservation. The scene presented at that moment was terrible, and suf- 
ficient to appal the stoutest heart. The ocean had been lashed into fury 
by the increasing gale. Far and wide over the watery waste nothing was 
visible in the partial darkness of the night, except the mountain waves 
rolling far upward to heaven, or yawning into profound abysses below, 
together with the roaring of the winds, the dashing of the spray, the angry 
voices of many waters, and the two vessels tossing like feathers upon the 
agitated bosom of the deep. The only hope of safety to those on board 
the Monitor, was in reaching the Rhode Island by means of the boats of 
that vessel, but so fearful was the tempest and so rough the sea, that this 
experiment was one of the utmost danger. At length, at half-past ten. 
Captain Bankhead made the signal of distress, which was immediately 
answered and obeyed bv her consort. He then ranged the Monitor close 



42G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to the Eliode Island, and requested her commander to send his boats to 
take off his crew, as his vessel was in a sinking condition. Before the 
first boats reached her, the water had entered her ash-pits. The heavy 
seas were then breaking and rushing over her entire deck, and it became 
extremely perilous for any one to leave the turret. Nevertheless, several 
boats were filled with a portion of the crew, who succeeded in reaching 
the Ehode Island. Both vessels were at this time proceeding slowly for- 
ward. But at half-past eleven the water extinguished the fires of the 
Monitor, and she became stationary. While waiting for the two boats to 
return, it was necessary to organize bailing parties to diminish the water. 
The vessel again fell into the trough of the sea, and it became impossible 
for the boats to approach her. As a last resource. Captain Bankhead 
ordered the anchor to be let go, and all the chains to be given her, for the 
purpose of bringing her to. This expedient happily succeeded. The 
vessel swung around her head to the wind. Iler deck was now on a 
level with the water. The boats again approached, and the remainder of 
the crew were ordered to enter them. In the attempt, several men were 
washed overboard. A few others, appalled by the horrors of the scene, 
were so paralyzed that they refused to leave the turret, in and around 
which they coniinued to cling with frantic fear. At last, when the rest 
of the crew had entered the boats. Captain Bankhead abandoned his vessel 
and proceeded with his men to the llhode Island. Scarcely had he reached 
her deck, when the Monitor gave a tremendous lurch, then sank and dis- 
appeared from view forever. The unfortunate men who had remained in 
the turret descended with her. 

Great credit was due to Captain Bankhead for the coolness and self- 
possession with which he had directed his men during this terrible scene, 
and to Captain Trenchard, of the llhode Island, for the skill with which 
he had rescued them from a watery grave. During the transfer, so peril- 
ous was the undertaking, that four officers and twelve men were lost, 
including those who had remained on the Monitor. It was the opinion 
of Captain Bankhead that the disaster of the loss of his vessel was chiefly 
owing to the fact that she must have sprung a leak somewhere forward^ 
caused by the tremendous .shocks which she received as she came down 
upon the sea. The gallantry of Lieutenant Green, of Ensign Stodder, 
of Master's-Mate Peter Williams, and of Quartermaster Kobert Angier, 
were conspicuous during the whole of these perilous scenes. 

The first attempt of the Federal generals to capture Vicksburg, on the 
Mississippi, proved a failure. That effort was commenced on the 21st of 
June, 1862, by the gunboats and the fleet under Captains Davis and 
Porter, as was narrated in a previous page. The effort also to dig aa 
artificial channel for the Mississippi, across the narrow peninsula opposite 
to the extremity of which the city was built, was abandoned after some 
time as impracticable. It had been discovered that the co-operation of a 



THE NAVAL EXPEDITION TO VICKSBUEG. 427 

land force was indispensable to the reduction of Vicksburg, and to the 
opening of the navigation of the Mississippi. A considerable period of 
time elapsed before the Federal authorities, both civil and military, were 
prepared to resume the undertaking. At length, in the month of Decem- 
ber, 1862, a powerful land force was placed under tl>^ command of Gen- 
eral William T. Sherman, and appropriated to the attack and capture of 
this important stronghold, which the Confederates had fortified during 
the interval with the utmost energy and skill. 

The naval portion of the expedition had been assembled at Memphis 
and Helena. It started from those places on the 23d of December, and 
proceeded toward Vicksburg. The entire fleet of transports and gunboats 
numbered nearly a hundred vessels ; and the scene which it presented, as 
it glided majestically along the broad and tranquil bosom of the great, 
"father of waters," was magnificent and imposing in the extreme. Among 
the iron-clad gunboats were the Benton, Carondelet, Black Ilawk, Mound 
City, Louisville, Lexington, and Switzerland — all of which had already 
become renowned in the annals of the Eebellion. At two o'clock on 
Monday, the 22d, this armada reached Gaines' Landing, and remained 
there during the night. Before its departure a large portion of the tcJwn 
at this place was destroyed by fire, together with a considerable amount 
of other property. This outrage was committed through the lawless spirit 
which disgraced some of the Federal forces under the command of General 
Sherman, among whom a singular and censurable want of discipline seems 
to have existed. On the 24:th, the voyage down the stream was continued. 
As a preliminary movement to the grand assault on Vicksburg, an attack 
was made on the Kebel works at Milliken's Bend, twelv.e miles above the 
mouth of the Yazoo. The importance of this operation was evinced by 
the fact that all the reinforcements which the enemy might wish to send 
to Vicksburg from Arkansas must, of necessity, pass over the railroad 
from Shreveport, which traverses this bend. A portion of the Federal 
forces were therefore disembarked -at this place. They burned a part of the 
town, and then proceeded twenty miles inland. They struck the railroad 
at a point about twenty-five miles distant from Vicksburg, and imme- 
diately commenced the work of its demolition. They tore up the track? 
blew up the culverts, burnt the bridges, destroyed the wood and water 
stations, and rendered the road completely unfit for use. They then re- 
turned to the main body at Milliken's Bend, and on the next day pro- 
ceeded down the river to the mouth of the Yazoo, which they reached on 
the afternoon of the 26th. They then steamed up that stream a distance of 
sixteen miles, to the spot which had been selected as the scene of the dis- 
embarkation of the troops. This process was successfully accomplished at 
several points, extending over an area of three miles, between the junction 
of the Yazoo with the Old River, and Johnson's ferry. The troops landed 
on the south side of the stream toward Vicksburg. The distance from 



428 THE CITIL -VVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Johnson's ferry to that city was eight miles. The main army of the Con- 
federates was posted at Haines' Bluff, where they had erected a battery of 
twenty heavy guns. They had also fortified every crest of the range of 
hills, so as to command completely all the approaches from the land side 
toward the city. . 

The Federal forces appropriated to the attack of Vicksburg consisted 
of the troops which had been stationed at Memphis under Halleck, some 
of those under Curtis in Arkansas, the army which had evacuated Cum- 
berland gap, together with a large number who had been recently re- 
cruited in the Western States. These troops were divided into four grand 
divisions, commanded by Generals Frederick Steele, Morgan L. Smith, 
George W. Morgan, and A. J. Smith. The largest of these divisions was 
that under the orders of General Steele. Of the commanders of brigades the 
most distinguished were Frank Blair, A. P. Ilovcy, Thayer, and Colonel De 
Courcey. General Sherman, though the commander-in-chief of the expe- 
dition, was under the superior orders of General Grant. The entire num- 
ber of Fcileral troops who marched to the attack on Vicksburg was about 
twenty-five thousand. The forces of the Confederates appointed to defend 
it were known to be much greater, with the advantage of a fortified posi- 
tion, and a hundred guns placed in batteries. The intrenchments were 
well constructed of felled timber, earth-embankments, together with sloughs 
.and rifle-pits. The place might with truth be termed the Eebel Gibraltar 
of the southwest. 

General Sherman's dispositions having been made for the attack, he or- 
dered the brigades of Generals Blair and Stuart to advance through the 
woods toward th^ position of the enemy. They surprised their pickets, 
and drove them in, about a mile from the bluffs. The division of General 
A. J. Smith then followed, advanced to the front, and took their position 
in the field. The division of M. L. Smith was next in order. Other dis- 
positions were made on Saturday, the 27th of December, during which 
some unimportant skirmishing took place. On Sunday morning, both 
armies being now in line of battle, a cannonading was commenced by a por- 
tion of the artillery, and continued for an hour. During its progress the 
Federal infantry were ordered to lie upon the ground to avoid the balls. 
But at the expiration of that time, an order was given to charge upon the 
nearest batteries of the enemy. In the execution of this order by the thir- 
teenth Illinois and Stuart's brigade, Colonel Wyman was killed, and Gen- 
eral M. L. Smith was wounded. The sixth and eighth Missouri assisted 
in the assault. The result was that the enemy removed their guns, and 
retired to a position on the other side of an intervening lagoon at the foot 
of the bluffs. 

During the progress of this operation heavy cannonading was heard at 
a distance on the left, which was supposed to come from the attack made 
bv General Steele. To occupy the attention of the rest of the enemy's 



THE ASSAULT UPON VICKSBURG. 429 

forces, General Sherman resohed to attempt the carrying of the outer line 
of the Eebels by assault. General Morgan and Colonel De Courcey were 
ordered to the front with their forces ; Colonel Landrum's brigade was 
held as a reserve. In spite of an intervening slough, in which the Fed- 
erals sank up to their knees, they advanced bravely. After a short con- 
flict the enemy abandoned their works and fled. Thus the first line was 
carried without much difficulty. It was from the position thus obtained 
that the Federals for the first time saw the full extent and the formidable 
nature of the intrenchmeuts which they would be required to take before 
they could capture the city. 

After this success, the Federal land forces ceased their operations for 
that day. During its progress the gunboats on the river had not been 
idle. The Benton, Louisville, and DeKalb, proceeded toward the batteries 
of the Rebels on the lesser Haines' Blufi", and commenced an attack upon 
them. An engagement of an hour's duration ensued, in which about sixty 
guns were fired on each side, and by each vessel. Before its conclusion 
Captain Gwin, of the Benton, was mortally wounded, and his vessel was 
twice perforated by the balls of the enemy. Four men were killed on 
board. It soon became evident that the attack on this point was a failure 
and the vessels were withdrawn from the contest. 

It was on Monday, the 29th of December, that the last grand assault on 
Vicksburg. was attempted. The point selected for this purpose was the' 
one at which the enemy confidently anticipated it; it was therefore in- 
judiciously chosen, and placed the Federal forces at a disadvantage. It 
was on the only accessible wagon-road which led into the city. The first 
gun was fired at nine o'clock in the morning. Soon battery after battery 
was hurried up into position, until twelve of these threw their hailstorms 
upon the position of the enemy on the elevated plateau above them. The 
Rebels responded with the utmost celerity and resolution. The air was 
soon filled with a deluge of shot and shell passing in opposite directions 
on their missions of destruction. The noise and reverberation were deaf- 
ening, and for two hours it continued without the least intermission. 
Then came a pause. An important movement was now contemplated by 
General Sherman. It was nothing less than a general assault for the 
purpose of storming the works of the enemy. The necessary dispositions 
and changes were efl'ected. General Steele's men were brought forward 
close to those of Morgan. A concentration of troops was made at the 
forks of an intervening bayou. On the left of the bayou were placed the 
troops of General Blair. A.t length, at half-past two in the day. General 
Sherman gave the order to advance. It was executed by the men with 
admirable spirit and valor. They rushed forward toward the second line 
of the enemy, and in spite of the murderous discharge both of musketry 
and artillery which was poured into their ranks ^they succeeded in reach- 
ing the intrenchmeuts of the foe, and after a desperate contest drove them 



430 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

out of their strongholds. But they had lost fearfully during the progress 
of this achievement, and with thinned and shattered ranks prepared to 
continue the contest. 

Wheu all were ready to resume the charge General Blair's brigade 
advanced with the utmost heroism toward the still more formidable bat- 
teries of the foe. They climbed the hill, as before, amid a flood of deadly 
missiles. They were followed by the troops of Fletcher, Diester, Thayer, 
Cavender, and Peckham. At last the stars and stripes were planted near 
the interior breastworks of the enemy. Then came a mortal combat, on 
the issue of which depended the fate of the day. It were vain to attempt 
to describe the intensity of that struggle, in which brave men, commanded 
by valiant and skilful officers, exerted the last resources of heroism and 
fortitude to achieve a glorious result. The superior advantages which 
the enemy possessed in position and in artillery, as well perhaps as iu 
numbers, rendered the most determined efforts of the Federal troops and 
officers unavailing. They were hurled down the battlemented heights of 
Vicksburg, with fearful losses — broken, mangled, decimated, disconcerted. 
The carnage was terrible. The place was in fact impregnable to such a 
force, attacked from such a position, without proper reconnoissances of the 
positions of the Kebels, and without the necessary combinations, by the 
commander-in-chief, to divide the strength, divert the attention, and con- 
■found the counsels of the enemy. Many obstacles of a peculiar character 
impeded the operations and diminished the eflectiveness of the Federal 
forces. Among these, in addition to the immense strength of the position 
and guns of the Rebels, were their insidious rifle-pits, tlie deep sloughs 
and bayous, the undergrowth of felled trees and brushwood, and the 
numerous abattis which had been constructed. While the Federals were 
overcoming these obstacles with difficulty, the powerful and numerous 
artillery of the foe had ample time to assail them, and to diminish their 
strength by adding to their multitude of wounded and slain. 

It was now evident that this attack on Vicksburg was and must needs 
be a failure. It was clear that the city could not be taken with the Yazoo 
as a base of operations. The Federal losses had already amounted to 
about six hundred killed, fifteen hundred wounded, one thousand prisoners. 
On Thursday, January 1-ith, 1863, General McClernand arrived at the 
camp, and before General Sherman could organize any further offensive 
operations he was superseded in the command by that officer. At a coun- 
cil of war held on board the Tigress between the commanders of the land 
and naval forces of the expedition, the conclusion was arrived at that it 
would be vain and ruinous to renew the attack on Vicksburg at that time 
and with their present force. The consequence was that the project was 
abandoned for the present. After several days the troops were re-em- 
barked upon the fleet, and preparations made to direct the energies of the 



MINOft ENGAGEMENTS IN MISSOURI. 431 

brave troops who had failed before Vicksburg under more favorable 
auspices in some other direction. 

On the 10th of January, 1863, the Eebels attacked Springfield, Missouri, 
in considerable force. The place was defended by Colonel Crabb, who 
commanded the nineteenth Iowa. The enemy made several desperate 
charges, but were uniformly repulsed, so that they eventually retired in 
confusion. They left thirty-five dead upon the field, but carried their 
wounded away with them. The Federal loss was seventeen killed, fifty- 
two wounded. An engagement also took place at the same time at 
Hartsville, Missouri, in which seven hundred Federal troops, under Major 
Collins, attacked and routed several thousand Eebels under General Mar- 
maduke. The latter were chased five miles southward. The Federal loss 
was thirt^^-five killed and wounded; that of the enemy was about ono 
hundred 



4M2 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTEE XXXIX. 

A PECULIAR FEATURE OF THE BISTORT OF THIS CIVIL WAR — TUB BATTLE OF HUNT's CROGB- 

EOADS IN TEXXESSEB — OALLANTKT OF GENERAL SULLIVAN AND THE INDIANA TROOPS 

DEFEAT OF FORREST — HIS FLIGHT TO THE TENNESSEE RIVER — THE EXPEDITION OF GEN- 
ERAL CARTER INTO EAST TENNESSEE — ITS OB.IECTS — ITS SUCCESS — DIFFICULTIES AND 

MERIT OF THE UNDERTAKING SKIRMISH NEAR IIOOREFIELD, VIRGINIA — ATTACK OF TUK 

REBELS OX GALVESTON — TUEIR SUCCESS — CAPTURE OF THE UAKKIKT LANE — EXPLOSION 
or THE WESTFIELD — FEDERAL LOSSES ON THIS OCCASION — ADDRESS OF THE WORKINO- 
MEN OF MANCHESTER, ENGLAND, TO PRESIDENT LINCOLN — HIS REPLY — THE BOMBARDMENT 
OF ARKANSAS POST — LAND AND NAVAL FORCES DETAILED TO THIS SERVICE — THE LOCA- 
TION AND IMPORTANCE OF ARKANSAS POST— COMMENCEMENT OF THE ASSAULT BT ADMIRAL 
PORTER — CO-OPERATION OF THE LAND TEO» PS UNDER GENERAL m'cLEUNAND INCIDENTS 

of the conflict — surrender of the fort and of the rebel troops — losses on 
both sides — value of the conquest — sketches of admiral porter and general 
m'clekkand. 

Few wars have occurred in any country, or any age, in which the 
number of battles fought was so great — in which the activity of the com- 
batants was so restless and unceasing — in which so many important move- 
ments were progressing at the same time over the immense area of con- 
flict, as in the civil war in the United States. It is this peculiar feature 
of the struggle which renders its history so sanguinary and martial, so 
destitute of gentler and more pleasing details, and which compels the 
author to pen, and the reader to peruse, so monotonous a narrative of bat- 
tles, slaughters, and sieges. It is an evil inseparable from the nature of 
the subject. 

Contemporary with the battles of Murfree.sboro and Vicksburg was that 
which occurred near Hunt's cross-roads, in Tennessee. The Confederate 
General Forrest commanded seven thousand troops, chiefly cavalry, to- 
gether with a battery of ten guns. The Federal hero, J. C. Sullivan, from 
Indiana, led six thousand men into the action, together with ciglit pieces 
of artillery. The engagement took place in the vicinity of Lexington. 
Forrest, after gathering seventy-five wagons loaded with plunder and 
other spoil, was endeavoring to make good his retreat beyond the Ten- 
nessee river, which he purposed to cross at Clifton. Sullivan was sent 
out from Jackson tp intercept him, and defeat his purpose. As soon as 
he received information that the Federal general was in pursuit of him, 
he returned toward Clifton, but was overtaken, and compelled to fight, at 
Ilunt's cross-roads, on the 31st of December. As soon as the two armies 
came in sight of each other, preparations were made for a combat. Both 
columns were formed in line of battle on an extensive plain. Soon the 
enemy opened with their artillery, which were well posted and served. 



OPHKATIONS ON THE EAST TENNESSEE RAILllOAD. 433 

The battle was gallantly commenced on the Federal side by Major Atkin- 
son, in command of the fiftieth Indiana. In the early part of the engage- 
ment the advantage was on the side of the enemy. The Federal troops 
were nearly all raw recruits, while those of the Rebels were experienced 
veterans. They had also the advantage of more numerous and better 
served artillery. But the Indiana troops displayed an unusual degree 
of .steadiness, and continued to advance and charge upon the foe, notwith- 
standing the terrible losses inflicted upon them. The charges made by 
the Confederates in return were manfully resisted, and a fierce and 
desperate close combat ensued, upon the issue of which depended the 
success of the day. At length the gunners were driven from two of the 
cannon of the enemy. The Federals rushed forward, captured them, and 
turned them upon the Rebels. This was the turning point of the battle. 
The enemy were gradually overpowered throughout the entire field. 
They then fled in confusion, leaving an immense number of dead and 
wounded behind them. Their entire loss was nearly one thousand. Four 
hundred of these were prisoners, who, together with seven cannon, their 
caissons and ammunition, five hundred horses, many wagons, ambulances; 
and small arms, fell into the hands of the Federals. The loss of the latter 
was twenty killed, one hundred wounded, sixty prisoners. During the 
engagement Colonels Dunham and Fuller, Majors Smith and Atkinson, 
specially distinguished themselves. 

Similar success attended the expedition which was sent by General 
Granger to destroy the bridges of the East Tennessee railroad. The force 
detailed to this service consisted of a thousand cavalry, and was placed 
under the command of General Carter. That officer proceeded from Man- 
chester, Kentucky, toward the Union and Watauga bridges. He encoun- 
tered the enemy in considerable force at both places, and several spirited 
actions ensued, in which the enemy were defeated. . General Carter suc- 
ceeded in destroying both bridges, as well as ten miles of the railroad, in 
killing, wounding, and capturing about five hundred Rebels, and in ob- 
taining seven hundred stand of arms, and a large amount of ammunition 
and stores. These successes were achieved in the face of great difficulties, 
in consequence of the almost impassable nature of the country, the inclem- 
ency of the weather, and the distance to be travelled. The last was two 
hundred miles, both in going and in returning. The Federal loss was in- 
significant, being only ten killed, when compared with the importance of 
the results accomplished. The chief of these was the severing of one of the 
main avenues of communication between Virginia and the southwest. So 
valuable were the consequences of this expedition regarded, that General 
Halleck, the commander-in-chief, expressed his admiration of General 
Carter's achievement in a letter of commendation to General Wright, the 
Federal commander of the department in which it occurred. 

On the 3d of January, 1863, a spirited skirmish took place at Moorefield, 
28 



434 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Virginia, between the Tiundred and sixteenth Ohio, under Lieutenant ('(>1- 
onel Wilder, assisted hy a section of Keeper's battery, and a body of Rebels 
commanded by General Jones. The Federals were encamped near this 
town, and the purpose of the enemy evidently was to surprise and capture 
them. They came upon them suddenly, and opened the assault with their 
artillery. To this salute the Federals responded with courage and skill, 
and soon succeeded in silencing several of their guns. The'attack was 
then continued by the cavalry of the enemy, but they were effectually 
checked by the well directed discharges of musketry which proceeded from 
the ranks of the Federals. The Rebels, however, continued the engage- 
ment with stubbornness, and the issue might have been doubtful, perhaps 
adverse, had not reinforcements opportunely arrived. Colonel Washburn 
reaohed the scene of conflict from Petersburg in command of the twelfth 
Ohio, with a portion of Chalfont's battery. This unexpected assistance 
eventually decided the contest; for the enemy, fearing to be overpowered 
between two hostile forces, at length retreated in the direction of the South 
Fork road, and over the mountains toward Petersburg. At Petersburg 
Colonel Waslibuvn h;id left behind a number of sick soldiers. These per- 
sons the retiring foe paroled on their route, and thus it was that tliey 
claimed the honor of having captured a large body of prisoners. Tlie 
losses on both sides in this skirmish were inconsiderable; and the action 
itself would have been unworthy of record, were it not for the unusual 
coolness and valor exhibited by the Federal troops during its progress. 

One of the mo.«t complete and signal victories gained by the Confederate 
arms in this war was achieved at Galveston, Texas, on the last day of 1862, 
and on the first of 1863. The possession of this place was of great import- 
ance to the Federal cause, inasmuch as it controlled a large portion of the 
seaboard of that State. Accordingly, a naval force had been sent three 
months previous to this date to capture it. This achievement was accom- 
plished with little difficulty, for the military strength of the enemy tliere was 
then insignificant. But the latter formed the resolution to recapture and 
possess it at the earliest possible period. The Federal naval force posted at 
Galveston was commanded by Commodore Renshaw ; but as it was evident 
that no defence could be made of the city if an attack were made by the 
enemy, a land force had been sent to his assistance, which reached its posi- 
tion on the 25th of December. This consisted of three companies of the 
forty-second Massachusetts, commanded by Colonel Burrill, together with 
additional troops and stores. These were conveyed to Galveston on the 
steamers Saxton, Cambria and Mary Boardman. 

The situation of Galveston is peculiar. It stands upon an island, and is 
connected with the mainland, which is nearly five miles distant, by a mag- 
nificent bridge. Tlie Rebels had collected a considerable force at the op- 
posite extremity of this structure, on Virginia Point. To prevent their 
approach to Galveston, Commodore Renshaw had deteriniued to destroy 



CAPTURE OF THE HARRIET LANE. 435 

this bridge; but bis purpose was altered by an arrangement by which the 
enemy agreed that it should not be used for the transfer of troops, or for 
any other contraband purpose. This lenity was afterward perverted, and 
the Rebels planted a battery at Virginia Point. This act compelled Com- 
modore Renshaw to station the Harriet Lane at the other terminus of the 
bridge. Trains of cars were, however, allowed to pass at any hour of the 
day and night; and during the night of the 31st of December, the Rebels 
acting in concert with their naval force in the bay, sent over a large num- 
ber of troops and guns. The troops amounted to about three thousand ; 
the guns numbered fourteen pieces of light artillery. During that night 
they erected a battery on Pelican island, which they purposed to turn 
upon the Federal gunboats, when they proceeded to the assistance of the 
Harriet Lane, after the attack upon her began. 

On the evening of the 31st of December, the approach of the Rebel 
gunboats was first discovered by the lookout on board Commodore Ren- 
shaw's flagship Westfield. They were four in number, and the Westfield, 
together with the Clifton, advanced to encounter them. But the wind and 
tide being stronger than usual, they were diverted from their intended 
course, and carried on to Pelican island, where they grounded. Precisely 
at this time, an attack was made by the land forces of the enemy upon the 
town. The moon shone so brightly on the animated scene, as to render 
every object perfectly distinct, and the operations of the different parties, 
both on land and sea, were visible to each other. As soon as the attack 
of the enemy was commenced on Galveston, the Harriet Lane opened upon 
them. She immediately became the object of their assault. She was 
surrounded on all sides, and soon hundreds of the Rebels succeeded in 
reaching her deck. A spirited but transient combat ensued for the pos- 
session of the vessel. Very soon after its commencement her commander, 
Captain Wainwright, was slain. The crew of the Harriet Lane then be- 
came disheartened, and no longer defended the vessel. But as soon as the 
enemy gained possession of her, they turned her guns upon the Union 
gunboats. Before her fate was known, the Owasco approached her, and 
received several broadsides from her guns. But as soon as her real situa- 
tion was known, the Owasco sent a ball through the machinery of her 
engine, and disabled her. 

These events occupied the hours of the night. Toward morning, the 
enemy attacked the Federal land forces who were posted in defence of the 
city, and their vast preponderance of Tiiimbers soon gave them a resistless 
advantage. The Federals fought bravely, a large portion of them were 
slain, and the city fell into the complete possession of the enemy. As 
soon as this result was attained, General Magruder, the commander of the 
Rebel land forces, sent a boat to the commodore, demanding the surrender 
of the fleet. It was nine o'clock, and he allowed but a single hour for 
deliberation. In this emergency Commodore Renshaw adopted the reao- 



436 TnE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

lution to blow up the Westfield, and sent orders to the remaining vessels 
of the squadron to the effect that, as soon as the explosion occurred, each 
vessel should, if possible, make good its escape to the sea. 

It was now half-past nine, and the order was given that every one 
should abaudon the fated flag-ship within fifteen minutes. Prepara- 
tions were instantly made for the explosion. The vessel was saturated 
with turpentine. The powder magazine was thrown open. The safety- 
valve of the steam-engine was chained down. At length all was ready. 
The crew had been transferred to the Boardman, and none now remained 
except the commodore. Lieutenant Green, the Chief Engineer Zimmerman, 
and the crew of the commodore's gig. At length these left the vessel, 
when the commodore, standing at the gangway, applied a match to the 
train. Instantly a premature explosion took place, which blew the ship 
to fragments, and destroyed the gallant officers and men who were about 
to depart from her side. Immediately after the shock, the Federal guu- 
boats commenced their flight toward the sea. The Rebel gunboats pur- 
sued them, but were unable to overtake them. They had previously 
captured the Uarriet Lane, two barques, one schooner, a yacht, and several 
transports. Thus ended the attack and the conflict at Galveston. The 
Federal loss was heavy, consisting of about three hundred in killed 
wounded, and missing. Thirteen had been slain by the explosion of the 
Westfield. Among those slain on the Harriet Lane was her valiant com- 
mander, Captain Wainwright. Uis death was one of the chief causes of 
the feeble defence which was subsequently made by the crew of the vessel. 
Had he survived it is probable that the Confederates would not have 
gained so easy and so prompt a victory, nor would the Federal arras have 
suffered one of the most disgraceful defeats of the war. 

While the civil war in the United Slates was thus progressing with 
varied fortunes, its events and probable issue were exciting increased in- 
terest in Europe. The suspension of the exportation of cotton from the 
Southern States by the Federal blockade, had produced an important and 
disastrous effect upon the immense manufacturing communities of several 
countries of that continent, and the impressions which were created b}- 
this result were intense and varied. The aristocratic and moneyed ranks 
had become, to a considerable extent, hostile to the Union, who.se arma- 
ments had, in order to suppress the Rebellion, intercepted and diminished 
their enormous profits. But the great majority of the working classes 
condemned the secession movement, and admitted the justice and necessity 
of the policy pursued by the Federal Government to crush it. Many 
illustrations of this fact were now furnished, but one of these was so sig- 
nificant that it demands a place in our history. 

On the last day of 1862, an immense meeting was held in Manchester, 
England, composed chiefly of operatives, at which an address was prepared 
and sent to Abraham Lincoln. Several persons of distinction were 



ADDRESS FROM THE WORKINGMEN OF MANCHESTER. 437 

present and took part in the proceedings, among whom were Mr. Bazley, 
a member of Parliament, Professor Greenbank, and Mr. Heywood, mayor 
of the city. The utmost enthusiasm prevailed. After several speeches 
had been delivered, the address to the President was read, and subse- 
quently adopted. Its purpose was to express the fraternal sentiments 
entertained by the citizens of Manchester toward him, and toward this 
country ; to applaud the greatness of the American people as an outgrowth 
of England, and to honor the United States as "a singularly happy abode 
for the working millions," where industry and thrift were encouraged and 
protected as they merited. One thing alone, the address proceeded to say, 
had lessened the sympathy of its authors with the American people. That 
was the fact that influential politicians had not only succeeded in main- 
taining the existence of negro slavery among them, but were endeavoring 
to root it more firmly, and extend it more widely. But since they had 
discovered that the efforts of the free North were now energetically de- 
voted to the suppression of slavery, their sympathies were entirely won 
over to the cause of the Union. The address then commended the several 
anti-slavery measures adopted by Mr. Lincoln, particularizing among the 
rest his determination to receive ambassadors from the negro Republics of 
Hayti and Liberia.* 

* Other portions of this address were so peculiar and significant that we quote thein 

verbatim : 

" We assure you that you cannot now stop short of a complete uprooting of slavery. 
It would not become us to dictate any details, but there are broad principles of hu- 
manity which must guide you. If complete emancipation of some States be deferred, 
though only to a predetermined day, still, in the interval, human beings should not 
be counted as chattels. Women must have rights of chastity and maternity, men the 
ri(]hts of husbands, masters the liberty of manumission. Justice demands for the black, 
■no less than for the white, the protection of law — that his voice be heard in your courts. 
Nor must any such abomination be tolerated as slave-breeding States and a slave 
market^f you choose to earn the reward of all your sacrifices in the approval of the 
universal brotherhood, and of the Divine Father. 

" It is for your free country to decide whether any thing but immediate and total 
emancipation can secure the most indispensable rights of humanity against the invet- 
erate wickedness of local laws and local executives. We implore you. for your own 
honor and welfare, not to faint in your providential mission. While your enthusiasm 
io aflame, and the tide of events runs high, let the work be finished effectually. Leave 
not the root of bitterness to spring up and work fresh rnisery to your children. It is 
a mighty task, indeed, to reorganize the industry, not only of four millions of the col- 
ored race, but of five millions of whites. Nevertheless, the vast progress which you 
have made in the short space of twenty months, fills us witt hope that every stain on 
your freedom will shortly be removed, and that the erasure of that foul blot upon 
civilization and Christianity — chattel-slavery — during your Presidency, will cause the 
name of Abraham Lincoln to be honored and revered by posterity. We are certain 
that such a glorious consiunmation will cement Great Britain to the United States in 
close and enduring regards. Our interests, moreover, are hidentified with yours. We 
are truly one people, though locally separate. And if you have anv ill-wishers here. 



43S TllJC CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

On the 19tli of January, 1863, President Lincoln responded to this ad- 
dress of " the working-men of Manchester." After thanking them for 
their epistle, he proceeded to dwell upon the chief mutter of his commu- 
nication, which was to set forth liow " tlie duty of self-preservation rested 
solely with the American people." lie then expressed his regret that in 
the performance of this duty otlier nations had been indirectly involved 
to some extent in the issue. He deplored the sufferings to which the 
working people of several portions of Europe were subjected, but he justly 
laid the blame of this calamity on those Eebels and traitors who were 
endeavoring to overturn the Federal Government, lie concluded by 
thanking them for their sympathy, and expressing the wish that the wise 
and equitable sentiments which they had uttered miglit be universally 
diffused among the whole British nation, and by hoping that the relations 
of peace and good will which existed between the two nations might be 
permanent and pej-pelual.. 's"*?**'- 

Nothing could have been more appropriate and dignified than the 
response of the President on this occasion, and it was with pleasure every 
loyal citizen in the United States observed this exhibition of friendly and 
just feeling on the part of a portion of the British people, some of whom 
had disgraced themselves by sympathy with traitors, and a disguised 
hostility against a nation whom they evidently regarded as a powerful 
and hated rival. 

Immediately after the repulse of General Sherman before Vicksburg, 
he was superseded, as has been already narrated, by General McClernand. 
The new commander resolved at once to withdraw from the attack on that 
city, to postpone its completion until a more propitious period, and to 
direct the energies of his troops in another channel. It soon appeared 
that the Eebel fortress known as Arkansas Post, was to be the next object 
of attack. General McClernand requested Bear Admiral D. D. Porter, 
who commanded a poition of the Mississippi flotilla of iron-elads, to assist 
him. That officer readily complied, and ordered the Louisville, Pittsburg, 
DeKalb, Cincinnati, together with the ram Monarch, and a number of 
light-draught gunboats, to joiu the expedition. 

The combined military and naval forces reached Montgomery Point on 
the morning of the 8th of January, 1663. On the following day they 
resumed their progress up the White river. The transports were preceded 
by the gunboats, and soon reached the cut-off, where they entered the red 
waters of the Arkansas. That stream was obstructed by many landbars 
and snags, so that the progress made was very slow. On the evening of 
the 9th, the expedition arrived at Belleville, a village situated on the south 

be nssxired thoy are chiefly those who oppose liberty at home, and that they will be 
powerless to stir up quarrels between us, from tfee very day in which yoiir country 
becomes undeniably and without exception the home of the free. Accept our high 
•dmiration of your firmness in upholding the proulaiuatiou of freedom. 



THE iOMBARDMENT OF ARKANSAS POST 439 

biiok of the river, ten miles below Arkansas Post. Here the troops were 
disembarked, with the exception of one division, which proceeded up the 
White river beyond the cut-off, for the purpose of making a flank move- 
ment, and intercepting from the rear the line of the retreat of the enemy 
toward Little Eock. 

Arkansas Post was one of the oldest settlements in the State whose 
name it bore. It was founded by the French in 1685. It remained for 
many years merely a frontier trading-post, and was the favorite resort of 
hunters and trappers, whose adventurous lives were spent amid the 
primeval wilds and solitudes of that remote region. It stands upon a bluff 
of the river, eighty feet in height. Its inhabitants numbered about five 
hundred at the period of the attack. Below the village, at a point where 
the Arkansas makes an abrupt turn, the .Rebels had erected an extensive 
"ort. It was rectangular in shape, and mounted a number of guns on each 
of its four sides. Each side was a hundred yards in length. The guns 
facing the river were long sixty-four pounders, which the enemy regarded 
as able to destroy any vessels that might dare to approach within their 
range. Around the fort, they had dug a ditch fifteen feet wide, and an 
extensive range of rifle pits, which extended along the bluff so as to sur- 
round the village. Outside of these they had constructed a'line of abatis, 
which obstructed the approach to the works on the land. All of the roads, 
with the single exception of the one which led to Little Eock — which 
they reserved for their own escape, if necessary — had been encumbered with 
felled timber. The commandant of the fort was Colonel Dunnington. 
The works were defended by about five thousand Eebels, beside the gar- 
rison, who were under the orders of General Churchill. These were con- 
fident of victory at that time, because they had already repulsed an ill- 
advised attack, which had been made upon them some months before, by 
General Hovey, who was defeated more by the physical obstacles which 
impeded his efforts, than by the valor of the enemy. 

According to the plan of attack agreed upon between General McCler- 
nand and Admiral Porter, the iron-clad gunboats advanced, and took 
their position about four hundred yards from the fort. The land troops 
were all disembarked, and approached the works by different routes, and 
completely surrounded them. The assault was commenced by the fleet, 
consisting of the Louisville, Pittsburg, Eattler, De Kalb, and Cincinnati, 
at three o'clock in the afternoon of the 10th of January. These bom- 
barded tb 3 enemy's works, during an hour and a half, with great energy 
and spiri/ . The cannonading was tremendous on both sides. At first 
the proper range was not obtained. The balls and shells of the Eebcla 
passed over the iron-clads, while the missiles of the latter reached the 
Federal land forces in the rear of the fort, and did them much damage. 
But soon the mistake was rectified. The result was that in a short time 
several of the guns of the enemy were silenced, and the Union vessels 



440 THE CIVIL WAR IN' THE UNITED STATES. 

were much cut up. In this day's action, the killed on the Louisville were 
twelve; those on the De Kalb were seventeen; those on the Rattler were 
two. 

After a contest of an hour and a half, Admiral Porter signalled to hia 
fleet of gunboats to suspend their fire. The reason of this order was that 
night was approaching, and it was then too late for the land forces to 
commence and to conclude their co-operative assault. It was therefore 
determined between the two Federal commanders to postpone the com- 
pletion of the undertaking until the next day. The gunboats were then 
withdrawn from the vicinity of the fort, and in the evening General 
McClernand visited Admiral Porter, and arranged the programme for the 
ensuing day. During the night a shot was fired every half hour to inter- 
rupt the repose of the enemy, and on Sunday morning, the 11th of 
January, at daybreak, the attack was resumed. 

During the hours of darkness the Confederates had repaired the damage 
which they had suffered, and had replaced their dismounted guns. They 
therefore responded to the cannonading of the fleet with undiminished 
fervor. But they were now assailed from several points at once. The 
troops under McClernand advanced toward the fort. General Sherman, 
who commanded the rear division, planted a number of light artillery 
guns in a favorable position, and began to shell the Rebel works. 
During this process a reinforcement of several thousand men arrived to 
the enemy from Fort Charles, twenty-five miles distant on the White 
river, and they succeeded in entering the works. The Rebels were soon 
driven by the land forces from their rifle-pits, and compelled to shelter 
themselves behind their intrenchments. Then the contest continued be- 
tween the artillery in the fortress and the batteries of the gunboats. At 
one o'clock the contest increased in fury, and for three hours and a half a 
tremendous cannonading continued without any intermission. One of 
the shells from the fleet exploded over a hundred jiound Parrott gun, 
which was mounted on the southern parapet of the fort. Seven of the 
men who worked it were instantly killed, their bodies being torn into 
fragments, and the remaining nine were so severely wounded as to be 
unfit for duty. This enormous cannon had been the chief reliance of tlie 
enemy in defending their position, but it was now so disabled as to be 
useless. The spirited and accurate firing from the Federal gunboats soon 
began to tear up and penetrate the solid timber, three feet in thickness, 
which formed the casemates of the fort, and which was covered with 
railroad iron. The battered rails commenced to tumble from their posi- 
tion, and many of the guns behind them were dismounted. One shot 
penetrated a cai.sson of the enemy, exploded it, destroying six men and 
nine horses. With the fall and ruin of their casemates, the situation of 
the Rebels became still more desperate; yet they bravely continued tin; 
Struggle until it beoame evident that further resistance was useless. 



THE SURRENDER OE ARKANSAS POST. ' 441 

During the progress of the battle the enemy had at one time emerged 
from their works, and attacked the Federal right wing, with the intea- 
tioa of making their escape in the direction of Little Eock. Here a 
desperate fight occurred ; but the result was that they were intercepted 
and repulsed by the division wliich had crossed from the White river, 
and which had been expressly detailed for that duty. The enemy were 
then compelled to abandon this undertaking and return to their works. 

At length, at half past four o'clock, General Churchill, the commander 
of the Confederate troops, determined to yield, and sent out a flag of truce 
proposing a capitulation. The answer given was that an unconditional 
surrender would alone be accepted. Immediately after the return of the 
flag, the Rebel colors were hauled down, and the works given up. Col- 
onel Dunnington, who commanded the fort and its garrison, requested per- 
mission to surrender to Admiral Porter. This request was complied with. 
General Churchill, who commanded the troops that had been stationed in 
the fort, surrendered to General McClernand. As these two officers ap- 
proached each other, the latter exclaimed : " I am sorry to meet you under 
such circumstances ; but your men fought bravely in defending the fort." 
Churchill replied that " it had not been his intention to surrender so soon, 
but that the event had been hastened by treachery within his lines." 
The fortifications were then entered by the victors. Four thousand eight 
hundred and ninety-one of the garrison were surrendered as prisoners of 
war, and paroled. A thousand of them were on the sick-list. All the stores 
artillery, munitions of war, and several thousand stand of small arms, 
became the prizes of the conquerors. The loss of the enemy in killed, 
wounded, and missing, was five hundred and fifty. That of the Federals 
was about one hundred and twenty-nine killed, eight hundred and thirty- 
one wounded, and seventeen missing. This heavy loss was to be attrib- 
uted to the fact that at the commencement of the bombardment the 
shells of the gunboats passed over the fort, and fell among the Federal 
troops in the rear, and that some time elapsed before the exact range 
could be obtained. 

This victory was of the' utmost importance to the Union cause. The 
fort at Arkansas Post had been erected by the Confederates for the defence 
of the passage of the Arkansas river. This stream was the highway to 
Little Eock, the capital of the State. The fortifications were so situated, 
and were of such strength, that they completely commanded the trade of 
the river. By this capture it became comparatively easy for Federal 
vessels and troops to ascend to Little Eock, and also to communicate 
with Generals Blunt and Herron in the interior ; thus dispensing with 
the transportation of supplies to them over a long and tedious route from 
Eolla. 

The chief merit of this conquest was due to the tremendous and destruc- 
tive firing of the gunboats, whose artillery were much more formidable 



442 THE CIVIL AVAR IN' THE UNITED STATES. 

than those of the Federal land forces. The gunboats were skilfully com- 
manded by Admiral David D. Porter, whose prominence in many of the 
desperate struggles on the Mississippi had already rendered him one of the 
chief heroes of the war. This officer was born in 1814. He entered the 
navy as midshipman in 1829, aboard the Constellation. In 1835 he 
passed his examination, and then served six years on the coast survey, 
lie was commissioned a lieutenant in 1841, and served during four years 
on board the Congress with that rank. He was subsequently placed on 
active duty under Commodore Tatnall, in the Mexican Gulf, and took an 
active part in the naval operations which were connected with the Mexi- 
can war. At a later period he commanded one of the steamers of the 
California mail company. It was while holding this position that ho 
bokfly defied the Spanish authorities at Havana, and ran his ship intc 
tlie harbor of that city in the face of the shotted and threatening guns of 
Moro Castle. Immediately after the commencement of the Kebellion he 
was placed in command of the steam sloop-of-war Powhattan, which 
carried an armament of eleven guns. He distinguished himself greatly 
in the reduction of Forts Jackson and St. I'hilip, below New Orleans, on 
which occasion he commanded the mortar fleet. After the reduction uf 
New Orleans he proceeded up the Mississippi, and took part in several 
engagements. He was subsequently ordered to the James river, and 
while on his way thither in the Octorara, he captured the Anglo-Rebel 
steamer Tubal Cain. He was soon afterward appointed to the supreme 
command of the naval forces on the Mississippi, with the rank of rear- 
admiral, though his squadron was held distinct from the "Western Gulf 
blockading squadron under Admiral Farragut. His first exploit after 
his promotion to this important position was the attack and capture of 
Arkansas Post. 

His associate in this achievement, Major-General John A. McClernand, 
was a native of Ohio, and was known, previous to the commencement of 
the war, as a prominent lawyer and politician in Illinois. He took a 
leading part, as a friend of Mr. Douglas, in the Charleston Convention. 
When hostilities began, he abandoned his profession and entered the 
military service of his country. He soon obtained the rank of brigadier- 
general of volunteers, and distinguished himself in the engagements at 
Belmont, Forts Henry and Donelson, and especially at Pittsburg Land- 
ing. His skill and gallantry were justly rewarded by his elevation to one 
of the highest positions in the army. Having superseded General Sher- 
man, on the 2d of January, in command of the Federal army before Vicks- 
burg, his success at Arkansas Post soon afterward furnished ample evi- 
dence that the change was a fortunate one for the promotion of the inte- 
rests of the Union 



GENERAL BURNSIDE SUCCEEDED BY GENERAL HOOKER: 413 



CHAPTER XL. 

GK>KRA1, BORNSIDE RESIGNS TBK COMMAND OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — HE 18 8U0 

CEEDED BY GENERAL HOOKER — THE ARMY IN WINTER QUARTERS IMPORTANCE OF TUK 

QUESTION OF NEORO TROOPS IN THIf ARMY — POLICY OF DIFFERENT PARTIES RESPECTI.NG 
IT — EXPLOITS OF THE REBEL STEAMER ORETO — DESTRUCTION OF THE STEAMBOAT HAT- 

TEKAS — EXPEDTTION OP ciENERAL WEITZEL DP THE BAYOD TECHE DEATH OF COMMODORE 

BUCHANAN — SKIRMISH AT WOODBURY, TENNESSEE— SECOND 8IEG8 OF FORT DOKELSON — 
ITS RESULT — FEDERAL VICTORY OVER GENERAL PBYOR ON THE BLACKWATER, VIRGINIA — 
TRIUMPH OF CONFEDERATE RAMS IN THE HARBOR OF CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA — 

SKETCH OP COMMODORE INQRAHAM — THE PASSAGE OP THE NATIONAL CURRENCY BILL 

THE CONSCRIPTION LAW — LOSS OF THE FEDERAL STEAMER QUEEN OF THE WEST — CAP- 
TURE OF THE FEDERAL IRON-CLAD INDIANOLA DESTRUCTION OF THE REBEL STEAMER 

NASHVILLE — ATTACK ON FORT m'aLLISTER — -RESOLUTIONS OF CONGRESS DENOUNCING 
FOREIGN INTERVENTION — REMAINING MILITARY EVENTS OF FEBRUARY AND MARCH, 1863 — 
ENOAQEMENTS AT STRASBURG, VIRGINIA — AT HARTWOOD CHURCH, VIRGINIA — AT BRADY- 
VILLE, TENNESSEE — AT THOMPSON'S STATION, TENNESSEE. 

After tlie repulse of the Federal army at Fredericksburg, and the 
failure of General Burnside as its commander to fulfil the expectations 
which had been entertained throughout the nation of important and felic- 
itious results from his abilities and experience, he asked to be relieved 
from his command, and his request was reluctantly complied with by the 
President. On the 26th of January, 1863, General Joseph Hooker, who 
had been appointed his successor as commander of the army of the Po- 
tomac, arrived at Falmouth, and assumed his new duties. General Burn- 
side, in retiring from the command, issued an address to the troops, in 
which he urged them to remain faithful in their devotion to their country, 
until, by continued success, the Rebellion was crushed. On the following 
day, his successor published an address to the army, in which he in- 
formed them that by direction of the President he had assumed the com- 
mand of the forces at Falmouth. He also complimented them upon their 
former triumphs, and encouraged them to hope for more important and 
brilliant results in the future. The new general-in-chief entered upon his 
duties with energy and vigor, and with the confidence and good wishes 
both of the army and the nation. 

From the date of the accession of General Hooker to the command of 
the army of the Potomac, a period of several mouths was destined to 
elapse, during which that army may be said to have remained at Falmouth 
in winter quarters. The work of reorganization, which devolved on General 
Hooker, was an immense one, and some time necessarily elapsed before its 
completion. Important changes and improvements were introduced, and 
new plans were formed and developed in reference to future operations, 
which involved extensive labors and profound deliberation. It was not 



444 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

until the spring of 1863 had fairly opened that this colossal army again 
moved to encounter the enemy. During the interval, events of interest 
were transpiring elsewhere in the Republic, both of a civil and military 
character, to which we will now direct our attention. 

It became evident to every observant mind, as the war progressed, that 
the relation of the negro race in the United States to it, and their future 
fate, assumed more prominence from day to day. That party in the Fed- 
eral Congress who were termed radical Eepublicans, of whom the most 
prominent were Messrs. Wilson and Sumner, of Massachusetts, Stevens 
and Kelley, of Pennsylvania, and Trumbull and Lovejoy, of Illinois, were 
desirous that a law should be passed providing for the employment of 
troops of African descent in the Federal armies. It was the secret con- 
viction of every intelligent person that the negro community were in a great 
measure, though without any will or fault of their own, one of the causes of 
the war, and that it was just that they should be made to endure a portion 
of its burdens and sufferings. Another class felt convinced, in conse- 
quence of the reverses which had recently befallen the Federal arms, that 
the assistance of the free negroes, as well as of those who had been eman- 
cipated in the South by the troops of the Union, would soon be indispen- 
sably necessary to the ultimate success of the Federal cause, and therefore 
that no real patriot could oppo.se the employment of them in that capacity. 
Tlie conservative Republicans and the Democrats in Congress opposed the 
measure, on the ground that it was unnecessary; that it was revolution- 
ary ; that it would be repulsive to the feelings of the inhabitants of the 
loyal slave States, and even insulting to the Federal white soldiers. 

On the 28th of January, Mr. Stevens introduced a bill into the House 
of Representatives authorizing the employment of African troops in the 
Federal armies. A spirited debate ensued, in which the subject was fully 
discussed on botli .sides. But the proposition proved to be premature; it 
was therefore withdrawn for the present by that astute manager, and it 
was not until a later period that he and his associates were able to secure 
its passage by the Ilouse, its confirmation by the Senate, and its approval 
by the President.* 

* The bill proposed by Mr. Stevens, and eventually passed by Congress, was aa 
follows : 

" Be it enacted, etc., That the President be, and lie is hereby avithorized, to enroll, 
ana, equip, and receive into the land and naval service of the United States, such 
number of volunteers, of African descent, as he may deora useful to suppress the 
present Kcbellion, for such teriu of service as he may prescribe, not e.xceeding five 
years; the said voluuteers to be organized according to the regulations of the branch 
of service in which tliey may be enlisted, to receive the same rations, clothing, and 
equipments as other vohmteers, and a monthly pay not to exceed that of the voliui- 
teers ; to be ofTicored by white or black persons appointed and commissioned by the 
President, and to be governed by tlie rules and articles of war, and such other rules 
and regulations as may be prescribed by the President. 



THE REBEL CRUISERS ORETO AND ALABAMA. 445 

At the commencement of 1863, the Confederate Government had suc- 
ceeded in adding several formidable vessels to their marine forces. Among 
these was the steam-corvette Oreto, which had been confined in the harbor 
rr Mobile, and succeeded in escaping therefrom during the night of the 
16th of January. She was chased by several of the blockading squadron, 
but was not overtaken. Her escape was chiefly due to her superior sail- 
ing qualities, her speed being greater than that of her pursuers. This 
vessel was built in Liverpool, England, and its owners pretended that she 
was intended for the Italian government. She carried a complement of 
eight heavy guns ; she registered seven hundred and fifty tons, and was 
one of the best constructed vessels of her class then afloat. After arriving 
in the vicinity of Cuba lier genuine character was revealed. Iler com- 
mander was Captain John Newland Mafiit, who had been originally ap- 
pointed to the United States navy from New York, but subsequently 
became a citizen of Georgia. When the Federal navy was reduced during 
the administration of Mr. Pierce, Captain Mafiit was dropped from the 
service. When the Eebellion commenced he tendered his services to 
Jeflerson Davis, and was accepted. He was subsequently appointed to the 
command of the Oreto, or Florida. 

On the 17th of January, the commander of the Alabama, another of the 
piratical cruisers of the Rebel Government, was guilty of a most dastardly 
outrage upon the United States steamer Ilatteras. This vessel was among 
those which succeeded in making their escape after the conquest of Gal- 
veston by the Confederates. The Alabama came within sight of the 
Brooklyn and other Federal war vessels ofi' Galveston. As soon as she was 
noticed the Ilatteras was despatched to ascertain who the stranger was. 
When she came within hailing distance Captain Blake demanded the name 
of the ship. The answer given was that she was her majesty's steamer 
Spitfire. Blake then replied that he would send a boat on board of her. 
While this was being done the Alabama suddenly poured a tremendous 
broadside into the Ilatteras. The latter replied feebly from her small 
battery of four light guns, and immediately commenced to sink. She soou 
filled and went to the bottom, but her olficers and most of her crew were 

" Provided, That nothing herein contained, or in the rules and articles of war, sliall 
be so construed as to authorize or permit any officer of African descent to be ap- 
pointed to rank or to exercise military or naval authority over white officers, soldiers, 
or men in the military or naval service of the United States ; nor shall any greater 
pay than ten dollars per month, with the usual allowance of clothing- and rations, be 
allowed or paid to privates or laborers, of African descent, which are or may be in 
the military or naval service of the United States. Provided further, That the slaves 
of loyal citizens in the States exempt by the President's proclamation of January 1st, 
1863, shall not be received into the armed service of the United States, nor shall 
there be recruiting offices opened in either of the States of Delaware, Maryland, 
West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee or Missouri, without the consent of the Gover- 
nors of the said States having been first obtained." 



446 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

rescued by boats sent from the Alabama. The Ilatteras was an iron 
steamer, built in Wilmington, Delaware, which had recently been pur- 
chased by the Government, and fitted out for the service. Iler side was 
perfomted so badly by tlie accurate aim of the privateer that it was im- 
possible to save her. 

Contemporary with this event was the expedition conducted by General 
AYeitzel up the Bayou Teche in Louisiana, the purpose of which was to 
att;ick and destroy a Confederate steamer named the J. A. Cotton, which 
hud long been committing depredations along the borders of that stream, 
as well as to attack the Rebel troops collected in that vicinity. The Fed- 
eral troops commenced to move from Thibodeauxon the 11th of January. 
They consisted of the eighth Vermont, the seventy -fifth, the one hundred 
and sixtieth New York, the twelfth Connecticut, sixth Michigan, twenty- 
first Indiana, a portion of the first Loui.siana cavalry, four regular bat- 
teries, and a portion of the seventy-fifth New York as sharpshooters. 
These forces were accompanied by four Federal gunboats — the Calhoun, 
Kinsman, Diana, and Estrella — commanded by Commander Buchanan. 
Tlie vessels conveyed the troops, with the exception of the cavalry and 
artillery, which proceeded by land. 

The expedition arrived at a point called Corney's bridge at six o'clock 
in the morning of the 14:th of January. At this place the Confederates 
had placed a formidable obstruction across the bayou, consisting of a 
number of old sunken vessels filled with stones, which rendered it impos- 
sible for the Federal steamers to advance any further. Beyond this 
banier the Cotton was moored, awaiting the approach of her assailants. 
At lialf past eight o'clock an artillery duel began between the Federal 
gunboats and the Cotton, assisted by several Rebel batteries which were 
placed upon the shore. The contest was a fierce one. During its progress 
a torpedo exploded under the stern of the Kinsman without doing her 
much damage. In this action Commander Buchanan, who served on board 
of his flag-ship, the Calhoun, was killed. lie was shot by a rifle-ball 
in the temple, and expired instantly. The fire of the riflemen and bat- 
teries of the enemy on the shore was unusually deadly, in consequence of 
their proximity to the Federal vessels. The bayou at this point was so 
narrow that the Calhoun, in turning, had both her bow and her stern 
aground at the same time. 

During the progress of this contest between the gunboats, the Federal 
land forces, who had previously disembarked at Pattersonville and 
Lynch's Point, proceeded against the enemy and their batteries, and 
attacked them with spirit. They were soon driven from their rifle-pits 
and from their breastworks. Three Federal batteries — the first Maine, 
the fourth and sixth Massachusetts — had proceeded from Pattersonville, 
through the woods, to a point above the Cotton, from which they could 
fire upon her with advantage. Under the heavy firing of these guns, to- 



REBEL ATTACK ON FORT DONELSON. 447 

getter with tbat of portions of the seventy-fifth and one hundred and 
sixtieth New York, this vessel was thrice compelled to retire up the bayou 
after thrice advancing. At length it was discovered that she was on fire 
and soon the immense vessel was seen drifting down the stream, deserted 
by her crew, and presenting the appearance of one enormous sheet of 
flame. The Confederate troops were soon after driven away from the 
vicinity. These troops consisted of the twenty-eighth Louisiana, Simms' 
battery, Pelican's battery, and Fournet's battalion, comprising in all about 
twelve hundred men. They were commanded by Colonel Gray. The 
Federal loss during the whole expedition, was six killed and twenty-seven 
wounded. That of the Confederates, was fifteen killed, fifty wounded, and 
forty-three prisoners. The chief misfortune of the Federals was the death 
of Commander Buchanan, who enjoyed the reputation of being an ex- 
tremely brave and skilful officer. The expedition having thus accom- 
plished the purpose of its mission, which was not, indeed, one of very great 
difficulty or importance, returned forthwith to Lafourche station near 
Thibodeaux.* 

Fort Donelson, situated on the Cumberland river, which had already 
witnessed one of the most signal victories of the Federal troops in Feb- 
ruary, 1862, became the scene of another contest and of another triumph 
to the Union cause in the beginning of February, 1863. At that time, a 
Eebel force, consisting of about five thousand men, commanded by Gen- 
erals Wheeler, Forrest, and Wharton, made an attack upon it. The fort 
then contained only six hundred men who were fit for duty. These 
belonged to the eighty-third Illinois regiment. Notwithstanding this 
immense disparity of numbers, the Federal troops, commanded by Colonel 
A. C. Harding, determined to resist the foe, with the hope tbat assistance 
would opportunely arrive from the gunboats which then lay at Fort 
Henry. Accordingly, the demand to surrender by the Confederate gen- 
erals was courteously declined, and the action commenced. The enemy 
brought eight guns to bear on the works, to which the Federals responded 
with one thirty-two pounder and four brass cannon. At seven o'clock in 
the evening, after a contest of five hours, the Eebels despatched a second 
demand to surrender, adding the statement that not one half of their 
force had as yet been engaged. A second refusal was given, and the 
enemy was further informed that not the slightest idea of yielding had 
been entertained. The battle was then resumed. But soon the sound of 
a distant gun, echoing up the river, announced to the besieged the welcome 
intelligence of the approach of their formidable allies. It was indeed high 

* A spirited contest occurred on the 23d of January, at "W oodbxiry, Tennessee, in 
which General Palmer's division, of Crittenden's corps, attacked and defeated an out- 
post of the enemy at that place, consisting of seven regunents. The result of the fight 
was that thirty-four Rebels were killed, and a hundred taken prisoners. The Federal 
loss was two killed, nine wounded. 



443 'rUE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

time, for already had nearly all the guns iu the fort been silenced by tlio 
accurate and vigorous firing of the enemy. In a short time the Lexington 
steamed rapidly within view, and commenced to throw her destructive 
shells over the fort into the ravines and valleys beyond it, which were 
occupied by the Confederate forces. She was quickly followed by five 
other gunboats, which, in like manner, commenced to cannonade the po- 
sition of the enemy. The fort itself shook with the tremendous concus- 
sion of the heavy guns, and the evening air was filled with innumerable 
howling messengers of death. The result may be easily conjectured. 
The Rebels were driven in confusion from the vicinity of the fort, and 
were compelled to abandon the siege. Their loss was about a hundred 
killed, three hundred wounded, a hundred and forty prisoners. The 
Federal loss was sixteen killed, sixty wounded, fifty prisoners, and one 
gun captured by the enemy. Before the arrival of the gunboats, several 
desperate charges had been made upon the lines of the enemy, one es 
pecially upon their right wing, which had succeeded in flanking the Federal 
left, and threatened their rear. The small garrison had fought on this 
occasion with unusual heroism and fortitude. 

During some months, the Con federate General Pryor, who commanded 
a force in Virginia, had loudly boasted that he would deliver the territory 
of Suflblk, in tlie vicinity of the Blackwater, from the thraldom of Yankee 
supremacy. General Corcoran had been sent thither with a number of 
Federal troops, and held the country in spite of the threats of the Rebel 
champion. The latter determined, on the 25th of January, to carry his 
purpose into execution. During the night of that day, he advanced his 
forces across the Blackwater, and moved forward ten miles to encounter 
the Federal general. They met at three o'clock in the morning of the 26th. 
Colonel Spear, of the eleventh Pennsylvania cavalry, reconnoitered the 
position and strength of the enemy, and immediately afterward both 
armies joined battle. The conflict was a desperate and sanguinary one, 
as was usually the case where Irishmen were engaged. The eleventh 
Pennsylvania cavalry, and Dodge's mounted riflemen, charged on tlie enemy 
with drawn sabres. The Federal infantry also made several splendid 
assaults upon the foe. The Union force engaged, consisted of the sixth 
Massachusetts, thirteenth Indiana, one hundred and twelfth, thirteenth, 
and sixty -ninth New York, one hundred and sixty-fifth and one hundred 
and sixty-seventh Pennsylvania, one company of the seventh Ma.ssachu- 
setts, and one battery of the fourth United States artillery. After an 
action of some hours the enemy began to give way. At two o'clock in 
the afternoon, they were much weakened and disheartened. At three 
o'clock their retreat became general, and they returned in confused haste 
toward the Blackwater, which they recrossed in the evening. The Federal 
cavalry pursued them for six miles, when it was deemed prudent to re- 
linquish the chase. A more complete rout could not easily be imagined. 



DISASTER TO BLOCKADING FLEET OFF CHARLESTON. 449 

The Federal loss was twenty-four killed, eighty wounded. That of the 
enemy was much greater, though the exact number remained unknown 
to the victors. A great part of the credit of this triumph was due to 
Torbert's battery, of the fourth United States artillery, and to Davis's 
seventh Massachusetts battery, which were particularly efficient during 
the entire action. 

To counterbalance this success, a disaster of some importance overtook 
the Federal arms, about this period, in the vicinity of Charleston, South 
Carolina. On the morning of the 31st of January, a thick fog enveloped 
and obscured the port of that city. Two iron-clad gunboats took advan- 
tage of this circumstance to emerge from the port through the main ship- 
channel, and to make a sudden attack on the blockading fleet. The 
time was opportune, for two of the most formidable of the Federal vessels, 
the Powhatan and the Canandaigua, were then absent, coaling and repair- 
ing. The Eebel vessels first encountered the Mercedita, commanded by 
Captain Stellwagen. The Palmetto State sent a heavy rifle-shell through 
■ her starboard sides, which passed into her condenser, through the steam- 
drum of her port boiler, and then exploded against her port side. It 
made a hole during its passage some five feet square, killed the gunner, 
wounded a number of men, and disabled the entire machinery of the 
vessel. 

This preliminary blow rendered all attempts at resistance utterly use- 
less, and Captain Stellwagen was compelled at once to surrender. The 
officers and men were then taken off and paroled. Having thus sealed 
the fate of the Mercedita, and left her apparently in a sinking condition, 
the victorious rams proceeded toward the Keystone State, which was the 
nearest of the Federal vessels, and was commanded by Captain Leroy. 
A tremendous shell from the Palmetto State exploded in the forehold of 
this vessel, and at once set her on fire. Undismayed by this disaster, 
Captain Leroy instantly gave orders to put on a full head of steam, and 
advance against one of the rams, with the intention of running her down. 
His guns were also so trained and depressed that at the moment of con- 
tact- they would fire into the enemy. While this order was being 
executed, and the vessel was advancing at the rate of twelve knots per 
hour, a well directed shot from the Palmetto State passed through the 
steam-chest of the Keystone State, which completely disabled her 
machinery, and rendered her helpless. She was then fired at rapidly by 
the two hostile rams. Of the ten rifl(yshells which struck her, two burst 
on her quarter deck; the remainder struck her near or below the water 
line. During the progress of these events, the Federal vessels Augusta, 
Quaker City, Memphis, and Housatonic, attacked the Eebel iron-clads, 
but with little effect. As soon as the work of the latter was completed, 
they steameii away to the northward, and obtained a safe position in the 
Swash Channel, behind the shoals. 
29 



450 



THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 



This attack by tlie Confederate rams was one of the most brilliant 
achievements on their side which occurred during the war. It exhibited 
extraordinary boldness and skill; and the success which attended it was 
discreditable to the Union vessels which were engaged in the blockade. 
The Federal loss during the action was twenty-four killed, twenty-three 
wounded. Some hours elapsed before the blockading vessels could 
resume their appropriate positions in front of the harbor. The two 
disabled vessels were afterwanl towed to Port Koyal to be repaired. 
Immediately after this attack, several vessels from Charleston steamed 
out toward the Union ships, and then returned. The purpose of this 
movement was to afford an excuse for the report, which was despatched 
forthwith to Europe, that at last the blockade of the port of Charleston 
had been raised by the daring and skill of the Confederate fleet. Had 
this assertion been true, its effect abroad upon the political relations of 
the Confederate States would have been important, and might have led 
to valuable demonstrations in their favor. But it was essentially erro- 
neous , for a few hours had not elapsed before the blockade was as com- 
plete, as vigilant, and as effective as it had ever been. 

The Confederate oflScer to whom the credit or disgrace of this achieve- 
ment was due, was Commodore Duncan N. Ingraham, a native of 
Charleston, and born in 1802. He received a midshipman's warrant, 
through family influence, in June, 1812. He commanded the Federal 
ship Somers, in the blockade olV Vera Cruz, during the Mexican war. 
He subsequently commanded the St. Louis in the Mediterranean. In 
1855 he was made a captain ; and in 1856 became chief of the bureau of 
ordnance at "Washington. He held this position at the commencement 
of the Eebellion, when he resigned it, tendered his services to the Rebel 
authorities, and became a traitor to the government from which he had 
received many honors and rich emolurnents during a period of nearly 
half a century. 

While military events of a stirring nature were thus transpiring 
between the hostile armies and navies, the Federal Congress, then in 
session at "Washington, was bu.sily engaged in adopting such financial 
and other measures as were necessary to secure a vigorous continuance 
of the war.- One of these was the passage of a national currency, or 
banking bill, which was proposed by Mr. Sherman in the Senate, and. 
after some modifications, was adopted by the House, and then approved 
by the President. The chief pro^sioiis of this important measure were 
as follows : It enacted that any number of persons, being not less than 
five, might be incorporated so that they could carry on the business of 
banking, provided their capital was at least fifty thou.sand dollars, in 
shares of one hundred dollars each. In cities containing more than ten 
thousand persons, the stock must not be less than one hundred thousand 
dollars. Thirty ^er cen^Mm of this amount must be paid in before the 



FEDERAL REVERSES ON THE MISSISSIPPI. 451 

association could commence operations. After they had thus begun, ten 
per centum of the residue must be paid every two months, until the whole 
amount was made up. But they would be required to purchase bonds 
of the United States, to the extent of at least one third of their capital, 
which must be deposited with the treasurer of the United States. For 
these bonds the comptroller of the currency would give to the association 
circulating notes equal in amount and in value to ninety per centum of 
the value in bonds thus deposited. The association was bound to redeem 
these notes; and in order to be able so to do, and to pay depositors, they 
must always keep twenty-five per centum of cash on hand. The notes 
were to be receivable for all debts due to the United States, except those 
for customs, and the interest of the public debt. The bonds which were 
deposited with the treasurer were to be held in trust for the security of 
the note-holders; and in case of defliult being made in redeeming the 
notes, the bonds were to be sold, and were to be redeemed by the Govern- 
ment. Each shareholder in an association was made liable for an amount 
equal to the par value of his shares, in addition to the shares themselves. 
The most prominent and important purpose contemplated by this law 
was the establishment of one sound, uniform, reliable circulation, possess- 
ing an equal value throughout the whole country, and based upon two 
firm, immovable pillars — the national credit and private wealth. The 
original author of this admirable scheme was Mr. Chase, Secretary of the 
Treasury, who, by its elaboration, increased and confirmed his fame as a 
skilful and profound financier. 

Similar in the effective and beneficial nature of its operation was the 
conscription bill, which became a law of the land in the month of 
February, 1863. That bill was designed to call out more completely the 
military strength of the nation, and to elicit more thoroughly its patriotic 
ardor. 

The month of February, 1863, witnessed several minor disasters to the 
Federal arms upon the Mississippi and other waters, which require a 
brief notice. One of these was the loss of the steamer Queen of the West, 
which was commanded by the bold and adventurous Colonel C. R. Ellet. 
This officer had proceeded from the landing below Vicksburg on the 10th 
of the month, according to orders which he had received , from Admiral 
D. D. Porter; and had destroyed a large amount of Eebel property along 
the shores of the Red and Black rivers. lie had captured a steamboat 
laden with forty-five hundred bushels of corn, and had achieved other 
commendable acts, when, on the lith, he neared Gordon's Landing, on 
Red river, a short time before nightfall. Several gunboats of the enemy 
were lying at that point, and a spirited action was anticipated. As the 
Queen of the West approached, she was assailed by a vigorous and 
skilful cannonade from the vessels and a fort on the shore. Soon her 
escape-pipe was shot away, and an explosion took place which filled the 



452 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

interior of the vessel with steam. It was now evident that the Queen wa8 
overmatched, and Colonel Ellet gave the order to his pilot to back her 
out of the range of the guns of the enemy. Instead of complying with 
this direction, he ran her aground ou the right hand bank, within full 
reach of the destructive firing of the enemy. In this predicament the 
only alternative was to abandon the steamer to the possession of the 
Eebels. This was done, and her crew and officers transferred to the 
De Soto, which had accompanied the Queen as her tender. Several inci- 
dents occurred during this expedition which induced Colonel Ellet to 
believe that the conduct of the pilot Garvey was influenced by treason- 
able motives. He therefore ordered him under arrest. lie then returned 
to his former station in the steamboat Era, which he had previously 
captured from the enemy. At the time of the loss of the Queen, twenty- 
four prisoners were taken by the Ilebels. One white man and four 
negroes were also drowned during the progress of the disaster. 

Shortly after this occurrence, the Federal iron-clad Indianola was 
attacked by the Confederate steamers Webb and the Queen of the West, 
which had been repaired, and perverted to the service of its recent 
captors. The action took place on the Mississippi, below Vicksburg, and 
was a spirited one. But the numerical strength of the enemy gave them 
a resistless advantage. Soon after the battle began, a shot from the 
Indianola struck tlie upper works of the Webb. Another penetrated the 
machinery of the Queen, partii-lly disabling her. The "Webb then pre- 
pared to butt the Indianola, and, as she turned to accomplish her pur- 
pose, she received another shot, which considerably diminished her 
momentum. At length, however, she struck the Indianola aft the turret, 
on the starboard side, with tremendous violence. Uad she delivered the 
blow with full force, she would have unquestionably sunk her antagonist 
immediately. At this stage of the action, the Queen returned to the 
attack ou the other side, and inflicted a heavy blow upon the Indianola. 
In return the latter, though reeling, sent one of her shot directly through 
the cabin of the Queen, and another through her pilot-house, which 
staggered her considerably. While she was recovering, the Webb con- 
tinued the contest by approaching the starboard side of the Indianola, 
and prepared to strike her. The latter manoeuvred to avoid the blow 
though without success, and she received a powerful salute, which for a 
time disabled her. Large seams were made by it in her side, and the 
water rushed in rapidly. Kotwithstanding her gallant defence, the 
Indianola was now in a sinking condition, and no alternative was left except 
to surrender. As soon as the signal was displayed, the AVebb and Queen 
came alongside and took possession. The Indianola was then run 
aground ou the Louisiana shore. Iler officers and crew were captured, 
and were afterward paroled. 

To counterbalance these disasters, a naval success was achieved near 



OAPTUEB OP THE REBEL STEAMER NASHVILLE. 453 

this time at Fort McAllister, on the Ogeechee river, in Georgia, by Com- 
mander J. L. Worden, which consisted in the destruction of the Eebel 
steamer Nashville. This vessel was a privateer, and had already inflicted 
some damage on the commerce of the loyal citizens of the United States. 
Some months previous, she had taken refuge under the guns of the Con- 
federate fort just named; but her exit from the river had been barred by 
the vigilance of several naval officers. Commander Worden had ordered 
J. L. Davis, of the Wissahickon, Barnes, of the Dawn, and Gibson, of the 
Seneca, to watch her movements, and as soon as she ventured to leave 
the vicinity of the fort, to attack her. On the 27th of February, having 
been loaded with cotton, and fully armed, she was observed to be moving 
about, as if preparing to run the gauntlet of the Federal vessels. She 
soon ran aground, however ; and this fact having been ascertained by a 
reconnoissance ordered by Commander "Worden, that officer immediately 
directed his whole fleet to advance and attack her. The guns of Fort 
McAllister were industriously used to assist and defend the Eebel craft, 
and the crew of the Nashville fought bravely. But their exertions were 
of no avail. A hailstorm of eleven and fifteen inch shell was rained upon 
her from the Federal vessels, some of which exploded in her ; and soon 
she was completely enveloped in flames. In a short time the intense 
heat discharged one of her own heaviest guns, which effected much 
damage. Her destruction was soon afterward completed by the explosion 
of her magazine, which shattered the once stately and magnificent ship 
into innumerable fragments. Commander Worden superintended these 
operations on board of his flag-ship, the iron-clad Montauk. Had the 
Nashville succeeded in escaping to sea, it is probable that her pernicious 
achievements in the service of the Rebellion would have subsequently 
rivalled those of the Alabama and the Oreto.* 

While the Federal Congress at Washington was busily engaged in 
providing pecuniary means for the vigorous prosecution of the war, it did 
not neglect other measures which were necessary to increase the ardor of 
the nation, and to inspire continued hopes of ultimate success. One of 
the most important and significant of these was the passage of a series of 
resolutions, which were introduced into the Senate by Mr. Sumner, of 
Massachusetts, protesting against all foreign mediations or intervention 
for the purpose of obtaining peace through concessions made by the Fed- 

* At a later period, on the 3d of March, an attack was made by the fleet commanded 
by Commodore Worden on Port McAllister. The firing was spirited on both sides ; 
but the engagement was productive of no results of importance. The fort was not 
taken ; the Pederal vessels were not damaged ; the loss on both sides was insignificant ; 
and after a useless cannonade of some hours, the fleet dropped down the Ogeechee, 
and quietly returned to Port Royal. The conquest of the fort was not a matter of 
sufficient importance to the Federal cause to induce a renewed attack upon it at that 
time. 



454 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

eral Government to the Eebel autborites. These resolutions set forth 
that " whereas, it appears from the diplomatic correspondence which had 
been submitted to Congress, a proposition friendly in form, looking to 
pacifications through foreign mediation, has been made to the United 
States by the Emporer of the French, and promptly declined by the 
President ; and whereas, the idea of mediation or intervention, in some 
shape, may be regarded by foreign governments as practfcable, and such 
governments, through this misunderstanding, may be led to proceedings 
tending to embarrass the friendly relations which now exist between them 
and the United States ; and whereas, in order to remove for the future all 
chance of misunderstanding on this subject, and to secure for the United 
States the full enjoyment of that freedom from foreign interference which 
is one of the highest rights of independent States, it seems fit that Congress 
should declare its convictions thereon ;" therefore, the following proposi- 
tions were in substance submitted and adopted, as embodying the senti- 
ments of the American Government and people on this subject. They 
stated that while they sincerely deplored the misfortunes which the war 
had inflicted on several foreign communities, they viewed all propositions 
of mediation or compromise from abroad as unseasonable and inadmissible, 
from whatever source they might come, or by whatever motive they 
might have been dictated ; that any such propositions must in reality be 
regarded as calculated to prolong and embitter the contest, by encouraging 
the insurgents, and in so far as really hostile to the Federal Government 
and to a loyal nation ; that the Eebels had been from the first encouraged 
by the hope of foreign intervention, and were still cheered by the antici- 
pations of it ; that the United States were not only confident of ultimate 
success in the total suppression of the Eebellion, but that they were unal- 
terably determined to prosecute the war to the last extremity, in order to 
restore the Union of the States and the supremacy of the Federal Govern- 
ment, as they existed before the commencement of the Eebellion. These 
resolutions were passed, and became the authoritative expression of the 
sentiments of the Federal Government, of the administration of Mr. Lincoln, 
and of the loyal citizens of the United States. Their adoption produced 
a decided effect upon the views and measures of those European potentates 
who had contemplated an interference in American affairs, and terminated, 
or at least postponed, their impertinent and of&cious activity in that 
direction. 

The remaining military operations which occurred during the months 
of February and March, 1803, with the exception of several reserved for 
the next chapter, were generally conducted on a small scale. The season 
of the year, and the condition of the roads, necessarily rendered the move- 
ment of large bodies of troops very difficult, if not absolutely impossible, 
and both the rival Governments were actively employed in preparing for 
the colossal and sanguinary operations which were anticipated with the 



MILITARY EVENTS OP FEBRUARY AND MARCH, 1863. 455 

arrival of more propitious weather ia the spring. The events of any con- 
sequence which did occur during this interval of comparative repose may 
be thus briefly described. 

On the 2Gth of February, two battalions of the thirteenth Pennsylvania 
cavalry were sent from Winchester, Virginia, by General Milroy, to 
reconnoiter toward Strasburg, and ascertain the position and force of the 
enemy in that vicinity. The two battalions were commanded by Majors 
Byrnes and Kerwin. Having arrived at Strasburg without opposition, 
Captain Dewees was sent forward five miles beyond it with fifty men. 
There he encountered a camp of the Rebels. He attacked them, and 
drove them into the woods. Soon, however, reinforcements approached 
from Woodstock, where their main body was posted, under command of 
Brigadier-General Jones. The latter pursued the retiring Federals until 
they reached the position of the two battalions near Strasburg. There a 
desperate conflict ensued. The Eebel infantry were assisted by three 
pieces of artillery. Furious charges were made on both sides, and 
mutual repulses took place. The enemy were chased as far as Middletown, 
after which they returned without further interference to Woodstock. 
The Federal loss was heavy, being about a hundred and fifty in killed, 
wounded, and missing. That of the enemy was not so great. 

On the same day, fifteen hundred Confederate cavalry, under General 
Fitzhugh Lee, attacked the Union picket-line at Hartwood Church, near 
Stafibrd Court House, Virginia. The pickets were driven in, and fled to 
the main reserve in the rear, consisting of three hundred men. The ad- 
vancing Rebels soon reached the position of these, and a spirited combat 
ensued, notwithstanding the immense disparity of numbers. The enemy 
were checked for some time, until they gained the flank, and threatened 
the rear of the Federals. Then Lieutenant-Colonel Jones ordered his men 
to fall back. The enemy pursued and charged upon them, by which 
means the retreat was turned into a rout. After a time. Major Robinson 
succeeded in stopping the retreat, and in making a brief stand against the 
foe. The latter, then apprehending the approach of a large body of Fed- 
eral cavalry, under Genei'al Averill, retired toward the Rappahannock, 
and recrossed it without opposition. They had captured more than a 
hundred prisoners. 

On the 1st of March a brilliant advantage was gained over the Confed- 
erates near Brandyville, Tennessee. This place was then occupied by 
Rebel troops. Its distance from Murfreesboro is twelve miles ; and not- 
withstanding the propinquit}-- of the great Federal army under Rosecrans, 
the enemy had continued to ravage and desolate the adjacent country. 
To rout aud punish these General Stanley selected sixteen hundred men 
from the division of General Negley, seven hundred of whom were cavalry, 
and proceeded toward Bradyville. He encountered the enemy two miles 
from the village, numbering about eight hundred. A furious charn'e was 



456 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

instantly made upon tliem. They were driven back, through the village, 
to a position a quarter of a mile beyond. There they made a stand, and 
renewed the action, fighting with intense stubbornness for half an hour. 
At length, overpowered by numbers, they again broke and fled. They 
were pursued for three miles, and many were cut down as they ran by the 
sabres of the Federal cavalry. Nearly a hundred prisoners were taken, 
among whom were eight commissioned officers, together with a hundred 
horses, and a large (juautity of quartermaster's stores. The Federal loss 
was slight, being only three killed, seven wounded. The Federal troops 
encamped on the battle-ground during the night, and on the next day 
returned to Murfreesboro. 

A disaster of considerable magnitude overtook the Federal arms on the 
4th of March, at Thompson's station, near Franklin, Tennessee. Colonel 
Coburn commanded a considerable body of Union troops, consisting of a 
brigade, at that place ; and was attacked, perhaps surprised, by a much 
larger force, consisting of about ten thousand men, under General Van 
Dorn. The greater number of the enemy enabled them to assault the 
Federals at the same time in front and on both flanks. The twelfth Wis- 
consin, sixty-ninth Michigan, thirty-third and eighty-fifth Indiana, were 
completely surrounded, and were eventually compelled to surrender. The 
one hundred and twenty-fourth Ohio being in the rear with the wagon 
train was separated from the rest, and succeeded in escaping. Desperate 
fighting occurred, however, before the enemy obtained their victory. The 
loss of the Federals was one hundred killed, three hundred wounded. 
The number captured by the Confederates was about twelve hundred. 
The loss of the enemy in killed and wounded was four hundred, of whom 
more than a hundred were slain. Two regiments of Indians were engaged 
in the battle on the side of the enemy, and the contest was unusually 
fierce and sanguinary. This misfortune was not due to any cowardice 
or carelessness on the part of Colonel Coburn ; but to the immense 
superiority of numbers possessed by the Confederates, and to the orders 
of his superior oflicer. General Gilbert, by which means he and his 
men were placed in an exposed and isolated position. Colonel Coburn 
conducted the battle with great skill and fortitude, and his troops fought 
with superior heroism and gallantry. All the artillery, the entire 
cavalry force, sixty of the wounded, and two hundred and fifty men, 
succeeded in making their escape. This engagement, though it en- 
tailed a numerical loss upon the Union forces, did not inflict any stigma 
upon the valor of the Federal officers and soldiers engaged in it. 



EXPEDITION FROM MUEFREESBORO. 



457 



CHAPTER XLI. 

MINOR jmiTART OPERATIONS DURING MARCH, 1863 — EXPEDITION FROM MURFREESBORO 
UNDER COLONEL HALL — HE ENGAGES AND DEFEATS THE REBELS AT MILTON, TENNESSEE — 
EXPEDITION OP GENERAL PRINCE FROM NEWBKRN — ITS RESULTS — ATTACK BY THE REBELS 
ON UNION TROOPS AT DEEP GULLY — THEIR REPULSE — DESPERATE CAVALRY FIGHT NEAR 

THE RAPPAHANNOCK BETWEEN GENERALS AVERILL, STUART, AND LEE ITS RESULT — THE 

PASSAGE OF THE FEDERAL FLEET PAST THE REBEL BATTERIES AT PORT HUDSON — CO- 
OPERATITE MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL BANKS' — INCIDENTS OP THE ENGAGEMENT AT PORT 
HUDSON — DEATi. OF COMMANDER BOYD CUMMI.' GS — HIS HEROISM — LOSS OF THE STEAMER 
MISSISSIPPI — SUCCESS OF THE HARTFORD AND ALBATROSS — CONFLAGRATION OF JACKSON- 
VILLE, FLORIDA — VICTORY OP GENERAL GILMORE AT SOMERSET, KENTUCKY — REPORT OF 
THE CONGRESSIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR — ITS PECULIARITIES AND 
CONTENTS — ITS EXPOSITION ON THE CONDUCT OF GENERALS MCCLELLAN, PATTERSON, AND 
STONE — IMPRESSION PRODUCED BY IT ON THE PUBLIC MIND — END OP THE WINTER CAMPAIGN 
OF 1862-3 — SKIRMISHES IN CARROLL COUNTY, ARKANSAS — AT WOODBURY, TENNESSEE — 
ABORTIVE EXPEDITION OF GENERAL SHERMAN UP THE BLACK BAYOU IN MISSISSIPPI. 



DUKING the month of March, 1863, other minor operations occurred in 
different portions of the Republic which were of sufBcient importance to 
deserve notice, although their influence on the general issue of the con- 
test could not be very potent or decisive. 

On the 17th of March an expedition set forth from the Federal camp 
at Murfreesboro, under the command of Colonel A. S. Hall. It consisted 
of the second brigade of General Reynolds' division, and comprised the 
one hundred and fifth Ohio, eighteenth and one hundred and twenty-third 
Illinois, one hundred and first Indiana, a section of the nineteenth Indi- 
ana battery, and a company of Tennessee cavalry. Its purpose was 
to clear the adjacent region of country of a number of Rebel guerrillas 
who then infested it, under the command of General John Moro-an. — 
The expedition proceeded in the direction of Gainesville and Lib- 
erty ; and occasionally encountered small scouting parties of the enemy. 
These were dispersed without difiiculty. Colonel Hall had reached 
Milton, on his return toward Murfreesboro, when he was suddenly at- 
tacked by the chief object of his pursuit — the twenty -five hundred men 
commanded by Morgan. His own force was not more than one half that 
number ; yet he instantly prepared to receive the advancing foe. He 
posted his troops on the crest of a hill, where they would have the ad- 
vantage of a favorable position. The enemy commenced their attack by a 
fire of shot and shell from their battery in the centre, and by a simulta- 
neous assault on both flanks. These were followed up by furious charo-es 
upon the Federal lines, with the evident intention of throwin(T them into 
confusion. While executing these movements they were received by the 



453 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Federal artillery with such spirit as to compel them to recoil. This 
check, however, was only teinporay. Colonel Ilall had succeeded in 
forming his men in three separate lines of battle, which commanded every 
approach to the hill on which he had posted them. Then followed a 
desperate combat, consisting of repeated assaults and repulses, several 
hand-to-hand struggles, and an interchange of shot and shell between the 
artillery. One of the field pieces of the llebels was struck and shattered 
to pieces. Finding his attempts upon the Federal front and flank unavail- 
ing, Morgan then moved his forces to the rear, and charged from that 
direction. Here he was met and repulsed with equal heroism. In vain 
did he renew the assault from time to time upon the adamantine ranks of 
the Federals posted upon the hill. After a bloody and furious struggle 
of three hours' duration, he gave up the contest, and withdrew his men. 
But being reinforced a very short time afterward by the arrival of a regi- 
ment from "Woodbury, he renewed the attack. The result was the same 
as before. So valiant was the defence made, that after another vain 
attempt he was compelled to withdraw his troops. He retreated rapidly 
to a point several miles beyond Liberty, and, his men being all mounted 
pursuit was useless. The Federal victors bivouacked during the ensuing 
night upon the battle-field, and on the next day returned to Murfreesboro. 
After the fight was over Colonel Minty arrived with reinforcements to 
Colonel Hall, which happily were not needed. The Federal loss in this 
action was only ten killed, tliirty-live wounded; but the loss of the 
enemy was much greater. It was about forty killed, a hundred and 
fifty wounded. This engagement and its result diminished very consider- 
ably the terror which the name and prowess of General Morgan were 
accustomed at this period to create in the minds of the loyal citizens of 
the State of Kentucky. 

A short time previous to this date another expedition left Newbcrn, 
under the command of General Prince. The troops composing it consi.sted 
of the Spinola Legion, the Jourdan brigade, two batteries of artillery, and 
eight companies of cavalry. They proceeded on the first day twenty 
miles along the south side of the Trent river, as far as ^IcDaniel's planta- 
tion. There they encamped for the night. On the following day they 
advanced six miles further toward Trenton, for the purpose of attacking a 
body of Rebels who had been assembled at that point. But the latter 
evacuated the place on the approach of the Federals, and fled so rapidly 
that they could not be overtaken. After several movements in the direc- 
tion of Young's cross roads, of Kinston and Swansboro, in search of 
the fugitive foe, without being able to overtake them, or bring them to a 
conflict, the expedition returned to Newbern. Tlie only achievement 
which it had performed was to capture a number of prisoners, and to clear 
the country between Newbern and Kinston, for a short time, of the pres- 
ence and depredations of the enemy. The latter, however, soon returned 



CAVALRY COMBAT NEAR KELLYS FORD. 459 

to tlie vicinity of the Federal camp at Newbern, and a spirited action took 
place between them at Deep Gully, several miles from the quarters of the 
twenty-fifth Massachusetts regiment, ou the 13th of March. The advance 
of tlie Confederates was first made known by their driving in the Union 
pickets about three o'clock in the afternoon. General Foster being in- 
formed of the approach of the foe, immediately sent General Palmer to the 
rescue with a brigade, consisting of the fifth, twenty-fifth, and forty-third 
regiments of Massachusetts volunteers, together with the batteries of Riggs 
and Belger. Brisk skirmishing then ensued across the intervening creek 
until the close of the day, by which the Eebels were thus far held in check. 
On the following morning the fighting was renewed. It was, however, very 
desultory in its nature. The enemy were for the most part concealed in 
dense woods, in which they were shelled with uncertain eflfect. At three 
o'clock in the afternoon they retired from the combat, without having 
achieved any results of importance. At one stage of the action the Eebel 
General Daniels sent to demand the surrender of the ninety -second New 
York regiment. But the requisition was answered by its commanding 
officer, Colonel Anderson, with laughter and derision. The attack of the 
enemy proved a total failure. The Federal lo.ss was one killed, four 
wounded ; that of the Eebels was much greater. After their discomfiture 
their whole force, consisting of four brigades of infantry, two regiments 
of cavalry, and several batteries of artillery, retired in the direction of 
Kinston. 

On the 17th of March, a combat of more than usual proportions and 
ferocity occurred between a large body of Rebel cavalry, commanded by 
Generals Stuart and Fitzhugh Lee, and an equal number of Federal horse 
under General Averill. It took place several miles beyond the Eappa- 
hannock, in the vicinity of Kelly's ford. This battle chiefly consisted of 
a series of desperate charges and furious hand-to-hand combats, in which 
both sides exhibited the utmost heroism and gallantry. Several thousand 
Eebel cavalry had previously made a daring raid across the river, and 
had invaded the territory lying between the Federal lines near Falmouth 
and the Warrenton road. They advanced as far as the Berea Church, 
then turned toward the Eappahannock, and recrossed it. As soon as in- 
telligence of this invasion reached General Hooker, he directed General 
Averill to start in pursuit of the foe with about two thousand cavalry. 
Before he could overtake them they had made good their escape across 
the stream ; and when the Federal troops arrived near the crossing at 
Kelly's ford, a portion of the enemy was discovered posted on the opposite 
side of the river. They had fortified their position by a number of rifle- 
pits, which were occupied by dismounted cavalrymen. 

Notwithstanding the disadvantage and danger of crossing the river in 
the face of the enemy, General Averill boldly gave the order to advance. 
The ford was narrow, and the stream was so deep that many of the horses 



460 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were up to tlieir girths in the water, while others were compelled to 
swim. During the process of fording, the enemy opened upon the 
Federals from a battery which they had concealed in an adjacent wood. 
Undaunted by this assault, the crossing was soon completed. The 
Federals then formed in line of battle, and charged upon the enemy 
occupying the rifle pits, and upon their battery. Both of these were 
soon silenced, the pits being evacuated and the battery removed. The 
Federal troops tlien advanced three m^les beyond the river. At this 
crisi.s, the main body of the enemy, under Stuart and Lee, appeared in 
sight. They were drawn up in battle array, and were awaiting the attack 
of the approaching Federals. The latter accepted the challenge thus 
offered them, and at once charged upon the foe. A tremendous scene of 
confusion and slaughter ensued, which lasted several hours. While the 
cavalry were thus engaged, the artillery on both sides continued to play 
upon each other. But the infantry of the Confederates, who soon arrived 
at the scene of conflict, did not venture to fire upon the Union troops, 
in consequence of the complete intermingling of the cavalry, which made 
it impossible to distinguish the one side from the other. Toward the 
close of the combat, the ammunition of the Federals, both for their 
artillery and their carbines, began to be exhausted ; and a retreat became 
inevitable. It was accomplished, however, in excellent order; and the 
Confederates had been so severely handled that they did not attempt to 
follow or intercept them. The loss of the Federals in killed and wounded 
was about forty. That of the enemy was known to be equally great. 
The truth is, that both sides fought in this action with unusual gallantry, 
and deserved the plaudits of their respective commanders. It was one 
of the most desperate struggles, in which cavalry were almost exclusively 
engaged, which had occurred during the progress of the war. After 
crossing the river, the Federal forces returned without further casualty to 
their camp near Falmouth. About fifty prisoners were taken on each 
side during the action. 

A contest of much greater magnitude and interest occurred about the 
middle of March, at Port Iludson, a stronghold of the Confederates, 
situated on the banks of the great father of waters, below Vicksbnrg. 
A plan of attack had been arranged between General Banks and Admiral 
Farragut. The former was at that time posted at Baton Rouge with a 
considerable land force. It was agreed that both commanders should 
advance to the object of assault, and make a combined attempt by land 
and water to reduce it. The troops of Banks proceeded from Baton 
Rouge on the afternoon of Friday, March 13th. General G rover's 
division led the advance; then followed the divisions of Emory and 
Augur. They proceeded on the road without an}' molestation as far as 
Springfield. At that point they encountered about five hundred Con- 
federate cavalry, who retired without making any hostile demonstrations. 



ATTACK ON PORT HUDSON. 



461 



Eeconnoissances were then made in the direction of Port Hudson, along 
the road to the Bayou Sara, and toward Ross and Springfield landings. 
Several skirmishes took place between detachments of hostile troops in 
that vicinity. One of these occurred between the one hundred and sixty- 
second New York and a body of Rebel cavalry who were concealed in the 
wojds, and made a sudden attack on them. The latter were soon com- 
pelled to fall back in confusion, with the loss of five killed and twelve 
wounded. 'Another skirmish took place between the Rebels and a com- 
pany of the second Rhode Island cavalry, commanded by Captain Stevens, 
who were sent out on the Springfield road to reconnoiter the position 
and strength of the enemy. They reached a point where a bridge had 
been destroyed, and the way rendered impassable. While wheeling 
around in order to return, they were assailed by a discharge of musketry 
from the concealed foe. Captain Stevens was wounded and taken 
prisoner. Three or four privates were afterward missing. The move- 
ments of the troops under General Banks being intended merely as a 
diversion, to attract the attention of the enemy while the fleet of Admiral 
Farragut was passing or assailing the works at Port Hudson, General 
Banks ordered his men to return to Baton Rouge on the IGth. He 
presumed that, by that time, the purpose of the admiral had been success- 
fully accomplished, and inferred that his services would no longer be 
needed in connection with that particular enterprise. 

It was at nine o'clock at night of Saturday, the 14th of March, that 
Admiral Farragut signaled to his fleet to commence their advance. They 
were then at anchor at the upper end of Prophet's island, five miles 
below Port Hudson. The moon and stars shone brightly in the heavens. 
The formidable batteries of Port Hudson were visible in the distance. 
The principal vessels of the fleet were the flag-ship Hartford, Monon- 
gahela, Richmond, Kineo, Mississippi, Essex, Albatross, and Switzerland. 
These were accompanied by six mortar boats. As this fleet approached 
Port Hudson, five Rebel gunboats were seen nearing the batteries from 
above, from which a body of troops were landed to strengthen the 
defenders of the fortifications. At half-past one o'clock, at a signal from 
the sloop of war Hartford, the mortar boats commenced to fire upon the 
Rebel batteries, for the purpose of ascertaining tlie range of tlieir guns. 
It was discovered that they were too distant to injure the works of tlie 
enemy. At this period, signal lights were seen flashing along the in- 
trenchments, which were answered by Rebel forces stationed on the 
opposite shore, and by the gunboats of the Confederates on the river 
above. It was now evident that the foe was on the alert, and prepared 
to give the Federal fleet a fierce and desperate resistance. 

As the Federals slowly approached the immense works of the Con- 
federates, the latter employed a novel stratagem, which essentially aided 
their purposes. They kindled an immense bonfire immediately in front 



462 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

of the most formidable of tbeir fortifications, the glaring light of which 
was refracted from the walls across the stream, in such a manner as to 
expose each vessel clearly to view as it passed. It was this expedient 
more than any other which enabled the Eebel engineers to direct their 
shot and shell with such destructive accuracy upon the Union vessels. 
And now the majestic Hartford, leading the van of the doomed fleet, 
came gallantly within range. The batteries of the enemy extended over 
a space of nearly four miles, with an occasional interval between them. 
They were placed on the liigh blufTs, and seemed to consist of three 
distinct and successive ranges of guns. At this point the river bends 
toward the west, in a curve resembling the shape of a horse-shoe. It is 
in the centre of this hollow that the village of Port Hudson was situated. 
The most powerful batteries of the enemy, the central ones, were located 
in this vicinity. Here four enormous guns were mounted in casemates. 
The rest of the Eebel artillery were either placed en larhette, or peered 
menacingly through open embrasures. Such was the terrible gauntlet 
through which the Union vessels were compelled to pass. 

As the Hartford came within range, the batteries of the enemy opened 
upon her. Her guns responded promptly and vigorously. Then came 
the Richmond, to be followed in quick succession by the Essex, the 
Monongahela, and the rest. Ere long the mortar boats added their 
thundering salutes to the already far resounding chorus of the artillery, 
both on land and afloat. The reverberation of the guns became constant 
and uninterrupted. The intervening space between the long line of 
vessels and the land batteries was filled with a heavy volume of smoke, 
through whose dark curtains the lurid flashes of the guns were continually 
visible. As the vessels advanced, a new difliculty arose. The dark- 
ness became so complete that it was almost impossible to steer with 
safety. The tortuous nature of the river at this point increased the 
danger, and a double peril existed, that the vessels might either be run 
ashore, or be driven against each other. And now all the vessels had 
passed the lower batteries of the enemy, and as they proceeded up the 
stream, the spectacle became one of appalling and majestic splendor. 
Along the whole line occupied by the Federal vessels a continuous 
deluge of fiery and destructive hail ladened the air. The midnight 
heavens were filled with the ascending, descending, and exploding shells, 
which were passing both ways. Even the howitzers in the tops were 
continuously discharged. The earth and water shook with the tremendous 
and rapid concussions. As the fleet approached the central battery, 
which stood upon a lofty bluilt" the cannonading became still more terrific 
and destructive. At that point the enemy had a decided advantage, for 
it was impossible to elevate the guns on the vessels to the necessary 
height. Then the batteries of the Eebels, placed on the two horns of the 
crescent, poured down a fearful cross-fire, to which the vessels could 



DEATH OF COMMANDER BOYD CUMMINGS. 4G3 

make no return, except a feeble one from their bow and stern chasers. 
At this point, also, the stream was narrow, and sometimes not more than 
twenty or thirty yards intervened between the muzzles of the guns 
of the hostile armaments. It was here that, as the Mississippi was passing 
the fearful assault to which she was subjected, she grounded. Every 
effort made by her commander, Melancthon Smith, to remove her proved 
unavailing; and it soon became evident that the only alternative was to 
abandon and destroy her, to prevent her falling into the hands of the 
enemy. This was eventually accomplished, and the officers and crew 
saved. About the same time the executive officer of the Eichmond, 
Lieutenant-Commander Boyd Cummings, was mortally wounded. He 
was standing on the bridge which connected the starboard with the port 
gangway, with his speaking-trumpet iu his hand, bravely cheering on his 
men. A conical shot of immense size, after passing through the ham- 
mocks over the starboard gangway, struck him, took off his left leg 
below the knee, knocked over an adjacent officer with the windage, and 
then passed through the smoke-stack. The wounded commander was 
instantly carried below, the blood pouring in torrents from his wound ; 
and as he descended to undergo a surgical operation, from which he was 
destined never to recover, he exclaimed aloud to his men : "Get the ship 
by, boys, and they may have my other leg." While the stunning roar of 
the conflict resounded around him, he submitted, with the lurid light of 
battle glaring on his countenance, to the operation, and soon afterward 
expired. In the far future ages, when the events of this tremendous war 
shall have become familiar household incidents to millions of freemen yet 
unborn, the heroism of this dying soldier and patriot will commend him 
to their reverence and admiration ; and he will be classed with such men 
as Wolfe, who, when expiring in the hour of victory, exclaimed, " I die 
happy ;" and with Lawrence, who, amid the death agony, commanded his 
men never to give up the ship. 

Vain, however, was the matchless fortitude of Cummings and his as- 
sociates. It soon became evident that an attempt to pass the remainder 
of the Rebel batteries would entail certain destuction on many of the 
vessels. Of the whole fleet, the Hartford and Albatross alone succeeded 
in effecting their purpose. At length the commanders of the remaining 
vessels gave orders to their helmsmen to turn their prows; they steamed 
quickly down the stream and reached a point of safety on the west side 
of Prophet's island. There they anchored amid peaceful scenes, which 
furnished a singular contrast to the horrible havoc and bloody slaughter 
from which they had just escaped, for the fragrant blossoms and verdant 
leaves of the adjacent luxurious forest bent gracefully over the sides of 
the vessels, and filled the air of nigljt with their sweet perfumes, while 
their boughs and limbs yielded gracefully to the gentle pressure of the 
whispering winds. 



464 THE CrVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

During thia action, most of the Federal vessels had been more or less 
injured. The Genes.see was severely damaged. The rigging of the Kineo 
was badly cut, and her rudder-post shot away. Other casualties occurred. 
On board the Mississippi twenty-two men were killed, and more were 
wounded. Oa the Monongahela seven were killed, twenty-one wounded. 
The entire Federal loss was about forty killed, ninety wounded, forty 
missing. The battle had continued from half-past nine o'clock at night, 
until one o'clock in the morning. The number of Confederate troops who 
■were present were estimated at twenty thousand. After the engagement, 
Admiral Farragut proceeded with the Hartford and the Albatross five 
miles above Port Uudson, in a safe position beyond the guns of the 
enemy, on either side of the river. The chief victim of tliis disaster, for 
a disaster it undoubtedly deserves to be termed, was Lieutenant-Com- 
mander Cummings. He was a native of Philadelphia, and entered the 
United States Navy in April, 1847. He was engaged in active service 
from tiiat period until his death. He was a brave and talented officer, 
whose brief career of glory deserves to be enshrined in the grateful memo- 
ries of Ids countrymen. 

On the 2Sth of March, one of those few instances occurred, wliich tar- 
nished the glory of the Union arms during this war, in which brutal 
violence was permitted to outrage every sentiment of justice and humanity. 
On that day, the beautiful town of Jacksonville, in Florida, was nearly 
destroyed by fire. The conflagration was the work of a number of Fed- 
eral soldiers, who belonged to the force who had occupied the town for 
some time previous. That force being ordered to a different point, before 
tliey took their departure the incendiary torch was applied simultaneously 
in a variety of places. Tlie chief perpetrators of the deed were members 
of the eighth Maine, and the sixth Connecticut regiments. Among the 
ruined edifices, were several churches and other useful j)ublio buildings. 
The conflagration, like tliat of Pensacola and Ilampton, was an act of the 
most infamous and heartless vandalism, which reflected disgrace upon 
those who popetrated and permitted it, upon the cause which they .so un- 
worthily represented, upon the age and country in which they lived. 

On the 30th of March, a desperate contest took place near Somerset, 
Kentucky, in which a body of Federal troops, under General Gillmore, 
attacked a number of Rebels commanded by General Pegram, chiefly 
cavalry. The former were about twelve hundred strong, the latter twenty- 
five hundred. The action commenced at Button Hill, ten miles distant 
from Somerset. The Eebels look a strong position, and planted their 
guns so judiciously that, as the Federals approached, they were able to 
give them a bloody reception. The Federal artillery responded to tliose 
of the enemy, and three of the latter were disabled, after an action of an 
liour and a-half. A general charge upon the foe was then ordered. Wool- 
ford on the right wing, Bundle on the left, Garrard in the centre, advanced 



COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 465 

upon the enemy. After a desperate collision tlie Rebels broke and fled. 
They took the road toward Somerset, and were pursued. They dashed 
through that town in the utmost disorder, with the Federals at their heels. 
Three miles south' of Somerset, they attempted to make a stand, but were 
again compelled to give way. But at this stage of the action the approach 
of night terminated it, and the pursuit was not continued. The lo.ss of 
the Confederates was considerable, being about three hundred in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners. They also lost two stand of colors, and four 
hundred cattle which they had collected. The Federal loss was thirty- 
eight killed and wounded. During the night which followed the battle, 
the enemy succeeded in crossing the Cumberland river in several places, 
but the purpose of their invasion of this portion of Kentucky was com- 
pletely baffled and defeated. Their only achievement was the burning of 
the bridges over Dick's river at Bryantsville and Lancaster, and the 
plundering of many private residences of articles of dress and ornament. 

While the attention of the loyal community in the United States was 
occupied but not wholly absorbed by the occurrence of minor events of 
this description, a development of a more pacific character was made, 
which, for a brief period, superseded every other topic in their minds. 
This event was the publication of the report of the Congressional Com- 
mittee on the Conduct of the War. In December, 1861, a joint committee, 
consisting of three members of the Senate and four members of the House, 
had been appointed by Congress, with instructions to inquire into the 
manner in whicli the war had been conducted. They proceeded to the 
investigation of the subject committed to them, and in the first week of 
April, 1863, their first report was rendered. It was signed by B. F. Wade- 
and Z. C. Chandler, on the part of the Senate ; by D. W. Gooch, J. Covode, 
G. W. Julian, and M. F. Odellj on the part of the House. It exhibited 
evidences of extensive research, of impartial investigation, and of a desire 
to promote the interests of the Union by the exposure of the blunders 
which had already entailed so many disasters upon the country. A 
prominent peculiarity which characterized this report, was the fact that it 
dealt exclusively in events and incidents, and did not undertake to express 
private opinions, or to draw authoritative conclusions in reference to 
them. The latter duty the committee transferred entirely to the reader. 
It threw upon him the whole responsibility of maturing a judgment in 
regard to the persons to whom the censure was due, for the errors which 
had been committed, and the calamities which had been thereby entailed. 

The impression produced upon the public mind by this report was 
profound. A large portion of it was devoted to the operations of the 
army of the Potomac under General McClellan. It presented many novel 
facts in regard to the conduct and movements of that ofiicer from the 
period of his arrival at Washington in August, 1861 ; also concerning the 
condition of the defences of the Federal capital at that period, the blockade 
30 



466 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of the Potomac by tlie Rebels which ensued, and which was not raised, 
the long and nij'stcrious delay of McClellan at Washington during eight 
months, the final advance of the army by the express order of the Presi- 
dent, to take effect on the 22d of February, 1862, the circuitous route 
that was taken through the Peninsula toward Richmond, instead of the 
direct road tliither, and the protracted and unnecessary delay of the com- 
mander-in-chief at Yorktown. The report set forth further, how, when 
the enemy had made all their arrangements to defend Richmond, they 
quietly evacuated Yorktown on the very day before that on which 
ilcClellan had proposed to attack them ; how the battle of Williamsburg 
was gained through the gallantry of Hooker, while McClellan remained 
in the rear; how a procrastinating and over-cautious spirit had charac- 
terized tlie conduct of the commander-in-chief during the whole of the 
peninsular campaign ; how, after the pernicious delay of nearly a month 
in tlie trenches before Richmond, by which an immense number of his 
troops perished through disease and exposure, the enemy, having had 
ample time to complete all their preparations, and to concentrate all their 
available forces, came forth and attacked the Federal troops ; how those 
troops fought for mere existence with dauntless heroism and desperation, 
and finally reached Harrison's Landing in the most pitiable plight ; how 
the fatigue and exhaustion of the troops were so great that during more 
than a day and a night after the arrival of the array at the landing, no 
preparations for defence were made, and the troops lay exposed to certain 
ruin or capture if the Rebels had been iu condition to venture upon 
another attack during that interval. 

It cannot be denied that this report astonished and incensed a majority 
of the loyal communit)'- to an intense degree, and that feeling was destined 
to continue in full force, as long as no reply to it was issued by General 
McClellan or by his friends, as long as no explanation was given, nocoun- 
terfacts produced to illumine the mystery of the querulousness, hesitation, 
and incfiiciency which seemed to envelope the whole career of that officer 
after assuming the command of the army of the Potomac. The conclusion 
at whicli the greater portion of the public in the loyal States arrived, after 
reading this report, was, that McClellan's army numbered, from first to 
last, a hundred and eighty-five thousand men; that his forces were as fit 
for use on the 1st of November, 1861, as they were on the 1st of March, 
1862, wlien they moved toward Manas.'^as after Manassas had been evacuated 
by the enemy ; that tlie blockade of the Potomac might have been raised 
at any time during the winter of 1861-2, by four thousand troops ; that 
the plan of the peninsular campaign was McClellan's own device; that 
his arrangements had not been interfered with by the administration in 
any important respect ; that when McClellan arrived at Yorktown with 
more than one hundred thousand effective men, the enemy had only 
twenty thousand to oppose him at that point; that the place could have 



COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR. 407 

been carried at once by an assault with perfect ease; tbut McClellan 
might have captured Eichraond at three different times — the first, by ad- 
vancing immediately after the battle of Williamsburg, the second, after 
the battle of Seven Pines, the third, after the battle of Malvern Ilill ; that 
the retreat of the army from Richmond to Harrison's bar was untiecessary 
and. premature; that all the reinforcements had been sent to McClellan 
dui'ing the time that he was in the peninsula, which could possibly be 
spared ; and that even some troops were sent to him which were really 
indispensable to the safety of "Washington. In addition to 'all these points, 
the report alleged that when General McClellan received positive orders 
to withdraw his army from Harrison's Laading, he delayed eleven daj's 
before he executed it, by which delay the army of Virginia and the Federal 
capital were both placed in imminent peril ; that the battle of Antietam 
was unsatisfactoi-y and indecisive in its results ; and that the destruction or 
capture of the army of Lee would have been certain if the conflict had 
been renewed on the next day, and if the large body of troops had been 
brought into action who had remained idle spectators of it; and finally, 
that McClellan's mysterious inactivity from the 17th of September to the 
26th of October, was extremely pernicious to the cause of^the Union, and 
greatly promoted the interests of the Rebellion.* 

This interesting report also presented many facts in relation to the 
three months' campaign of General Patterson in Virginia, which seemed 
to demonstrate that to his failure in intercepting the march of Johnston 
to Manassas, was to be attributed the defeat of the Federal forces under 
General McDowell at Bull Run. The report also set forth the fticts in 
reference to the disaster of the Federal troops at Ball's Bluff, which left 
the impression that that misfortune was attributable to the neglect and in- 
comjjetence of General Stone, the commanding officer. Other matters of 
minor importance, including the battle of Fredericksburg, were discussed 
in this document, and the effect produced by its revelations was to con- 
vince a large proportion of the community that unless its statements 
could be rebutted by evidence of an explanatory and mitigating character 
by those parties whose acts were scrutinized in it, the general belief would 
be that they had been guilty of incompetence, cowardice, and of a line of 

* This portion of the report of the committee developed an amusing illustration 
of the playful satire sometimes indulged in by the President, when his patience was 
exhausted. It was as follows : "On the 25th of October, (Sencral McClellan trans- 
mits to General Ilalleck, a report from Colonel Robert Williams, commanding a de- 
tachment of cavalry, in which it is stated that nearly half his liorses are unsound from 
sore tongue, grease, and consequent lameness, and sore backs ; and that the horses 
which are still sound, are broken down from fatigue and want of flesh. To this the 
President replies on the same day : 'I have just read your despatch about sore tongue 
and fatigued horses. Will you pardon me for asking what the horses of your army 
have done, since the baltle of Antietam, that could fatigue any thing!'" — Report of 
Congressional Committee, p. 23. 



468 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

policy which had proved pernicious to the interests of the Union. At 

the same time the friends and partisans of the generals in question, 
confidently anticipated that they would be able to set forth such facts in 
defence of their conduct as would demonstrate their loyalty, their ability, 
and their innocence of the charges preferred against them. 

The summer campaign of 1863 was now rapidly approaching, during 
the progress of which the most important and decisive engagements were 
anticipated. Various indications clearly proved that the Confederate 
leaders, both civil and military, looked forward to the struggles of this 
campaign as more desperate and bloody than any which had yet occurred 
during the war ; and that they were determined, with dauntless resolution 
and unconquerable patience, to exhaust every possible resource within 
their reach in order to resist and to vanquish the forces of the Union. 
Previous, however, to the termination of the winter campaign of 1862-3, 
the events of which we have been describing, several minor incidents 
occurred which here require a brief allusion. 

On the 1st of April, a small detachment of the troops connected with 
the command of General Curtis, in the Department of the Southwest, 
consisting of two companies of the first Arkansas cavalry, made an in- 
cursion into Carroll county, in the northwestern portion of Arkansas. 
During this raid they had four skirmishes with the enemy. The result 
was that they killed twenty-two of the latter and took seven prisoners. 
Their own loss was insignificant, only one being wounded. On the 2d 
of April, eight regiments of the army of General Kosecrans marched 
toward Woodbury, the capital of Cannon county, Tennessee, twenty miles 
from Murfreesboro, for the purpose of surprising and capturing a brigade 
of Confederate troops which were posted at that point. The Federals 
were commanded by Generals Craft and Ilazcn. The latter made a detour 
of fifteen miles, with the intention of attacking the enemy on the flank 
and rear, while the rest of the troops assailed them in front. During the 
night, however, the pickets of the enemy had been extended in such a 
way that the cavalry advance of the Federals encountered them unex- 
pectedly before Ilazen was able to reach his destination. The result was 
that the Rebels received notice of their peril, and succeeded in making 
their escape. A running fight ensued, over the space of three miles, 
during which twelve of the enemy were slain and thirty captured. They 
left their camp equipage in the hands of the Federals, together with fifty 
horses and twenty mules. 

Contemporary with these skirmishes was the abortive attempt made to 
proceed through the Black Bayou, in Mississippi, toward the rear of 
Vicksburg. The expedition consisted of six gunboats from Eear-Admiral 
Porter's squadron, and two thousand troops from Grant's army, com- 
manded by General W. T. Sherman. This bayou runs for fifty miles 
chiefly through dense foicsts, and is composed of a number of tortuous 



ABORTIVE EXPEDITION UP THE BLACK BAYOU. 4G9 

streams, whose navigation is extremely difficult. It was supposed that 
the Federal gunboats would move noiselessly and without observation 
through the woods, and suddenly take a position near the works of the 
enemy, to their great astonishment and dismay. The event, however, 
proved to be entirely different. The Confederates had guarded this 
avenue of access with their usual skill and vigilance. As the expedition 
slowly advanced, the adjacent woods were found to be swarming with 
Eebel riflemen— the banks of the stream to be lined in many places with 
batteries defended by bales of cotton, and that immense numbers of negroes 
were engaged in felling the trees to obstruct the passage. The bed of 
the bayou was found to have been already made impassable in many 
places ; and so difficult was the progress of the expedition that ten days 
were occupied in advancing fifty miles. "When at length the admiral 
found it impossible to proceed further, and resolved to return, he dis- 
covered that the enemy had been actively engaged in rendering that 
enterprise more difficult than his advance had been. After a forced 
march, one of the most extraordinary on record, some desperate fighting, 
and much hard work. General Sherman succeeded in releasing the gun- 
boats from their perilous situation, and they returned to their former 
position on the Mississippi. 



470 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLII. 

PREMMINART REFLECTIONS — RISK OF THE ANTI-WAR DEMOCRATS, OR THE PEACE TARTY — 
ITS AVOWED OPINIONS ANB OPPOSITION TO THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION — SCSPENSE OP 
THE WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS — THE COURSE OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN SUSTAINED BY CON- 
GRESS AND THE LOYAL PORTION OF THE NATION AS CONSTITUTIONAL, WISE, AND PATRIOTIC 

PRECEDENT OF THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT — FACTIOUS OPPOSITION OF THE PEACE PARTY 

TO THE CONSCRIPTION ACT AND TO THE PROSECDTION OF THE WAR — THEIR PROIFERl D 
FRIENDSHIP SPURNED EVEN BY THE CONFEDERATES THEMSELVES — TUEIR ALLEGED BUT 
GROUNDLESS FEARS OF DESIONED CENTRALIZATION BY THE NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION — 
THEIR HOSTILITY TO THE PRESIDENT'S EMANCIPATION PROCLAMATION — THE EXIKTKNCE OF 
NEGRO SLAVERY AND DETERMINATION TO PERPETUATE IT THE SOURCE OF OUR GREATEST 
NATIONAL DIFFICULTIES, AND TUB ULTIMATE CAUSE OF THE PRESENT REBELLION — THE 
JUDICIOUS, GRADUAL, AND PROGRESSIVE COURSE OF THE GOVERNMENT ON THIS SUBJECT 

VINDICATED OBJECTIONS OP THE PEACE PARTY TO TUB FINANCIAL MEASURES OK THE 

GOVERNMENT — THEIR VINDICTIVE BUT FUTILE ATTEMPTS TO DETRACT FROM THE PERSONAL 
CHARACTER OF THE PRESIDENT. 

Evert civil war, like that between the loyal and disloyal States of the 
Union, will inevitably be rich in developments both of national and indi- 
vidual character. New parties will arise, new systems of political doctrine 
will be afTirmed, which derive their birth from the novel combination of 
events which take place during snch a contest. Perhaps the most 
remarkable of these developments which occnrred during the progress of 
this war was the sudden rise of a faction in the free States, to whom the 
epithet of Anti-War or Peace Democrats was not inappropriately applied. 
AVhen the Rebellion commenced, the sentiment of the'whole community 
who lived beyond its limits seemed to be unanimous in its condemnation, 
and harmonious in favor of the prosecution of a vigorous war against it 
by the forces of the Federal Government, until it should be completely 
crushed. After the expiration of a year, a few dissenting voices began 
to be heard ; and at the period whose events we have just described, 
these malcontents had become much more numerous, had ttiken external 
organization and consistency, had become bold and fearless in their de- 
nunciation of the measures of the Federal Government, and had acquired 
an importance in connection with the war which renders it proper that 
they should now be made the subject of our special scrufinj'. 

The opinions and measures advocated by this party were regarded by 
the majority of the community with great distrust, even with undisguised 
censure. Many opprobrious epithets were applied to them.* By some 
they were compared to the Tories and Royali.^ts of the Revolutionary era. 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON THE HABEAS CORPUS ACT. 47 1 

This comparison, however, Avas incorrect in one important respect. The 
motives which gave rise to the two factions were evidently dissimilar and 
incongruous. The Tory was induced to oppose the patriot cause during 
tlie Revolution chiefly from cowardice and fear. He was afraid of the 
penalties of confiscation and deatli by the British tyrant. But it cannot 
be affirmed that the peace Democrats of the period now under considera- 
tion were actuated by an apprehension of punishment in any case from 
the power and vengeance of the Confederate Government. Whatever 
may have been their motives, they were free from the craven meanness, 
the pusillanimous baseness, which disgraced those who opposed the cause 
of liberty in the memorable period which tried men's souls. 

Let us proceed to describe the principal opinions affirmed and measures 
advocated by this party, which, by its numbers, its boldness, and its 
ability, had already made itself historical. 

First, they condemned with intense fervor the indemnity bill, which 
was passed by the Federal Congress during the session of 1862-3, the 
purpose of which was to throw the broad shield of the protection of the 
whole Federal Government over those acts which had been performed by 
the sole authority of the Executive. The title of this bill was "An act 
relating to the Iiaheas coiyus, and regulating judicial proceedings ia 
certain cases." The peace Democrats affirmed that the suspension of the 
writ of habeas corpus at an early stage of the Eebellion by the President 
was an unconstituftional measure ; that it was wholly illegal ; and that no 
subsequent legislation could justify it, or render it valid. It was objected 
that the effect of this indemnity bill was to delegate to one branch of the 
Government, namely, the executive, functions which legitimately belonged 
only to the legislative, which would be an express violation of the estab- 
lished principles maintained by the judicial branch of the Federal Govern- 
ment.* Tlie answer to this allegation is, that it is an established principle 
of the Federal Constitution, that Congress may grant to the executive or 
the judicial brunch of the Government administrative functions; and tliat 
the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus, and the arrest and conviction of 
offenders are functions which are clearly administrative. The truth is, that 
the act of President Lincoln in suspending this writ at a moment of fearful 
peril to the country, was clearly justifiable under an express provision of the 
Federal Constitution, which declared : " The privilege of the writ of habeas 
corpus shall not be suspended unless when in cases of rebellion or invasion 
the public safety may require it."t Now this section does not specify 
which branch of the Federal Government shall exercise this power of 
suspending the writ. It seems to have been vested in each of the three 

* See address of G. M. Wharton, before tlie Democratic Central Club of PLila- 
delpliia, April 18, 18G3. 
t Constitution of the United States, Art. I. Sec. is. 2. 



4Y2 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

branches. But Congress manifestly cannot suspend the writ when it is 
not in session. Nor can the Supreme Court when it is not sitting. 
ITence, if a crisis should suddenly arise, when the safety and the life of 
the nation required that the writ'should be instantly suspended, and the 
arrest and punishment of traitors be effected immediately, and if Congress 
be not then in session, or if the Supreme Court be not sitting, who shall 
or can exercise this high and solemn prerogative, under such circum- 
stances, except the Chief Executive ? 

Hence, when this indemnity bill declared in its first section that the 
President shall have the power, during the existence of the Kebellion, to 
suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus throughout the United 
States, whenever, in his judgment, the public safety may require it, it simply 
reaffirmed an acknowledged principle of the Constitution, and at the same 
time announced the conviction of the legislative branch of the Govern- 
ment that the previous exercise of that prerogative by the President was, 
under the peculiar circumstances of the case, lawful, constitutional, and 
commendable. It was thus intended to protect him from any unjust cen- 
sure or penalty which the rage of triumphant faction in after time might 
attempt to inflict upon him. 

As to the abstract justice and propriety of the conduct, both of the Pres- . 
ident and of Congress, in relation to this matter, there could be no doubt in 
any impartial mind. It is well known as one of the settled principles of 
all civilized communities that when the situation of a State is so critical 
that the ordinary powers of law and government are insufficient to protect 
the life of the nation, the emergency justifies the use of. extraordinary and 
more desperate measures. Thus the ancient Komans were accustomed in 
such a crisis to invest their consuls with dictatorial power, with the stern 
injunction : " Let the consuls see to it that the Republic receive no injury."* 
The expedient saved the mistress of the world more than once from im- 
pending ruin. It is worthy here of remark that despotic governments never 
need any indemnity bills, for in them there are no restraints on arbitrary 
power, and if the monarch perpetrate acts of the most unjustifiable tyranny 
there is no arm which can punish him. What would be the advantage of 
suspending a writ of habeas corpus in France under the tyranny of Louis 
XIV., when a lettre de cachet or secret warrant, obtained by a parasite of 
the court through favor, could immure its victim in the Bastihe for years, 
without any power existing in any of the judicial tribunals to investigate 
the merits of the case, or to cite the parties before them for a hearing. 

In free governments and in limited monarchies the writ of Aaieow corp?/s 
has often beea suspended under much less urgent circumstances than those 
under which it was suspended by President Lincoln. In England this 
has been repeatedly done in cases where the public safety required that 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON THE CONSCRIPTION BILL. 473 

suspected persons should be arrested without following the regular pro- 
cesses of law. Thus, in January, 1817, when the Prince Regent, after- 
ward George IV.., was returning from Parliament to his palace, he was 
hooted and insulted by an indignant multitude. Parliament immediately 
suspended the habeas corjms act, in order to t'ake possession of the offenders, 
and punish them with signal vengeance. And in the next year Parlia- 
ment passed an indemnity bill to protect all parties who had apprehended 
and prosecuted persons under the late suspension act.* We cite this case 
particularly, inasmuch as it so nearly resembles the one under considera- 
tion, with this difference, however, that the urgency and peril in the case 
of President Lincoln were infinitely greater than they were in that of the 
besotted and perfidious monarch of England. It is also to be observed 
that those who condemned the indemnity bill were great advocates for pre- 
cedent and authority. 

The legalizing the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus was the prin- 
cipal ingredient of this indemnity bill. Its other provisions were merely 
those which were necessary to give its operative force celerity and cer- 
tainty. It is unnecessary to dwell upon these. Enough has been said to 
indicate the real nature of this important act of Congress, and to prove 
the fallacy of that political creed which condemned the bill as unconstitu- 
tional, and pernicious to the liberties of the nation. 

The second cardinal feature which characterized the peace Democrats 
of this period waS" their condemnation of the conscription bill, which had 
been passed by the recent Federal Congress. This law was entitled " An 
act for enrolling and calling out the national forces." Its purpose was to 
operate more efficiently in procuring troops than could be done by the 
already existing militia laws, to be less expensive to the Treasury, and 
less burdensome to the great mass of the people. The objection urged 
against it by the peace party was that it made a distinction between the 
rich and the poor, because it designated the sum of three hundred dollars 
as the price of a substitute. They affirmed that while all the rich could 
pay that amount, the poor would be unable to do so, and would thus be 
compelled to serve if drawn. 

Nothing, however, could be more unfair than this statement, because in 
reality this conscription act was an immense improvement on all the exist- 
ing militia laws of the several States, which it was intended to supersede. 
Those laws exempted from service a large proportion of the community, 
including members of Congress, custom-house officers and clerks, post- 
ma.sters and their clerks, professors and students of colleges, clergymen, 
judges, and many other officials. On the contrary, the conscription act 
put an end to this absurd and unjust immunity. It made all classes and 
persons liable to serve, with very few exceptions. Those exceptions were 



^See the British General Register for 1827, pp. 80, 81. 



4T4 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of the most commendable kind. They were the only sons of widows, who 
were dependent upon them for support, the only sons of aged and infirm 
parents dependent on them for support, llie only brother of children not 
twelve years old, without father or mother, and dependent on such brother 
for support, and several similar exceptions. These were all dictated by 
pure benevolence and wise policy. 

But the objection that this act favored the rich was equally absurd. 
And for this reason : it provided that if a drafted person could procure a 
suitable substitute, at any price, however low, within a definite time, that 
substitute would be accepted in his place. It also allowed the Secretary 
of War the right to demand a less sum than three hundred dollars in lieu 
of service, if in his discretion he deemed it just. The law simply forbade 
him to demand more than three hundred dollars; it permitted him to ex- 
ercise his discretion in accepting less. The equitable operation of this 
regulation is self-evident, for it is clear that he would require the whole 
amount from the rich, while from the poor alone would he be willing to 
accept a less sura. The effect of the law would evidently be to prevent 
the price of substitutes from ascending to many hundred dollars, as would 
inevitably have become the result under any other arrangement. If any 
drafted man could obtain a substitute for a less sum than even that de- 
maude by the Secretary of War, he was at liberty to do so. 

Such were the chief features of this conscription act. Nothing could 
be more humane, more equitable, more beneficial in its operation, and it 
was in vain that the peace party brought to bear upon it their objections 
and invectives. It commended itself to every loyal and impartial mind 
in the nation. 

The third leading feature of the party under consideration was, the 
advocacy of the immediate cessation of hostilities by the Federal Govern- 
ment, the settlement of the dispute by negotiation, and the restoration 
of the Union as it existed before the war. It seems singular that the 
difTiculties and impossibilities involved in this plan should have escaped 
the noti(je of any intelligent observer. In the first place, if the Federal 
Government should consent to such an arrangement, it would involve a 
direct admission of the injustice and iniquity of all its preceding acts. It 
would be a confession that the war, on its side, had been ah iniliu a cruel 
au'l execrable outrage. It would be an acknowledgment that thousands 
of lives bad been destroyed, that hundreds of millions of treasure had 
been wasted, that the peace and security of all the seceding States had been 
invaded by the Federal Government, under a false and delusive pretext, 
without any show of justice, humanity, or equitable obligation. Even if 
the war for the Union had been unjustifiable, no government would ever 
so far criminate and stultify itself as to make such an admission as this. 
But the truth was, that this war on behalf of the Union was one of the 
most necessary, unavoidable, and righteous which was ever waged by any 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON THE CESSATION OP THE WAR. 4'(5 

legitimate and beneficent government against rebels, traitors, and out- 
laws. How absurd and unfeasible then must the proposition of the jjeace 
party seem in this view of the case to every impartial mind ! 

Other diiSculties equally great were in the way. Ample proof existed 
at this very period that the Confederates themselves would refuse all 
propositions of peace, from any quarter, which did not involve the full 
recognition of their new government, and the permanent dissolution of 
the Union. Such was the universal sentiment uttered and reiterated by 
their leading journals, by the members of their Congress, by their most 
important officials, by their most influential citizens. That all these were 
wearied of the war was already admitted; but with this admission was 
uniformly connected the firm and resolute determination, the firm and 
fixed resolve, never to return to the Federal Union, never again to coalesce 
with the detested invaders of their soil, never to cease hostilities until 
they had " conquered their independence." They even ridiculed the 
propositions of the peace party themselves in the North, and assured them 
of the utter hopelessness and futility of their jjlans and purposes. 

But even if the Confederates would have consented to negotiate for 
peace on the basis of the restoration of the Union, insurmountable diffi- 
culties would arise during the consequent deliberations, which would 
render an adjustment of the dispute utterly impossible. Thus, what 
arrangement could be made in refereuce to the war-debts incurred by the 
two Governments? It is evident that the loyal citizens of the Union 
would never consent to pay a dollar of the debts incurred by the Confed- 
erates through their execrable resistance to the lawful Government. It 
is just as evident that the Rebels would demand reparation for their losses, 
and full indemnification for their expenses, which they would allege had 
been inflicted upon them by the unjustifiable coercive measures adopted 
and executed by the Federal Government. It is also clear that the loyal 
people of the country would demand that the Eebels should not only pay 
their own war-debts, but that they should be compelled to repay the Fed- 
eral Government the amount of indebtedness which it had been compelled 
to incur in the prosecution of its efforts to restore the Union. No peace- 
able negotiation could ever settle such litigated questions amicably. Here 
was a Gordian knot which nothing but the sword, and that the sword of 
an Alexander, could cut. 

Other topics would present difficulties as insurmountable as these. "What 
disposition would be made of the leaders of the Rebellion? The Confed- 
erates would unquestionably demand that Jefferson Davis, his chief ad- 
visers and associates, should be held harmless ; nay, that they should be 
Honored; probably, that they should receive high dignities in the restored 
Union. On the other hand, every loyal citizen in the land would clamor 
for the condign punishment of those arch traitors; would insist that they 
should suffer a traitor's doom, and end their career on the scaffold. It 



476 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

would be impossible for a harmonious arrangement to be made in refer- 
ence to these topics. Any national convention which might be convened 
for the avowed object of adjusting the terms of a re-union, would wrangle 
for years on these ve:s.ed questions without being able to accomplish their 
purpose. 

Nor would the difficulties be less, even if the war was at that time to 
be suspended, for the purpose of effecting the end which some of the 
peace party desired — the quiet dissolution of the Union, and the recog- 
nition of the Confederate Government by the Federal. For in that case 
the demands of the Rebels would be such as could not possibly be con- 
ceded. It is evident that they would insist upon the restoration of all 
the teri-itory which had once formed part of the Confederate State.", and 
which had been conquered by the arms or the influence of the Union. 
They would demand Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Western Virginia, 
and every other region which had at any time been in sympathy with 
them. They would also demand the restitution of all the fugitive slaves who 
had escaped. What loyal citizen would agree to make such concessions 
as these ? Who would agree to abandon all the fruits of victory? Very 
few, probably none, would be found to do it, and an amicable settlement 
of the issue would be impossible. Peace could be obtained, and the dis- 
pute could oidy be settled, through the resistless supremacy of the arms 
of the one or the other of the contending parties. 

Such are some of the difficulties which would attend the proposal of 
the peace party, that the contest should be terminated by a cessation of 
arm.s, and by subsequent negotiation. It involved impossibilities al that 
time wliich no human power could overcome. 

A fourth peculiarity of this peace party was, that they condemned the 
measures of the Federal Government, because their tendency seemed to 
be to concentrate too n\uch power in the Federal Central Government, 
to the damage and derogation of the several State governments. We 
admit the truth of the allegation to some extent, but deny the justice of 
the complaint based upon it. Under the perilous circumstances in which 
the administration of Mr. Lincoln was placed, with a vast empire reeling 
around him, and toppling to its destruction, it became indispensably 
necessary to adopt a centralizing policy, to make the Federal arm as pow- 
erful as possible, to give it unity, harmony, and vigor of action, to remove 
the po.ssibility of discord and division among the conservators and de- 
fenders of the Union. But in so doing, not a single right of the States 
was invaded. Tlie Federal Constitution was not violated in a single par- 
ticular. These measures strengthened the Federal Government without 
weakening the Slate governments. There was no clashing of jurisdiction ; 
and llie evidence which demonstrates the truth of this assertion is the fact 
that, during the subsequent operation of the measures adopted by tlic 
administration of ^fr. Lincoln, no collision of any importance whatever 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON THE EIGHTS- OP THE STATES. 477 

actually occurred betweea tlie State and Federal jurisdictions. And tliis 
result followed in spite of the strenuous efforts of some to create such 
collisions. 

One of the causes of the terror which seemed to pervade the minds of 
the party in question, was a very absurd and groundless fear lest the 
absorjjtion of power at Washington indicated " a settled, well-considered, 
most pestilent design to establish in the fragmentary North a consolidated 
nationality, operating by its legislation directly on individuals, without 
regard to State relations and duties."* A more preposterous conception 
could not be formed. Its fallacy lies on its face. It amounted to this, 
that the General Government, by using every legitimate means to increase 
its own power, and by crushing the Rebellion, to cement the whole Union 
more effectually than ever before into one restored and consolidated 
government, was preparing the way to establish a "fragmentary" govern- 
ment in the North 1 This is a direct contradiction, a palpable impossi- 
bility. If the Federal Government succeeded in the end in crushing the 
Confederates, and restoring the Union by force of arms, it certainly would 
not contract its own proportions to the limits of a fragment. If it failed 
eventually in restoring the Union, by the subjugation of the Rebels, there 
would still remain a Federal Union, composed of many powerful and 
prosperous communities, which would constitute one of the foremost 
empires in the world. In that case there would be neither the temptation 
nor the power to establish any fragmentary government anywhere — in 
the North, the centre, or the West. 

Those who seemed to be so jealous of the rights of the States, seemed 
to imagine that it was a much greater glory to be a citizen of a State, 
than a citizen of the United States. They appeared to regard Delaware 
or Uhode Island as equal in majesty and power to the whole colossal 
Union, of which they formed necessarily an unimportant portion. They 
forgot that each State by itself is comparatively insignificant; that it is 
only when they are consolidated into one compact, cemented, harmonious 
unit, that they rise in majesty, become powerful and formidable, and 
extort the admiration and respect of the whole commynity of nations. 
These people complained that the State governments existed before the 
Federal Government, and therefore were invested with a sacred and unap- 
proachable sanctity. True, they did exist first in the order of tim.e, but, 
if they had never existed in any other form than as State governments, 
and not as components and equal parts of a Federal Union, what would 
their condition have continued to be ? Would they have attained the 
power, prosperity, felicity and grandeur which they have enjoyed as 
members of the great Federal Republic of the Western World ? The 
supposition is extremely improbable and absurd. 



* Speech of Hon. William B. Reed, before the Democratic Central Club of Phila- 
delphia, March 28th, 1805. 



478 TUB CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The next feature of the peace party which deserves notice, was theii; 
condeinnatiou of the emancipation proclamation of Mr. Lincoln, as well 
as the introduction of negroes into the military service of the United 
States, that they might assist in the restoration of the Union. 

The subject of slavery forms the most singular and anomalous feature 
on the page of American history. No question within the whole range 
of Federal or Slate legislation has ever been the cause of so many malig- 
nant disputes between opposite portions of the Union ; and none had been 
equall}' potent in producing this Rebellion. It was like Pandora's box, 
pregnant with unnumbered ills to the nation. It had continually embar- 
rassed the Federal Government, embroiled the several States, filled Con- 
gress with pernicious and unseemly controversies, and proved itself more 
difficult of solution than any otlier enigma connected with American 
affairs. Even when there were giants in the land, and the Federal halls 
of legislation were graced by the presence of the greatest of American 
statesmen, it was constantly a formidable portent of disunion. As often 
as this hideous spectre would I'ise, as it continually did, upon the floor of 
Congress, it was in vain that the wisest and purest of patriots conjured 
against it. In vain were the mellifluous and soothing eloquenccof Clay, 
the vast constitutional learning of Webster, the acute, logical powers of 
Benton, the withering sarcasm of Quincy Adams, directed against it. It 
remained like the ghost of Banquo, a continual source of horror, a perti- 
nacious portent of ruin, which no magician's wand could lay. At length, 
its poison being thoroughly infused into the political lifeblood of the 
South, it perfected its fruit, and the Rebellion broke forth. Even after tliat 
occurrence, mild measures of negotiation were still pursued. The admin- 
istration then in power did its best to deal gently with this pestilent 
scourge. The existence of the negro race in the South was ignored in the 
measures adopted, as long as it could possibly be. At last that policy 
became utterly unfeasible. The acts of the Confederate Government 
itself imposed an imperious necessity upon the Government at Washington 
to recognize the existence, both political and social, of four millions of 
negroes witliin the limits of the Rebellion, and to adopt such measures as 
were calculated to turn their energies to beneficial account, as well as to 
provide for the future political status of the negroes as freedmen. 

And what were the measures adopted in reference to this subject ? They 
were prudently gradual and progressive in their character and influence. 
The slaves of Rebel owners, who were actually in arms against the Union, 
were enfranchised. Tiie policy of emancipating the slaves of such owners, 
and of those who directly or indirectly gave aid and comfort to the Rebels, 
as well as the justice of the order forbidding Federal commanders from 
returning fugitive slaves to their masters when they had escaped therefrom, 
was one of the most reasonable and equitable that could be adopted, 
becuu.se these slaves were claimed and recognized by the Confederate 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON THE rREEDMEN" AS SOLDIERS. 419 

Government as property. They were regarded by their owners as the 
most valuable of their possessions. By tlic laws of all civilized countries, 
the prppertj' of traitors and rebels becomes forfeited to the State, and why 
slave property should be exempt from the operation of this universal and 
indisputable law it is impossible to discover. The only wonder is that 
this measure should not have been rigidly enforced from the very com- 
mencement of the Rebellion. The public mind may not then, indeed, 
have been prepared for it ; but it is evident that as soon as the full force 
of truth had properly enliglituned it, this measure should be vigorously 
enforced. 

The same principle justifies the other emancipation acts of the admin- 
istration. They flowed logically the one from the other, all justified by 
principles of abstract justice, by the spirit of the Federal Constitution, 
by the claims of humanity, and by the perilous exigencies in which the 
Union was then placed.- One of these measures — that of em[)loying 
freedmen as soldiers — excited an unusual degree of opposition and denun- 
ciation from the peace party. The utterly absurd charge was made that the 
enlisting of the negroes was an expedient by which it was intended finally 
to supersede the regular army, and to substitute soldiers of African 
descent in their place ! The real reason why a portion of negro troops 
was employed was that which must approve itself to the common-sense 
of every man: to increase the number and strength of the defenders of 
the Union; to employ the blacks to some extent in those southern terri- 
tories, the peculiar climate of which had proved so pernicious to white 
soldiers, but which was harmless to the negro; to permit the latter to 
demonstrate their gratitude to the Government which had enfranchised 
them ; and to allow that race, whose rights and wrongs had such an im- 
portant influence in connection with the origin of the Rebellion, to share 
in the toils and sufferings which were incident to the war intended for its 
suppression. Nor did this objection to the association of black with 
white soldiers in thp Federal army come with the grace of consistency 
from those "Peace Democrats," by whom it was principally urged; for 
Democracy involves the fundamental conception of equality, and often, 
essential things being equal, requires that no distinction be recognized 
by its disciples, from differences merely of nation or color, of social 
rank, intelligence or wealth. Yet these advocates of ultra Democracy 
■applauded the policy of the Confederate States, whose whole constitution 
was aristocratic, whose very corner-stone, as A. H. Stevens, its vice- 
president, had affirmed, was the recognition of the normal and unalterable 
inferiority of the negro race to the white in intellectual and moral quali- 
ties, in their natural rights, in their foreordained and inevitable abasement 
in the body politic* 

* See Appendix. 



480 



THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Another feature of this anti-war party was its condemnation of the 
financial measures which had been adopted by the administration to 
enable it to carry on the war, and perform its duty in restoring the Union. 
They censured the issue of legal tender notes. They charged it with 
emitting continental currency in the face of all authority, legislative and 
judicial ; with enabling and instigating every dishonest debtor in the land 
to defraud his creditor; with tainting the very credit which it represents by 
aboriginal fraud; with foreshadowing that repudiation which such indebted- 
ness renders inevitable in the end ; and with the accumulation of a colossal 
and ruinous national debt. They condemned the financial measures in 
question, as tending to break down all the State banks, and as endeavoring 
to erect a huge system of free banking, based upon that impalpable and 
unreliable fiction called Federal responsibility. But the absurdity of such 
charges was self-evident, and alarmed no intelligent or patriotic citizen. 
The conviction was universal that the financial plansof the administration 
were the wisest and best which could possibly have been devised by human 
wisdom, under the peculiar circumstances of the case. The loans of the 
Government were taken freely and rapidly. Its securities were accepted 
in the same manner by a confident and loyal nation ; and the prophecies 
of impending financial ruin, which were uttered by this party, were re- 
ceived with ridicule and derision by the vast majority of the community. 

One additional characteristic of the party under consideration deserves 
our notice. It was this continual and persistent ridicule of the personal 
qualities of Abraham Lincoln. lie was made the- laughing-stock on all 
occasions. He was compared contemptuously with Washington, and even 
with Jefi'erson Davis — "the stern statesman who administered the execu- 
tive power of the Southern Confederacy." No reasonable man would 
affirm that the President, whom Providence had {)laced at the head of 
the nation in this crisis, was immaculate, or that he had not a considerable 
share of human weakness. But no one could scrutinize his conduct and 
character with impartiality, without observing in tl;pin many great and 
good qualities. That as a writer his style was somewhat crude and inele- 
gant ; that in private intercourse he was fond of a jest ; that in his personal 
appearance he was destitute of the grace and dignity which Washington 
or John Adams exhibited, might be readily admitted. A severe, yet 
kindly censor of his acts, would discover and condemn one other fault. 
He did not exhibit a sufficient degree of determination and rigor in pun- 
ishing traitorous generals, in removing imbecile and dilatory commanders, 
and in turning the vengeance of the Federal power upon the heads of 
knaves, thieves, and official villains of all descriptions, who infested the 
civil and military service of the country during the war. But aside from 
this defect, the President deserved the esteem and the gratitude of his 
country. He was laborious, sincere, incorruptible, and profoundly patri- 
otic. He devoted- all his energies of mind and body to the herculean task 



PEACE DEMOCRATS ON PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 481 

whicli had so strangely fallen to his lot — the restoration of the Union. 
His intentions were excellent, and he toiled to the utmost of his abilities 
to reunite the broken fragments of the once glorious Federal Union. His 
sole effort was to reinvest that Union with its pristine splendor, and to 
render it what it once had been, to a greater extent than ever before, the 
favorite home of the brave and the free, the refuge of the oppressed of 
every land, the terror of tyrants of every name, the impregnable citadel 
of true liberty, the blooming paradise of the world 1 

Such a man was no legitimate subject for ribaldry or ridicule ; and tho 
contempt with which the peace party affected to treat the President de- 
monstrated clearly that their cause was an unrighteous one, and that, bad 
as their cause was, they were driven to still worse expedients to defend it, 
and to advocate its measures. 

31 



482 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLIII. 

THE PREPARATIONS FOR ANOTHER ATTACK ON CnAKI-ESTON — FORMIDABI-E CHARACl'ER OF 
THE FORTIFICATIONS — THE CROSSINQ OF THE BAR — ORDER OF BATTLE PRESCRIRED KT AD- 
MIRAL DU PONT — THE ATTACK — OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE HARBOR — THE TERRIBLE STORM OF 
FIRE — THE NEW IRONSIDES UNMANAGEABLE — GALLANTRr OF THE COMMANDER OP THE 
KEOKUK, AND OF TUB COMMANDERS OF THE MONITORS — THE KEOKUK RIDDLED AND SINK- 
ING THREE OF THE MONITORS DISABLED — WITHDRAWAL OF THE FLEET — RETURN TO PORT 

ROYAL— ADMIRAL DU PONt's ACTION JUSTIFIABLE — OTHER NAVAL ACTIONS ON THE ATLAN- 
TIC COAST AND IN THE GULP AND MISSISSIPPI RIVER — BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES ON LAND 
■ — IN THE DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND, AT VARIOUS POINTS IN TENNESSEE AND KEN- 
TUCKY ; IN THE DEPARTMENT OF MISSOURI, THE ATTACK ON THE BAM OATV ; IN THE DE- 
PARTMENT OF THE FRONTIER, AT FATETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS, AND ITS VICINITY, AND IN THE 

DEPARTMENT OF THE GULF — EXPEDITION TO PASCAGOULA — THE BATTLES ON THE TECUE 

DESTRUCTION OF THREE REBEL IRON-CLADS, AND CAPTURE OB DESTRUCTION OF ELEVEN 
TRANSPORTS, AND TWO THOUSAND PRISONERS COMPLETE ROUT OF THE REBELS. 

AViiiLE tlie reorganization of the army of tlie Potomac, under tlie ener- 
getic management of General Ilooker, was in progress, and all active 
movements were prohibited there by the condition of the roads, and at the 
West General Grant was carefully maturing the plans which were yet to 
culminate in the overthrow of the Ecbcl Gibraltar on the Mississippi, the 
Government had not been unmindful of that fountainhead of the Eebel- 
lion — Charleston — and was gathering at Port Royal its iron-clad ships for 
another, and it was hoped a more successful attack upon its strongly for- 
tified harbor. 

It was expected that the land forces would be able to participate in the 
attack, but they were not sufficiently strong in numbers for such a work, 
and it would have perilled the holding of the Department of the South, 
had they made the effort to do so, for which, as the event proved, there 
was no opportunity. 

The appointed rendezvous for the fleet was in the North Edisto river; 
and thither, during the last week in March, and the first two or three days 
of April, it had been concentrating. The New Ironsides, the only broad- 
side iron-clad of the navy. Commodore T.Turner commanding; seven 
monitors, viz : the Weehawken, Captain John Rodgers ; the Passaic, 
Captain P. Drayton ; the Montauk, Captain J. L. Worden ; the Patapsco, 
Commander D. Ammen ; the Catskill, Commander George Rodgers ; the 
Nantucket, Commander D. M. Fairfax; the Nahant, Commander J. 
Downes; and the Whitney iron-clad the Keokuk, Lieutenant-Commander 
A. C. Rind, were all assembled there, as well as the Canandaigua, Ilousa- 
tonic, Huron, Unadilla, Wissahiekon, and otlier wooden gunboats, and 
with nearly ninety of the other vessels of the blockading squadron, trans- 



THE DEFENCES OF CnAELESTON HARBOR. 483 

ports, etc., constituted a fleet whicli has rarely if ever been equalled ia 
formidableness and extent of power for offensive or defensive purposes. 
The land troop.s were to disembark on Cole's island, and work their way 
up across to Folly island, and hold a position as near to Morris island as 
possible, in the hope of effecting a diversion of the Eebel force, and thus 
aiding in the naval attack on the Eebel city. 

It was decided, after such exploration as could be made, that the iron- 
clad vessels alone could be trusted to make the attack, as so terrible 
would be the concentrated fire of the batteries that no wooden vessels 
could escape destruction from it. The harbor of Charleston is a cul-de-sac, 
about four miles in depth, and the lines which bound it on both sides, as 
well as central points in the harbor commanding its navigable channels, 
had been fortified with all the skill of the best engineers in the country, 
■who had had two years in which to perfect their work. It was intended 
to be, and was, to any exclusively naval attack, entirely impregnable. 

In order to enable our readers to comprehend more fully the character of 
these defences, it may be well to give a brief description of them. Cross- 
ing the bar, which blocks the entrance, at ordinary tides, to any vessel 
drawing more than seventeen or eighteen feet of water, we speedily ap- 
proach the gateways of the harbor — Sullivan's island on the north, and 
Morris island on the south. Both islands terminate in long tongues of 
sandy beach, the extremities of which are not more than a mile apart. 
This is the mouth of the harbor, and equi-distant from each, and forming 
the apex of a triangle, of which a line stretched from one headland 
to the other would be the base, stands Fort Sumter, on an artificial 
island made for its foundation. Sullivan's island, which forms the 
northern or right hand boundary to this entrance to the harbor, has 
three formidable fortifications the first. Breach Inlet battery, at the 
mouth of the creek (Breach Inlet) which separates the island from 
the main land, and which furnishes Maffitt's channel, through which most 
of the blockade-runners enter Charleston harbor. This work, which 
mounted a number of heavy guns, was principally of use to protect the 
blockade-runners, and drive away the vessels of the blockading squadron. 
Further up on the island, toward the mouth of the harbor, was Fort Beau- 
regard, a powerful sand battery, with very heavy rifled guns, with which 
it could sweep the lower portion of the harbor. Near the point of the 
island was Fort Moultrie, which had been greatly strengthened by the 
Rebel engineers, and was now one of the most formidable forts on the coast. 
Fort Sumter was too well known, and has been too often described, to 
need further portraiture. Beyond this and along the surface of the break- 
water, erected some years ago by the United States Government to pro- 
tect this part of the harbor, intrenchments had been thrown up for a long 
distance en cremailUere, forming what was known as the Eedan, and 
mounted with fifty heavy guns. Still beyond this, and near the head of 



484 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the harbor, on a small island, stood Castle Pinckney, bearing a resem- 
blance in the distance to the appearance of the Battery and Castle Garden 
at the head of New York harbor. 

On the left or southern side of the harbor, the first work was "Wappoo 
battery, at the mouth of Wappoo creek, and directly opposite the lower 
part of the city, effectually commanding the embouchure of Ashley river, 
and protecting the left side of the city. Next below this and standing in 
the "middle ground," on an artificial island built by the Eebels, was 
Fort Ripley. Below this, on a projecting point of James island, was Fort 
.Johnston, and still below, on the point of Morris island, were at this time 
Battery Bee, and below this, Fort Wagner, a new and powerful sandwork' 
Still further down on Morris island was a sandwork of considerable ex- 
tent and mounting heavy guns, and at Lighthouse Inlet, which divides 
Morris island from Folly island, was a fort to prevent the Union troops 
from landing at that point. Thus the harbor was protected by twelve 
distinct fortifications, three of them forts of great strength, and armed with 
the heaviest and most perfect guns to be obtained, and most of the others 
sandworks of the most skilful construction, which experience has shown 
to possess greater capacity of resistance than the best brick or stone forts. 
All were provided with heavy siege guns, many of them rifled. Ten of 
the twelve batteries could concentrate upon the iron-clad fleet a fire of 
more tlian three hundred guns. 

It was not without misgivings that Admiral Du Pont decided to attack 
so formidable a series of fortifications. The odds were greatly against 
him; the entire number of guns carried by the iron-clads was but thirty- 
two, and these, though of large calibre and long range, were not superior 
in these regards to many of those of the enemy. It was an old maxim in 
naval warfare that one gun on shore was equal to an entire ship's battery; 
but the building of iron-clads had changed the old theories in respect to 
the comparative value of ships and forts in offensive and defensive war. 
fare. Still the preponderance in this case on the side of the forts was 
enormous — ten to one. The power of resistance of the armed vessels to the 
fire of the heaviest guns known could hardly be said to have been fairly 
tested. The first monitor had indeed endured the fire of the Merrimao 
unscathed, and the iron-clads at the West had taken Fort Ilenry, though 
not without serious damage to one of them. On the other hand, at Fort 
Donelson, at Drewry's Bluff, at Vicksburg, and more recently at Fort Mc- 
Allister, they had failed, and in the two first-named instances had been 
materially injured. Still, in most of these cases it was not the armored 
ships of the monitor model which had failed of success, or which had been 
disabled ; but again, no armored ships had ever been exposed to so con- 
centrated and terrible a fire as was likely to be poured upon these. The 
results could not be predicted with any certainty, for there were no data 
from which to reason. 



PEEPAEATIONS FOR AN ATTACK UPON CHARLESTON. 485 

It was not, then, without anxiety that Admiral Du Pont and the com- 
manders of his iron-clad fleet, men as brave as ever went into battle, looked 
forward to the coming conflict. 

The fleet lay at the mouth of the North Edisto river, on the 8d of April, 
1863, waiting for favorable weather, and the influx of the spring tide, at 
which the passage over the bar of Charleston harbor was more easily 
effected than at ordinary seasons. For two days the wind continued high) 
and rendered the passage over the bar, in vessels so little adapted to rough 
weather as the monitors, somewhat hazardous. On the night of the 5th, 
however, the wind subsided, and the resplendent full moon rose on a 
calm and unruffled sea. On the morning of the 6th the fleet moved to 
the blockading station off the bar ; and the Keokuk, the coast survey 
schooner Bibb, and the pilots of the squadron, were sent to buoy out the 
bar, which they accomplished without difficulty , and on Monday morning, 
the 7th, Admiral Du Pont transferred his broad pennant from the James 
Adger to the New Ironsides, which was to be the flag-ship during the en- 
gagement, and the iron fleet got under way in battle order, to cross the 
bar on the flood tide. This was accomplished without accident or delay, 
and by nine o'clock A.M. the whole nine had gained a position in the main 
ship-channel, parallel with Morris island, and within a mile of the shore. 
A slight haze hung, meantime, over sea and shore, and obscured the 
range by which the fleet was to steer, thus rendering delay necessary. 
It was also deemed desirable by the pilots to wait till ebb tide, in order 
the more readily to discover the obstructions with which, report said, the 
harbor was abundantly strewn. 

At twelve o'clock a gentle north wind dispersed the haze, and left the 
atmosphere clear and transparent. At half-past twelve the fleet began to 
move to the attack in accordance with the following order from Admiral 
Du Pont : 

" The vessels will, on signal being made, form in the prescribed order 
ahead, at intervals of one cable's length. 

"The squadron will pass up the main ship-channel, without returning 
the fire of the batteries on Morris island, unless signal should be made to 
commence action. 

" The ships will open fire on Fort Sumter, when within easy range, and 
will take up a position to the northward and westward of that fortifica- 
tion, engaging its left or northwest face at a distance of from one thousand 
to eight hundred yards, firing low, and aiming at tlie centre embrasure. 

" The commanding officers will instruct their officers and men to care- 
fully avoid wasting a shot, and will enjoin upon them the necessity of ^;re- 
cision rather than rapidity of fire. 

" Each ship will be prepared to render every assistance possible to 
vessels that may require it. 



48G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

"The special code of signals, prepared for the iron-clad vessels, will be 
used in action. 

"After the reduction of Fort Sumter, it is probable the next point of 
attack will be the batteries on Morris Island. 

"The order of battle will be the line ahead in the following succession: 

" 1, Weehawken, with raft. Captain John Eodgers. 

"2. Passaic, Captain Percival Drayton. 

"3. Montauk, Commander John S. Worden. 

"4. Patapsco, Commander Daniel Ammen. 

"5. New Ironsides, Commodore Thomas Turner. 

" 6. Catskill, Commander George W. Rodgers. 

"7. Nantucket, Commander Donald McN. Fairfax. 

" 8. Nahant, Commander John Downes. 

"9. Keokuk, Lieutenant-Commander Alexander C. Rhind. 

"A squadron of re?erve, of which Captain J. F. Green will be the senior 
officer, will be formed outsUe the bar, and near the entrance buoy, con- 
sisting of the following vessels : 

"Canandaigua, Captain Joseph F. Green. 

"Unadilla, Lieutenant-Commander S. P. Quackenbush. 

"Ilousatonic, Captain William II. Taylor. 

" Wissahickon, Lieutenant-Commander J. G.Davis. 

" Huron, Lieutenant-Commander G. A. Stevens. 

"And will be held in readiness to support the iron-clads when they 
attack the batteries on Morris Island. S. F. Du PoxT, 

"Bear Admiral Commanding South Atlantic Blockading SjuadroJi." 

The appearance of this little fleet, sailing thus, in single file, into the 
very jaws of death, was impressive ; not grand and imposing, like that of 
Nelson's fleet of stately ships of the line at the attack on Copenhagen, or 
that of the allied forces at the assault on Sveaborg, but impressive as an 
exhibition of the chivalrous audacity of a little band of brave men 
attempting, in untried vessels, an assault upon fortifications mounted 
with ten times their number of guns, and manned by fifty times their 
number of men. In the appearance of the vessels themselves there was 
little beauty ; the majesty of the old war-ships, with their three decks 
towering above the waters, their tall and shapely masts and spars, tjieir 
network of rigging, and their ports yawning with a hundred cannon or 
more, was wanting. The New Ironsides had indeed a gun-deck, and its 
projecting port-shutters indicated that it could deliver a terrible broad- 
side; but it was stripped of all its sailing gear, and with its iron surfaces 
slushed, to cause the shot more readily to glance off, it seemed rather a 
resurrection of some of the horrible pachydermatous monsters of the 
paleontological era, in iron, than a ship of war; while the monitors, seem- 
ingly flat rafts, with a turret rising from their slippery surface, showed 



NAVAL ENGAGEMENT IN CHARLESTON nAEBOR. 481 

such apparently feeble powers of attack or resistance, tbat the mere 
thought of their assaulting the frowning walls of the vast fortress which 
stood directly in their path seemed absurd. 

Meanwhile, they moved onward, the Weehawken, the file leader, having 
attached to her bows a raft, which was intended for the removal of ob- 
structions, and the exploding of any torpedoes that might hinder the pro- 
gress of the fleet. The grappling-irons attached to this raft became fouled 
in the anclior-cable of the Weehawken at the moment of starting, and 
occasioned a delay of about an hour. This trouble remedied, the fleet 
once more moved forward, and soon came within range of the lower bat- 
teries on Morris island, then within the line of fire of Fort Wagner and 
Battery Bee, on Cummings' Point ; but much to the surprise of the officers 
of the fleet and the spectators, none of these works fired a gun. The 
reason for this silence, though not at first apparent, seemed to have been 
to draw the iron-clad fleet forward into the circle of fire which awaited it 
when it came within range of Sumter's batteries, and the formidable 
guns of Fort Wagner and Battery Bee were trained upon the devoted 
fleet to aid in the tempest of iron hail which fell upon them a few 
moments later. 

The line having crossed the front of Morris island rounded to, to make 
the entrance of the harbor, and soon came within easy range of the guns 
of Fort Sumter and the batteries on Sullivan's and James' islands. For 
a few minutes the suspense was painful. The stillness of death brooded 
over the scene, and even the sea-birds paused on wing in mid-air, as if in 
expectation of some dire event. Suddenly, at four minutes past three, a 
hollow square of smoke rises from the top of Sumter, and from its line 
of barbette guns a broadside of flame streams down upon the Weehawken. 
This is the signal for the opening of the fire from Battery Bee, Fort 
Moultrie, Fort Beauregard, and the fifty guns of the Eedan. The fire of 
all was concentrated upon the Weehawken ; and the spectators on the 
Union side looked, with anxious and throbbing hearts, for the clearing 
away of the smoke, fearing lest, when it lifted, nothing but scattered frag- 
ments of the noble vessel would be seen. Great was their surprise and 
joy when, through the rifts of the smoke, they discovered her apparently 
unharmed and indifferent to such a fire as never burst upon a vessel 
before. 

But another difficulty now impeded her progress, and, but for the skill 
of her captain and those of the other ships in the first line, would have 
placed them all at the mercy of the current, to be drifted ashore into the 
bands of the Rebels. It will be remembered that the orders issued by 
Admiral Du Pont contemplated an attack upon the northwest front of 
Sumter, confessedly its weakest point. This the Rebels were resolved 
to prevent at all hazards ; and they had stretched a stout hawser from a 
roint close to the northeast angle of Fort Sumter completely across the 



488 THE CIYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

channel to Fort Moultrie, floating on lager beer casks, on which were 
hung nets, seines, and cables, strung with torpedoes. If the propellers of 
the iron-clads became fouled with these entanglements, they would at 
least be deprived of all motive power, and the explosion of the torpedoes 
might effectually cripple them otherwise. The danger was discovered by 
the "Weehawken not a moment too soon ; and just when another turn of 
the propeller would have involved her inextricably, she steered off to the 
right, and the other vessels following her example were saved. There 
was another channel by which the northwest face of the fort could be 
reached — that between Cummings' Point and Fort Sumter. But this 
was effectually blockaded by a row of piles rising ten feet above the 
water, and extending completely across, and be3'ond them were other lines 
of piles, with torpedoes of vast size at the apparent openings, and still 
beyond, the three Rebel iron-clads drawn up in battle array. 

The northwest front, it was evident, could not be reached, and the plan 
of operations must be changed, and the iron-clads, taking such positions 
as they could, must assail the fort as best they might, on its strongest side. 
To add to the difficulties of their position, the flag-ship, the New Iron- 
sides, was caught in the tideway, and not obej'ing her helm, became 
almost entirely unmanageable. The two monitors immediately behind 
her fell foul of her, and it was full fifteen minutes before they could be 
disengaged and pass on. The admiral now signalled to the other vessels 
to disregard the movements of the flag-ship, and they proceeded, amid a 
tempest of shot and shell, to take their places for the attack. The Keokuk, 
though less fully protected than the monitors from the effects of the 
enemy's fire, was run by its commander, Lieutenant-Commander Khind, 
within a little more than five hundred yards of Fort Sumter, and opened 
its fire upon it. The Catskill, Commander Eogcrs, followed, and opened 
its fire at about six hundred yards distance. Near by was the Montauk, 
whose commander, J. L. Worden, had already in the first monitor had 
his baptism of fire, and not fiir removed were the Passaic, the Patapsco, 
the Nahant, the Nantucket, and the Weehawken. The Ironsides lay 
nearer to Fort Moultrie, and poured her broadsides into that work ; but 
the rest were flinging their massive shot upon the walls of Sumter, and 
with good effect, disabling four of its guns, making deep cavities in its 
walls, and tearing off a considerable portion of the parapet and the wall 
below it near the eastern angle. For thirty minutes from this time Ihe 
fight continued at its full intensity, and could the fleet have endured 
another thirty minutes they might undoubtedly have made Fort Sumter 
untenable; but the storm of fire was too terrible for human endurance, 
and what was more to the purpose, was crippling too seriously these 
valuable war vessels. The Keokuk was compelled to come out of the 
fight in a sinking condition, her turrets riddled, her hull torn above and 
below the water-line, and twelve of her men, including her gallant com- 



UNJUST CENSURE OF ADMIRAL DU PONT. 489 

mander, wounded. The Nahant, the Passaic, and the Nantucket, were all 
disabled so as to be incapable of continuing the fight ; the two-hundred 
pound Parrott on the Patapsco was so much injured that it could not be 
fired; and the others had received numerous shots, damaging though not 
disabling them. The Keokuk sunk the next morning, her crew escaping, 
though losing all their efi'ects. The loss of life was small, three being 
killed, and seventeen wounded, several of them slightly. The loss of the 
Eebel garrisons of Sumter and Moultrie was about the same. During the 
half hour when the contest raged the fiercest, the number of shot and 
shell thrown by the Eebel batteries reached one hundred and sixty a 
minute, and thirty-five hundred rounds were fired in the half hour. It 
had been expected that the attack would be renewed on the following 
day; but the admiral, on receiving the reports of the commanders, 
decided that it was inexpedient to renew the assault, and on Thursday 
the fleet returned to Port Eoyal. The monitors, though hit an average of 
over sixty times each, were so little injured that a few days, and in most 
of them a few hours only, of repairs were requisite to put them again in 
fighting condition ; but some modifications were subsequently made, 
which rendered them more impervious to shot, and prevented the forcing 
through of the bolts, which had caused injury to some of the crews. 

The action, fierce as it was, had been in reality but a naval reconnois- 
sance in force, and had demonstrated the substantial impregnability of the 
monitors to the heaviest artillery which could be brought tp bear upon 
them. In all past naval history, no vessel or vessels had ever sustained 
such a fire for even fifteen minutes without destruction, yet of these, 
though some of them were partially disabled for offensive purposes, not 
one was penetrated at a vital point, or had their turrets perforated. The 
Keokuk, on the contrary, whose turrets were composed of only five and 
three-fourths inches of iron, was riddled both in turrets and hull. The 
Ironsides received no injury in her plating, but her projecting port-shut- 
ters were carried away, and her wooden bows, which were unprotected, 
were perforated several times. 

Admiral Du Pont was severely censured by certain writers connected 
with the press, for his decision not to renew the attack on the succeeding 
day; and it was asserted that his removal from the command of the 
South Atlantic blockading squadron, and the appointment of Eear 
Admiral A. H. Foote, was due to the dissatisfaction of the Government 
with his course. However this may be, there would seem to have been 
no just grounds for censure in his conduct. It was said that he had no 
faith in iron-clads ; but few commanders, without full as much faith as 
their previous trials had warranted in their powers of ofience and defence, 
would have been willing to expose themselves and their men to the terri- 
ble ordeal through which this iron-clad fleet passed. And the doing of 
this was no piece of reckless foolhardiness ; nor was it the desperate act 



490 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of a man goaded to action against his judgment by the powers above him 
in official station whose behest he is compelled to obey. His action was 
deliberate and well-considered; and though not entered upon without a 
full perception of its hazards and dangers, yet his courage never faltered. 
It was a scene worthy of a painter's pencil and a poet's pen, when, just 
before the vessels of the fleet took their positions for the battle, that noble 
old man stood with bared head in the midst of the four hundred men. 
composing the crew of the New Ironsides, and reverently joined in the 
prayer offered by Commodore Turner for their preservation in the deadly 
conflict then about to commence, and fur the success of the arms of the 
defenders of the Union. The repulse which followed was due to no cause 
which could have been foreseen — to none which reflected either upon the 
honor, courage, or judgmentof the admiral — but to circumstances wholly 
beyond liis control ; and to have renewed the battle the next day would 
have been an act of utter recklessness, which could only have terminated 
in the loss of several of our iron-clad vessels without inflicting a com- 
pensating damage upon the enemy. 

During the early part of the month of April, the gunboats of the Union 
navy achieved several successes, both on the Atlantic coast and in the 
waters of tlie Mississippi and its tributaries. On the 1st of tbe month, 
Admiral Farragut, with the Hartford, Switzerland, and Albatross, 
engaged the Rebel batteries at Grand Gulf, Mississippi, and after an action 
of some houj-s, succeeded in passing below them without material damage. 
The next day he proceeded with his squadron to the embouchure of Red 
river, destroying on his way a large number of Rebel skiffs and flat-boats, 
and after blockading the Red river for several days, passed down to 
Bayou Sara, where he seized and destroyed a large quantity of Rebel 
stores, and finally came to anchor five miles above the Rebel batteries at 
Port Hudson. 

On the 13tl), on the Bayou Tcche, Louisiana, the Union gunboats 
Estrella, Calhoun, and Arizona, acting in connection with the land troops 
under command of General Banks, caused the destruction of tlie Rebel 
gunboats Diana and Hart, and the iron-clad ram Queen of the West; and 
on the.20th, having been joined by the Clifton, captured the strong Rebel 
fortification Bute a la Rose, Louisiana, driving the Rebel gunboats up the 
Techc, wliere most of them were afterward captured or destroyed. Several 
other small gunboats, belonging to the Rebels, were captured about the 
same time in Louisiana. On the 14th, the Union gunboats. Commodore 
Barney, Mount Washington, and Stepping Stones, engaged a Rebel bat- 
tery on the banks of the Nansemond river, Virginia; and, though tbe 
Mount Washington had been disabled in a previous fight with Dill's bat- 
teries, near Washington, North Carolina, and was aground at the com- 
mencement of the action, she was hauled off by the Stepping Stones; 
and after a severe battle of four hours, they silenced the battery and 



EVENTS DURING APRIL, 1863. 491 

captured six guns. Oa the SOtli, another Eebel battery on the Nanse- 
mond was silenced, after a spirited contest, by the Commodore Barney 
and the Morris. 

Turning to the movements of the Union land forces, we find that while 
all is quiet, or apparently so, on the Eappahannock, and in the department 
of the South, there is some activity in the Western departments, espe- 
cially in those of the Cumberland, Missouri, the frontier, and the Gulf. 
"We will notice these in chronological order, as, though few of them were 
of very great or decisive importance, they served to keep up the martial 
spirit of the men, and to maintain a constant watchfulness on both sides. 

In the department of the Cumberland, on the 2d of April, General 
Stanley, chief of cavalry of General Eosecrans' army, left Murfreesboro 
with about thirty-five hundred men, two thousand of them cavalrj'-, to 
attack Morgan's and Wharton's Eebel regiments of cavalry and infantry 
at Snow Hill, Tennessee. They met the Eebels at first nefJ? Auburn, and 
drove them back with considerable loss to Smith's ford and Dry Fork, 
from both which places they were compelled to retreat after a brief re- 
sistance. They then fell back to Snow Hill, where they made a stand, 
but were flanked, and their lines broken by the second and fourth Ohio 
cavalry, and finally fled in great disorder, with a loss of fifty killed and 
wounded, sixty prisoners, and three hundred horses. 

On the 6th of April, General E. B. Mitchell, with three hundred and 
fifty cavahy, made a descent from Nashville on Green Hill, Tennessee, 
and broke up a, Eebel camp there, killing five, and taking fifteen prisoners, 
with all the arms, horses, and equipments in the camp. 

On the 11th of April, the Eebel General Van Dorn made an attack he 
had long threatened upon Franklin, Tennessee, with a large force, but 
was held at bay for an hour or more by the infantry and cavalry pickets 
and regiments on guard ; and when these fell back the Eebels marched 
up within short range of the Union batteries, which opened upon them 
with murderous effect, literally strewing the ground with men and horses. 
General Stanley, who had been in reserve on the Murfreesboro road, was 
sent to their rear, and moved down upon them with great energy, captur- 
ing six pieces of artillery and two hundred prisoners ; but afterward, 
Owingto the unfavorable character of the country for cavalry operations, lost 
most of these. Van Dorn's forces, were however, repulsed on all sides, and 
driven until darkness put an end to the pursuit. The Union loss in 
killed and wounded was less than one hundred, while that of Van Dorn 
was somewhat more than three hundred, of whom nearly one hundred 
were prisoners. On the same day, a skirmish took place between a small 
force of Eebels and some Union troops near Waverly, Tennessee, in 
which twenty-one Eebels, including a major and two captains, were taken 
prisoners. ♦ 

In Eastern Kentucky, a detachment of two hundred of the thirty-ninth 



492 THE CIYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Kentucky mounteil infantry made a forced march on Pikeville, Kentucky, 
on tlie 16th of ^.pril, and after a sharp fight captured sevent3'-eight 
Eebel soldiers, (seventeen of them officers,) with their horses, arms and 
equipments. Thirteen more were captured the same day in Breathitt 
county, Kentucky. On the 17th, a skirmish took place at Bear creek, 
Tennessee, between the Union troops under General Dodge and the 
llebels, which resulted in the rout of the latter with considerable loss. 
On the 19th, three regiments of infantry and one of cavalry left Memphis, 
Tennessee, and meeting Blythe's llebel cavalry, bad a running fight of two 
days with them from Nonconnah to Coldwater river, each side being in 
turn reinforced. The result of the fight was that the Eebels were routed 
with a heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. On the 22d, Mc- 
Minnville, Tennessee, was occupied by the Union forces ; and on the 
25th a fight took place at Duck River Shoals, on the Tennessee river, 
between the Uliion gunboat Lexington and the ram Monarch, and a series 
of strong Rebel batteries on the bank of the river, which resulted in the 
defeat of the Eebels, with a loss of twenty-five killed and wounded. On 
the 27th, a party of Union cavalry from General G. Granger's division of 
the army of the Cumberland, left their camp at Murfreesboro at daybreak, 
and captured the entire Texan legion of Eebel troops, posted at a point 
eight miles from Franklin, Tennessee. 

In the department of Missouri, the guerrillas belonging to Todd's or 
Quautrell's band were guilty of a most dastardly outrage on the 28th of 
March. They stopped the steamer Sam Gaty at Sibley, on the Missouri 
river, before daylight, and going on board killed two and wounded one 
of the soldiers on board belonging to Colonel Penick's regiment, paroled 
all the other soldiers, drove on shore about eighty negroes whom they 
found on board, and shot ten or twelve of them in cold blood, the rest 
making their escape in the darkness, robbed all the passengers of what 
money they had, and compelled them to throw overboard whatever 
there was of government property on board the steamer. The triumph 
of these ruffians was short ; for, on the 2d of April, Major Eansom, of 
the sixth Kansas cavalr}-, attacked the band in Jack.son county, Mis- 
souri, killed seventeen, and hung two, whom he identified as having been 
concerned in this robbery and murder, and took twenty-one of their 
horses, and all their camp equipage, ammunition, stores, etc. He also res- 
cued the negroes whom they bad driven from the boat. 

On the 18th of April, a battle of some magnitude was fought at Fay- 
etteville, Arkansas, a place in which already two or three severe conflicts 
had taken place, while the vicinity had been fought over more thoroughly 
than perhaps any other region of equal extent in the Union. Tlie com- 
batants, in this instance, were the first Arkansas loyal infantry, and the 
first Arkansas loyal cavalry, on the Union side ; and the first and second 
Arkansas Eebel cavalry, a part of Parsons' Texas cavalry, a section of 



■- <'"cn,^ 




EECONNOISSANCE TO PASCAGOULA. MISSISSIPPI. 493 

artillery, and several companies of bushwhackers, making in all about 
two thousand men, under the command of the Rebel General W. L. Ca- 
bell. The Union troops were under the command of Colonel M. La Rue 
Harrison. The Rebels made a forced march over Boston Mountain 
during the night, hoping to surprise the Union force, and approached the 
town a few minutes after sunrise. Colonel Harrison was on the alert, 
and when the Rebel cavalry charged upon his men they were promptly 
and gallantly repulsed. The battle continued from sunrise to near noon, 
when the Rebels, having lost about forty killed, sixty wounded, and 
fifty-five prisoners, retreated in great haste toward Ozark. The Union 
loss was four killed, twenty-six wounded, sixteen prisoners, and thirty- 
five missing. 

On the 20th of April, Colonel Smart, the Union commander at Patter- 
son, Missouri, who had a force of about four hundred men at that point, 
was attacked by a force of nearly two thousand Rebels, and compelled to 
retreat to Big creek, about eight miles distant, but saved most of bis 
stores, ammunitions, etc., by skilful management and desperate fighting. 
His loss was about fifty in killed, wounded, and missing, in the engage- 
ments. He succeeded in crossing the creek in good order, and the enemy 
did not renew the attack. In the Department of the Gulf, early in April, 
Colonel N. U. Daniels, of the second regiment of Louisiana volunteers, 
stationed at Ship island, having learned that the greater part of the Rebel 
forces at Mobile were to be sent to reinforce Charleston, determined to 
make a reconnoissance within the Rebel lines at Pascagoula, Mississippi — 
a town of some importance, situated on the Mississippi sound — with a 
view of creating a diversion of the Rebel troops from Charleston, and se- 
curing their detention in the vicinity of Mississippi sound. Accordingly, 
he embarked on the 9th of April, with a detachment of one hundred and 
eighty men of his command, on board of the United States transport 
General Banks, and landed at Pascagoula at nine A. M., and took posses- 
sion of the town, throwing out pickets, and holding by small detachments, 
the roads leading to it. The Rebels at once sent about three hundred 
cavalry and one hundred infantry to drive out the invaders, and advanced 
a large body of troops to a point within six miles of the town. The cav- 
alry attacked Colonel Daniels' troops with great fury, but were repulsed 
with considerable loss ; they came up a second time, accompanied by the 
infantry, and placing the women and children in front of the houses for a 
cover, fired from the windows of the dwellings upon the Union troops, 
but were again repulsed, and with more loss than before. A third time 
they came up with further reinforcements, but were for the third time 
driven back. Finding that they were bringing up a large body of troops 
and having accomplished the object intended, of compelling them to 
divert their troops from Charleston, Colonel Daniels took advantage of 
their retreat to withdraw his men, quietly and in good order, on board of 



494 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the transport, and returned to Ship island. His loss was two killed, and 
eight wounded. The Eebel loss was over twenty killed, and a large 
number wounded. 

A much more important action, and one which from its magnitude 
and results is worthy of detailed description, was the expedition into the 
Attakapas country, in Louisiana, resulting in the series of engagements 
known collectively as the battle of the Teche. 

The region lying along the Bayou Teche, the Atchafalaya river, and 
Grand Lake, and comprising the parishes of St. JEary's, St. Martin's, St. 
Landry, and Lafayette, is usually denominated by Louisianians the 
"Attakapas country," and is regarded as the garden of the State. It had 
been the favorite camping-ground of the Eebels, and from it they had 
made repeated attacks upon those portions of the State held by the Union 
troops — the facility of communication with the Mississippi by means of 
the Atchafalaya river, and with other parts of the State by different 
water-courses, rendering its possession of great importance to them. 
During the winter and early spring, they had succeeded in capturing the 
Diana, one of the Union gunboats on the Mississippi, and also one of the 
ram fleet, the Queen of the West, and had taken them from the Missis- 
sippi, through the Atchafixlaya, into Grand Lake, where, having thor- 
oughly repaired and strengthened them, they were preparing to use them 
effectively against the Union ports of Brashear City, Berwick, and, if op- 
portunity offered. New Orleans. They had also procured a steamer of 
great strength and speed, which they had plated with railroad iron, and 
named the Hart, which they bad almost completed, to add to their formida- 
ble iron-clad fleet. 

General Banks deemed it best to break up this nest of Rebels, and de- 
stroy their fleet of iron-clads before they succeeded in coming out into the 
Gulf, or the Mississippi, and accomplishing serious mischief Ilaving 
ascertained that their laud forces numbered about eight thousand— a large 
])ortiou of them cavalry — he moved from Berwick City, on the 11th of 
April, with the division of General Emory, and the brigade of General 
Weitz;ul, toward Pattersonville, on the Bayou Teche, having despatched, 
the same day. General Grover's division from Brashear City by a number 
of transports, tug-boats, etc., convoyed by the gunboats Clifton, Estrella, 
Arizona, and Calhoun, up the Atchafalaya and Grand Lake, to attack the 
enemy in the rear. The column commanded by General Banks had con- 
stant skirmishing from Berwick city to Pattersonville, and at the latter 
place encountered the enemy in considerable force, on Sunday, the 12th, 
when a severe battle ensued, mainly with artillery, in which the Eebel 
gunboat Diana took a prominent part. The Rebel forces were on both 
sides of the Teche, and the firing was continued with great spirit till dark, 
when the opposing forces encamped on the battle-field. The battle was 
renewed at half-past six on the morning of the 13th — there having beea 



THE BATTLE ON THE TECHB. 



495 



picket skirmishing all night — by the Eebels, with a large infantry and 
cavalry force, for the purpose of regaining possession of a sugar-house and 
a piece of woods, from which they had been driven during the night. 
Their artillery also opened with great fury on the Union troops, the 
Diana, as before, taking part in the fight. The brigade of General Paine, 
of Emory's division, were in the advance, and, though at first without 
artillery supports, and under this galling and terrible fire, succeeded in 
driving the Eebels back to their breastworks, though not without con- 
siderable loss. They were then reinforced by Mack's, McLafliu's, and 
Healy's batteries, and the Rebel batteries silenced ; the Diana was dis- 
abled by shells passing through her iron plating, steam-chest, and Avheel- 
houses, killing a number of her ofiBcers and crew, and compelled to with- 
draw up the Teche. Colonel Gooding, commanding one of the brigades 
of Emory's division, was sent across the Teche, and drove the Eebels 
before him. Before ten o'clock the enemy were driven back along the 
whole line to their breastworks, and made no further attempt to secure 
the coveted point — the woods and sugar-house — for the possession of 
which they had made their morning attack. The Union troops now 
moved forward to the breastworks, and bringing up their batteries, com- 
menced an attack upon them. The Eebel position was one of great 
strength, extending on the west side of the Teche from the river to a 
dense mass of woods, and on the east side of the river from the Teche to 
Grand Lake, effectually preventing any flanking movement. For the 
defence of this fortification they had, on the west side, Valverde's and 
Semmes' batteries, both of heavy metal, and a number of single guns, 
rifled and of large calibre ; and on the east, fourteen or fifteen guns. 
The Union batteries succeeded in silencing part of the guns of the Eebels 
on the east side, and the infantry moved forward to attack them at mas- 
ket-range, but were met by a terrible cross-fire from both sides of the 
river, and were compelled to lie down in the plantation ditches ; but 
soon moved still nearer, and compelled the enemy to expose his infantry 
force to drive them back. This was a part of General Banks' design, in 
order to ascertain their strength in infantry. It was expected by the 
troops that an assault on the enemy's works would now be ordered, and 
General Paine's brigade formed in two lines for this purpose ; but Gen- 
eral Banks deemed it best to wait till morning — it was now half-past five 
P. M. — when the gunboat Clifton, which had just arrived, could co-operate 
in the attack. 

On the west side of the Teche, the third brigade of Emory's division, 
commanded by Colonel Gooding, had, after a hard day's fighting, succeeded 
in carrying the enemy's outworks, and driving them back with very heavy 
loss. 

During the night of Monday, the entire Eebel force evacuated their po- 
sition in such hot haste as to leave theii' cannon unspiked, and made the 



496 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

best of their way up the Teche, the cavalry remaining in the rear to pro- 
tect their retreat. On ascertaining this early in the morning, General 
Banks ordered an immediate pursuit. 

General Grover, meantime, had ascended the Atchafalaya and Grand 
Lake with his division, and crossed to the Teche, with the intention of 
following that stream down, to come upon the rear of the Rebels with 
whom General Banks was fighting. At a point some distance above 
Franklin he encountered a small body of the Rebels with some artillery, 
who, however, retreated after a slight skirmish, and on their retreat at- 
tempted to destroy two bridges over the Teche, but were prevented from 
accomplishing their purpose by the Union cavalry and artillery. 

The Union forces pushed on till night, when they bivouacked on the 
banks of the river. On Monday morning, April 13th, at about seven 
o'clock, the advance reached Irish Bend, a sharp bend of the Teche, about 
eleven miles above the point where General Banks was engaged with the 
enemy. Ilere, on the edge of a dense line of woods, they found the Rebels 
in position and in large force. A sharp conflict ensued, in which the 
third brigade of General Grover's division, commanded by Colonel Birge, 
was, after a time, driven back a short distance; but General Dwight, of 
the first brigade, coming up with his command, moved forward with such 
firmness as to sweep the enemy before him, taking over one hundred pris- 
oners. After a breathing time of an hour or two, the whole division ad- 
vanced upon the enemy's main position, with a view of carrying it by 
assault ; but on their approach the Rebels evacuated their works, and re- 
treated to the woods and cane-brakes, having first set fire to the gunboat 
Diana, which had been disabled by the batteries below, and also to the 
transports Gossamer, Newsboy, and Era No. 2, large river-steamers, which 
they had seized and converted to their use. The retreat was accomplished 
in such a way as to prevent effectual pursuit. The Rebel force here en- 
gaged had been, according to the testimony of prisoners, about five thou- 
sand, and they had come up the river with the intention of defeating and 
driving General Grover's division across the Bayou Teche before General 
Banks could arrive to form a junction with him. They had been signally 
defeated in this intention, and had lost between three and four hundred in 
killed and wounded, beside about one hundred and fifty prisoners. The 
Union loss in killed and wounded in Grover's division was not far from 
four hundred. Immediately on the retreat of the enemy a reconnoitering 
force was sent out, which met a courier from General Banks' army, who 
announced the retreat of the enemy from the Beasland plantation, where 
the battles of the 12th and 13th had been fought. General Banks sent his 
cavalry and artillery, supported by two infantry brigades, early Tuesday 
morning in pursuit of the flying foe, and they proceeded on both sides of 
the Teehe, the Clifton aiding in the pursuit as far as possible. On the ap- 
proach.of our troops to Franklin, the Hart, the new Rebel iron-clad, was 



COMPLETE ROUT OP THE REBELS ON THE TECHE.. 497 

towed across the Teche, scuttled, and fired by tlie Eebe^s to prevent her 
falling into the hands of the Union troops ; her armament, consisting of 
two heavy guns— one rifled, the other a large brass piece — was saved by 
the Union soldiers. The united force now wholly under General Banks' 
command, pressed on to New Iberia, where five Rebel transports, laden 
with ammunition or commissary stores, were either burned or sunk, and 
the Eebel hospital-boat, Cornie, with a load of wounded, captured, and 
some Union prisoners captured some time before on the Mississippi, and 
found on board of her, released. At Franklin a large foundry, employed 
in casting cannon and gun-carriages for the Rebel army, was taken posses- 
sion of, and another at New Iberia. The New Iberia salt-works, which 
had furnished salt to most of the Rebel States, were also seized. A large 
nufliber of prisoners were taken each day, and the Rebels did not attempt 
to make a stand but once after their retreat on Monday night. This was 
at Bayou Vermillion, on the 17th, and after a short but sharp contest 
they again fled precipitately, destroying the bridges behind them, and 
throwing their guns and ammuniiion into the bayou. On Friday General 
Banks had about fifteen hundred prisoners. He proceeded as far as Ope- 
lousas, the capital of St. Landry parish, when, the Rebel force having 
become so thoroughly scattered and demoralized as to be no longer formi- 
dable, he desisted from further pursuit with his main army, but sent Briga- 
dier-General Dwight on with his brigade to push forward to Alexandria. 
The capture of Bute a la Rose, already mentioned, the key of the Atcha- 
falaya, was also one of the fruits of this expedition, and with the previous 
victoi'ies, secured East Louisiana from invasion or disturbance. General 
Banks reported from Opelousas, on the 28th of April, as the fruits of this 
expedition, two thousand prisoners, two transports, and twenty guns taken, 
and three gunboats and eight transports destroyed. The lo?s of the Rebels 
in killed and wounded was over one thousand. General Banks' loss was 
seventy-seven killed, three hundred and sixty-one wounded, and forty 
missing. 
32 



498 THE CIYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTEE XLIV. 

RAIDS IN BOTH ARMIES — MARMADUKR's EXPEDITION FOR THE CArXCRE OF CAPE GIRARDEAU 
— COLONEL carter's DEMAND FOB THE SURRENDER OF THE TOWN — GENERAL m'NEIL's 
REPLY — MARMADUKE's DEMAND — THE RESULT — FLIGHT OF MARMADCKE, AND PURSUIT 
BY VANDEVER AND m'nEIL — COLONEL STREIOHT's RAID — DIFFICULTIES AND DISASTERS — 
PENETRATES NEARLY TO ROME — IS COMPELLED TO SURRENDER — REBEL TREATMENT OF THE 
OFFICERS OP THE EXPEDITION — COLONEL ORIERSON's RAID — ITS CONTINUED AND WONDER- 
FUL SUCCESS — HIS BRIGADE REACHES BATON ROUGE — RESULTS ACCOMPLISHED BY THE 
EXPEDITION — COLONEL CLAYTON'S RAID — MEETS MARMADUKE — CLAYTON WITH TWO HUN- 
DRED AND THIRTY MEN FIGHTS AND REPELS MARMADUKE'S DIVISION — LIEUTENANT- 
COLONEL JENKINS' FIGHT WITH CARTER'S TEXAS BRIGADE — THE EXPEDITION REACHES 
HELENA IN SAFETY — SKIRMISHES IN WESTERN VIRGINIA — THE AFFAIR AT GREENLAND 
GAP — CAPTURE OF ALEXANDRIA, MISSISSIPPI — SKIRMISH AT MONTICELLO, KENTUCKY. 

The vast extent of territory over which the war extended, the neces- 
sity of railroad lines for the transportation of troops and supplies, and 
the immense quantities of ammunition, quartermasters' and commissary 
stores which were deposited at points, which, though within the lines ot 
the army to which they belonged, were not always adequately protected, 
have oil'ered inducements for expeditions of cavalry, by either army, into 
the territory claimed by the other, on a more extended scale, and to 
greater distances, than have been known in any previous war. 

At first, as was natural, the Rebels possessing a much larger share of 
cavalry than the Union army, these raids, as they were called, were 
mostly made by Rebel cavalry officers upon the towns, depots, or rail- 
roads of the North. Such, for instance, were the repeated raids of Ashby, 
Stuart, and Moseby, in the rear, and occasionally around the army of the 
Potomac ; such the dashing exploits of Morgan, Forrest, and Wheeler, at 
the West. These men were regular officers in the Rebel army, and their 
troops, though sometimes composed in part of citizens — farmers by day, 
within the Union lines, and guerrillas by night — were usually regularly 
enlisted cavalry of that army. In the West, however, there was another 
set of raiders — bushwhackers, as they were called, men not belonging to 
the army, but ruffians, thieves, murderers, and freebooters, who plundered 
indiscriminately, and were guilty of the greatest outrages, murder being 
one of their least criminal offences against society. These men, when 
captured, claimed to belong to the Rebel army, and indeed fought as 
irregular troops in some of its battles, and received its protection ; but, 
being regarded by the Union officers as outlaws, deserving of condign 
punishment, were not always reserved for exchange. To this class be- 
longed Quantrell's gang, whose outrage on the steamer Sam Gaty was 
noticed in a previous chapter. Jeff Thompson's and Marmaduke's bands 



MAEMADUKE'S EXPEDITION TO CAPE GIRAEDEAU. 499 

were nlso largely composed of these ruffians, who swarmed in Missouri 
and Arkansas. 

As the Union armies grew stronger in disciplined cavalry, tliey too 
engaged in cavalry raids or expeditions, not undertaken for purposes of 
plunder, but to break up the enemy's lines of communication, to destroy 
his depots of supplies, and cut off reinforcements to his armies at critical 
periods. The names of Stoneman, Pleasanton, Buford, and Kilpatrick, in 
the army of the Potomac, and of Carter, Stanley, Grierson, Wilson, and 
Clayton, at the West, became as famous for successful expeditions of this 
sort as those of the Eebel partisan leaders. 

Several of these raids took place in the spring of 1863, and in most of 
them the activity, skill, and adroitness of the Union officers placed them 
in favorable contrast with the Rebel raiders. 

The first which we shall notice, in the large number of the troops 
employed was rather the movement of an army to besiege a town than a 
partisan expedition ; but its leader being best known as a partisan leader 
of the most unscrupulous character, and its motives and aims being such 
as usually characterize such expeditions, it is generally known as Marraa- 
dukes raid. The hope of regaining some portion of their lost foothold 
in Missouri had never been relinquished by the Rebels ; and General 
Sterling Price especially, who had sacrificed social position, standing, and 
character, for the sake of participating in the Rebellion, looked from his 
involuntary exile in Arkansas and Mississippi, with longing eyes toward 
the fair cities and towns of his own State, and in every enterprise for 
regaining the control of it was always an active participator. Great 
exertions had been made by the Rebel commanders in the Trans-Missis- 
sippi Department to bring their army, which had been repeatedly defeated 
and routed by Generals Blunt, Herron, and Banks, up to a degree of 
efficiency, in numbers at least, equal to that of the Union army in that 
I'egion. By gathering to their standard large numbers of the bush- 
whackers or outlaws of whom we have spoken, by a rigid and severe 
military conscription, and by bringing into the field all the Texan troops 
which could be raised, they had succeeded in assembling a force respecta- 
ble in numbers, if in nothing else. The command of the first army corps 
of this army was assigned to General Price ; and at his earnest solicitation 
it was sent at once into southeastern Missouri, to plunder the towns of that 
region, to seize the large quantities of ammunition and stores belonging 
to the United States Government at Cape Girardeau, and, perhaps, should 
fortune favor, to attack St. Louis. For some reason, General Price does 
not seem to have led this army in person, but confided it to General 
Marmaduke. The first considerable town reached by this marauding 
army was Fredericktown, on the headwaters of the St. Francis, from 
which place there is a good road to Cape Girardeau, at that time a large 
depot of quartermasters' and commissary stores. The post was under the 



500 THE CnTL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

command of Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer, of tbe first Nebraska infantry, 
and had a garrison of five hundred men, mostly of his regiment, though 
there were a few artillerymen of the second Missouri artillery also in the 
town. General McNeil, of the Missouri State militia, a brave and skilful 
officer, was at Bloomfield, Missouri, with twelve hundred men and six 
pieces of artillery ; and having received intelligence of Marmaduke's 
entry into Missouri and appearance at Fredericktown, started thither in 
search of him; but on reaching Dallas, thirty-five miles from Cape 
Girardeau, he became so strongly impressed with the belief that Marma- 
duke would attack that city, that he marched his force thither with all 
speed, reaching it himself on the 23d of April, and bringing his troops 
in the next day. He also established communications the same day with 
St. Louis, and asked for reinforcements and gunboats. The whole force 
now under his command, including Lieutenant-Colonel Baumer's regi- 
ment, was seventeen hundred ; and, including his own artillery, there were 
sixteen guns, of various calibres, three or four of them rifled twelve 
pounders. The town had four, so-called, forts for its defence — earthworks 
of the simplest form, over which cavalry could ride without difficulty ; 
and there was no time for adding materially to these defences, for on 
Saturday morning, the 26th of April, Marmaduke advanced with his 
force of ten thousand, divided into four brigades, with the intention of 
carrying the place by storm. 

General McNeil had already planted his batteries and stationed his sharp- 
shooters to as much advantage as possible, and awaited the attack. When 
the enemy approached, he advanced his artillery to within four hundred 
yards of their line, and stationing his sharpshooters as supports, he poured 
such a terrible fire upon their advancing columns that they were checked, 
fell back, and in spite of the urgencj' of their officers, could not be induced 
to face the deadly fire again. They retreated out of range after an action 
of little over an hour ; and some reinforcements arrived for the Union 
force from St. Louis about the same time. Determined to defend the town 
to the last. General McNeil had caused all the government stores, etc., to 
be removed across the river into Illinois, and had sent away the women 
and children ; and thus prepared, he, with his little force, resolved to fight 
it out with the invaders. At ten o'clock Saturday evening the Union 
pickets reported the arrival of a flag of truce from the Eebel camp. It 
was not allowed to come nearer to the town than three miles, and the fol- 
lowing letter was transmitted by it : 

" Headquarters Fourth Division, near Cape Girardeau, 

"April 25, 1863. 
" To the officer commanding United States forces in and around Cape 
Girardeau : 
"Sir: — By order of Major-General Sterling Price, commanding, I 



DEMAND FOR THE SUERENDER OP CAPE GIRARDEAU. 501 

formally demand of you the immediate surrender, unconditionally, of the 
troops in Cape Girardeau and the adjoining forts, together with all the 
ammunition, stores, and other property belonging to the United States, in 
the same. If the surrender is made, I pledge myself to treat the troops 
as prisoners of war, and to parole and exchange them as soon as practi- 
cable. I shall scrupulously protect private property ; no difference will 
be made in this particular between parties, whether Union or Southern in 
sentiment. One half hour is allowed for your decision. Colonel Watson, 
commanding second Texas cavalry brigade, who bears the flag of truce, 
will present this demand, and wait for your reply. 
" I am, sir, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" G. "W. Carter, 

* "Colonel-Commanding Fourth Division, First Army Corps, 

Trans-Mississippi Department." 

Colonel Strachan, General McNeil's chief of staff, who had been deputed 
1,0 receive the flag of truce, requested "Watson to tell Colonel Carter that 
he must credit General McNeil with twenty-nine minutes, as one was 
sufficient for reply, and at once wrote the following : 

" To G. IF. Carter, Colonel- Commanding First Army Corps, Trans-Mississippi 
Department : 
" Sir : — I am instructed by General John McNeil to decline your demand 
for the surrender of the post of Cape Girardeau. He thinks himself able to 
maintain its possession. I have the honor to be, etc., 

" William E. Strachan, 

" Colonel and Chief of Staff." 

The little garrison lay on their arms that night, and the next morning, 
Sunday, April 26th, awaited an attack from the Rebels. At about fifteen 
minutes after ten A. M., they opened fire upon the town with two bat- 
teries, one posted on the Bloomfleld, the other on the Jackson road. Soon 
after the engagement commenced another flag of truce was announced, 
and the following letter brought in : 

"Headquarters Confederate States Forces, 
" District of Southeast Missouri, 

"April 26, 1863. 
" General : — I have this moment arrived, and learn that Colonel 
Carter has demanded the surrender of the forces in Cape Girardeau, the 
fortlScations, and government property, which demand you have declined. 
With my combined forces now surrounding Cape Girardeau, I deem it an 
easy task to storm and capture the town, and I, therefore, reiterate the 
demand that you immediately surrender to me unconditionally your 
command. 



502 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

"In case the demand is not immediately complied with, I request that 
you will inform all non-combatants in the town to provide for their safety, 
as I will immediately proceed to attack your position and storm the 
works. Major Henry Ewing, adjutant-general, is intrusted as the bearer 
of this flag of truce. 

"I am, general, very respectfully, 

"J. Marmaduke, 

"Brigadier-Qeneral Commanding. 
"Brigadier-General McNeil, 

"Commanding D. S. Forces in Cape Girardeau." 

The Eebel adjutant-general was stopped, as his predecessor had been, 
at a distance from the town, and knowing the base uses which Marmaduke 
had made on previous occasions of the flag of truce, Greneral McNeil 
ordered the firing to be continued, and gave the verbal answer to the 
insulting demand of the Eebel general, that he had already removed the 
women and children, and that, so far from surrendering, he should defend 
the place to the last extremity. The adjutant-general attempting to 
remonstrate. General McNeil told him that the Rebels had had their 
answer the evening before, and that any further discussion was super- 
fluous. A sharp action ensued, in which, however, the reinforcements 
from St. Louis took no part, nor did the gunboats, which came up a little 
after noon, fire a shot; for at thirty minutes past two P. M., Marmaduke 
was retreating with heavy loss. The fire of the little garrison had been 
too steady and well directed for his bushwhackers to endure. At first 
General McNeil supposed that he had withdrawn with the intention of 
making a night attack, and the whole force was kept on the alert through 
the night to repel it ; but when Monday morning came, and no enemy 
was in sight, he reconnoitred, and finding that they had fled, made imme- 
diate preparations for pursuit. During the afternoon General McNeil 
marched with his wearied men sixteen miles to Whitewater, and found 
the bridge destroyed by the enemy, and that General Vandever, his 
ranking officer, had made a feeble pursuit, engaged the enemy, and lost 
quite a number of his troops as prisoners. The bridge was repaired in 
three hours, and McNeil pushed on ten miles, and had nearly come up 
with the enemy, when an orderly arrived from General Vandever, who 
had not left Whitewater, ordering them to halt. Finally, the column was 
allowed to press forward, and had again come within three miles of the 
enem}' when they were again halted. The pursuit was continued in this 
way for three da3's; and though there were occasional skirmishes with 
their rear guard, yet whenever the Union troops approached near enough 
to make an engagement imminent. General Vandever was sure to order a 
halt ; and thus the Rebels made good their escape into Arkansas with 
their artillery, and with a less severe punishment than they should have 
received. 



E^ID OF COLONEL STKEIGHT THROUGH GEORGIA. 503 

The next raid was one led by a Union officer, and, for the energy and 
ability with which it was couducted, deserved a better fate than befell the 
brave men who composed the expeditionary force. General Eosecrans, 
desirous of ascertaining the real condition of affairs among the Eebels in 
northern Georgia, and of cutting their communications by which rein- 
forcements were sent to General Bragg, then lying at Tullahoma, and 
destroying a large foundry, the Eound Mountain Iron Works, where 
cannon and munitions of war were cast for the Eebel army, determined 
to send a cavalry expedition into Georgia by way of Tuscumbia, Alabama. 
He selected for this purpose Colonel A. D. Streight, of Indiana, and as he 
could spare but little of his cavalry force — the greater part of it being 
required to hold in check the enemy's partisan officers, who were con- 
stantly dashing into prominent towns of Tennessee and southern Ken- 
tucky — he assigned to him two companies of the Tennessee cavalry, 
composed of loyal Alabamians, and four regiments of infantry— the fifty- 
first and the seventy-third Indiana, eightieth Illinois, and third Ohio — 
who were to be mounted for the expedition. There was great difficulty 
in procuring horses for this force. On the 11th of April they were sent 
down the Cumberland from Nashville, and up the Tennessee to Eastport; 
and on landing, not one half of the whole number were mounted, and 
many of those who were had only broken-down mules, which could not 
endure two consecutive days of travel. On the 24:th, following in the 
rear of General Dodge's forces, they reached Tuscumbia, Alabama, where 
a further quantity of worn-out mules and wagon-horses were received, 
but not enough to mount the whole brigade, about two hundred and fifty 
being still obliged to go on foot. At three o'clock on the morning of the 
27th, the brigade started for Eusselville, eighteen miles from Tuscumbia, 
through a country which had been deluged by recent heavy rains. Their 
object in moving in this direction was to obtain as many good horses as 
possible to mount the men, as, if this was not accomplished, the expedition 
would be of little service. 

It was found that the inhabitants of Lawrence and Morgan counties, 
having had information of the object of the expedition, had concealed 
their horses and mules in the mountains, and very few could be obtained. 
The brigade finally reached Moulton on the 28th of April, still poorly 
mounted, and a few of the men yet on foot. Ilere they learned that the 
Eebels, under command of Colonel Eoddy, a well known cavalry officer, 
were advancing on them. As, however, General Dodge's column was 
advancing also, and was likely to be more than a match for Eoddy, they 
felt little apprehension, but moved before daylight on the 29th from 
Moulton, in order to avoid a collision with the Eebel troops, which might 
delay their ultimate purpose, and reached Day's gap before night, where 
they camped and rested. On the morning of the 30th of April, soon 
after leaving camp, the Eebels commenced firing on their rear guard with 



504 TUE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

two pieces of artillery. Selecting a favorable position on the crest of a 
hill, and dismounting his men, Colonel Streight directed them to await 
the approach of the enemy, and not to fire till they came very near. He 
had two small pieces of artillery, which were under the charge of Lieu- 
tenant Pave}'-, an experienced artillery officer. The Rebels moved up 
boldly, bringing up their artillery very close, but fired without precision, 
and their shells went over the heads of the Union troops. "When they 
had approached sufficiently near, Colonel Streiglit opened upon them with 
his artillery, and at the same time ordered a charge, which was made with 
great effect, killing and wounding seventy-five of the Rebels, and cap- 
turing their two pieces of artillery and a considerable number of horses. 
The Union loss was one killed and twenty wounded, some of them mor- 
tally. Fearing lest the Rebels might be largely reinforced, and return to 
the attack, Colonel Streight moved forward, leaving his wounded in the 
care of a surgeon and nurses. This apprehension proved to be well 
founded. The enemy, reinforced till they numbered about three thousand 
pursued, and at three o'clock in the afternoon again attacked the rear of 
Colonel Streight's force as they were crossing a small creek. 

Forming his men in line of battle, the Union commander again aw)iited 
their approach ; and as they came forward very boldy, in consequence of 
their superior numbers, he again poured upon thern a terrific fire, and 
charging upon them with great fury, repulsed them with heavy loss. 
They fell back for a time, but approached again on both flanks, and suc- 
ceeded in so far turning the Union right as to subject the troops to a 
galling cross-fire and compel the centre to fall back, with the loss of the 
two pieces of artillery which had been captured in the morning, though 
not until their ammunition was entirely exhausted and the cannon spiked. 
The Union troops, after falling back a few rods, held their position in- 
flexibly, and with their two small brass cannon and their carbines in- 
flicted severe losses on the enemy. Their own loss was but slight, two killed 
and several slightly wounded. Darkness put an end to the conflict, and 
Colonel Streight again moved on, the Rebels receiving further reinforce- 
ments just as he left. Expecting to be followed, on reaching a favorable 
situation he disposed his men in ambush, on both sides of the road, and 
waited for the enemy to come up. After two hours' delay, as they did not 
come, he again pushed forward, and arrived at Blountsville, the county 
scat of Blount county, on the Locust fork of the Black Warrior, at noon. 
May 1st, both men and animals being nearly exhausted with watching, 
fatigue, and hunger. Stopping here for two hours, rations were issued to 
the men, and ammunition distributed. All the wagons but one were 
burned, and the ammunition put upon the backs of pack-mules. At three 
P. M. the brigade was again on the move, and had not proceeded far when 
skirmishing again commenced in the rear. Selecting his position on the 
bank of a .stream, the commander again formed his men in line of battle, 



FINAL MOVEMENTS OF COLONEL STREIGHT. 505 

and again repulsed the enemy, whose advance only had yet come up, 
This accomplished, he again moved forward, and continued his course till 
twelve o'clock that night, when he stopped and rested till daylight. On 
resuming his march, he found that the enemy's skirmishers were still 
upon his rear, and annoyed his troops. During the forenoon the brigade 
passed Gadsden, on the Coosa river, stopping only long enougli to destroy 
a large quantity of commissary stores collected there by the Rebels. It 
had been expected that a small steamer would be found here, on which a 
detachment of men could be placed, and sent to Rome, Georgia, to hold the 
place till the brigade arrived ; but there was no steamer in the vicinity, 
and the wearied troops followed the north side of the Coosa, toward Rome. 
The animals were becoming very much exhausted, and several of the men 
falling in rear of the gaurd were taken prisoners ; and to prevent this the 
whole body were compelled to proceed very slowly. 

At about one o'clock, p. M., May 2d, the Rebels again attacked the rear ; 
but the coolness and bravery of the rear-guard, assisted by one piece of 
artillery, kept them at a respectful distance. Arriving soon after at 
Blount's Farm, which was well provided with corn. Colonel Streight 
ordered the animals to be sent forward and fed, while one or two regi- 
ments, dismounted, held the enemy at bay. The Rebels were nearer, 
however, than was supposed, and attacked the men before they were in 
position, killing Colonel Hathaway of the seventy-third Indiana regiment 
in their first onset. They were repulsed, after a time, with considerable 
loss, but continued to skirmish briskly. From this point Colonel Streight 
sent two hundred men, in command of Captain M. Russell, to Rome, to 
take and hold it till the brigade should come up. Owing to delay in ferry- 
ing a stream, they did not arrive before the town till nine A. M. the next 
day, and then found that the citizens had been advised of their advance, 
and had torn up the bridge across the Coosa, and that the town was pro- 
tected by a considerable force and four pieces of artillery. Finding it im- 
possible to gain possession of the town. Captain Russell slowly retreated 
to rejoin the main force. Meantime, Colonel Streight had held the enemy 
in check at Blount's Farm till late in the evening, and during this time 
had sent on the pack-mules and a part of his force to cross two tributaries 
of Coosa river. At the first ford it was expected that a ferry-boat would 
be found on which the ammunition could be crossed, but it had been taken 
away by the Rebels, and after a delay of several hours the train proceeded 
two or three miles up the creek to a point where there was an unsafe ford 
with a rapid current. In crossing this most of the ammunition was wetted 
and ruined. At the left of the road, about a mile distant, were the Round 
Mountain Iron AVorks, already referred to, where large quantities of can- 
non and munitions of war were cast for the Rebel Government. These 
were burned to the ground, and all the machinery effectually destroyed 
At the second tributary of the Coosa was a bridge, which was destroyed 



506 THE CIVIL WAR EST THE UNITED STATES. 

as soon as tbe Union forces had crossed ; and believing that two streams 
were now between them and the enemy, the commander halted his men 
two miles beyond Cedar Bluffs to rest and feed their animals, and prepare 
their rations ; but tliey had hardly dismounted before they were again 
disturbed by firing upon their rear-gaurd. Once more, wearied and jaded 
as they were, they promptly formed in line, when a flag of truce came up, 
demanding a surrender. Colonel Streight refused ; but the officer who 
bore the flag of truce assured him that General Forrest, with five thousand 
men and several batteries advantageously posted, had surrounded them, 
and that they were at his mercy. Colonel Streight demanded to be per- 
mitted to go round their lines and see for himself whether their represen- 
tations were correct. This was allowed ; and finding that, with his ammu- 
nition damaged by water, and his men exhausted by fatigue, he could not 
hope to force his way through their lines and escape, he surrendered, first 
drawing up his men in line, and stating to them the reasons which led 
him to do so. The men gave three cheers for him, showing their confi- 
dence in him as a leader. The prisoners were first taken to Home; and 
then, after a litte delay, sent thence to Richmond, where the men were ex- 
changed, but the officers were subjected to gross indignities, the Rebel 
Government refusing to exchange them, and treating them with the ut- 
most cruelty. It was said that the Governor of Georgia claimed them as 
felons, in consequence of several negroes being found with them when they 
surrendered. During this unsuccessful raid the brigade had lost twelve 
killed and sixty-nine wounded. The number surrendered was one hundred 
and one officers, and one thousand three hundred and sixty-five privates ; 
in all, one thousand four hundred and sixty-six. The Rebel loss in killed 
and wounded exceeded five hundred. 

Another expedition sent out during the same month, under General 
Grant's sanction, was more successful, and indeed, surpassed, in the extent 
of country traversed, the damage inflicted upon the enemy, and the com- 
pleteness of its achievements, any previous raid of the war, on either 
side. 

General Grant being about to transfer his operations for the reduction 
of the stronghold of Vicksburg to the region below that city, was desirous 
of effectually breaking the railroad communications of the Rebels with 
Vicksburg, in all directions, and thus preventing them from obtaining 
reinforcements or supplies of ammunition, arms, or quartermasters' and 
commissary stores. For this purpose, he detailed Colonel B. H. Grierson, 
an enterprising and skilful cavalry officer, then in command of the first 
cavalry brigade, composed of the sixth and seventh Illinois, and the 
second Iowa cavalry, to make an expedition into Mississippi, and cut the 
Mobile and Ohio, the New Orleans and Jackson, and the Meridian and 
Vicksburg railroads, and to destroy or capture such supplies as he might 
find on his route. The cavalry force under Colonel Grierson's command 



CAVALKY RAID INTO MISSISSIPPI. 507 

was composed of picked men, well mounted, and with a good supply of 
led horses. Two of the regiments, the seventh Illinois, and the second 
Iowa, had previously, under their present commanders, made expeditions 
into northern Mississippi, and they were men eminently to be relied upon 
for skill and tact in the management of such an enterprise. 

On the 17th of April, the expedition left La Grange, Tennessee, on the 
Memphis and Charleston railroad, near the point where the Mississippi 
Central crosses it, and marched southerly to the vicinity of Ripley, Mis- 
sissippi, a distance of about thirty miles. The next day, they passed 
through Ripley to New Albany, and camped four miles south of that 
town. At Ripley, Colonel Hatch, with his regiment, the second Iowa, 
had been detached to move eastwardly, and then southwardly, to cross the 
Tallahatchie about five miles above the New Albany, and then rejoin the 
brigade six miles below that town. This was accomplished without any 
incident. From this point regiments and parts of regiments were sent in 
different directions to scour the country, and ascertain the location of 
Rebel troops, supplies, etc., and rejoin the brigade at night. Several 
prisoners were taken, and horses in such quantities, that about one hun- 
dred and fifty men, with a considerable number of led horses, were sent 
back to La Grange on the 20th. On the 21st, Colonel Hatch and the 
second Iowa regiment, were directed to turn eastward from Clear Springs, 
which had been their camping ground the night before, and proceed 
toward Columbus, destroying as much of the Mobile and Ohio railroad as 
possible. They marched about twenty-five miles southeast from Houston 
on the route to Columbus, encountered a force of about eight hundred 
Rebel cavalry, armed with shot-guns, whom they repulsed with their 
rifles and a small cannon they had with them, and then turning directly 
north, crossed a swamp, swam a deep creek, and at sunset of the 23d 
entered Okalona, on the Mobile and Ohio railroad, entirely unexpected 
by all, as, the day previous, a large body of southern cavalry and artillery 
had gone south in pursuit of them. Here they destroyed the depots, 
barracks, and Rebel Government storehouses, and tore up the railroad 
track for a long distance, heating and bending the rails. Private property 
was scrupulously respected. Thence they continued northward, destroy- 
ing the track and bridges on the railroad, and reached La Grange some 
days later. Meanwhile, Colonel Grierson continued to move southward, 
with the sixth and seventh Illinois, camping on the night of the 21st, 
eight miles south of Starkville. 

On the morning of the 22d, Captain Forbes, of Company C, seventh 
Illinois, was detached with thirty-five men to cut the Mobile and Ohio 
railroad and the telegraph between Okalona and Macon as near Macon as 
possible, with instructions, if he found a force at Macon, to try to cross 
the Okanoxubee river, and move toward Decatur in Newton county by 
the shortest route. Captain Forbes found a Rebel force at Macon, and 



/ 

608 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

followed his directions, moving upon the trail of the brigade to Newton, 
where he was informed they had gone to Enterprise, on the Mobile and 
Ohio railroad. He pushed on to Enterprise, and marched into the town, 
where he found about three thousand Rebel troops just landing from the 
cars. Raising a flag of truce and riding boldly forward, he demanded the 
surrender of the Rebel troop.s, in the name of Colonel Grierson. The 
Rebel commander, Colonel Goodwin, asked an liour to consider the 
proposition, and wished to know where Captain Forbes would be at that 
time. The captain answered that he would go back with the reply to 
the reserve, which he did with all speed, having first ascertained the 
strength of the enemy. As may be imagined, he did not return at the 
expiration of the hour to learn the decision of the Rebel commander. 

Colonel Grierson had also detached, the same day, Captain Graham, 
with one battalion, to burn a Rebel shoe-manufactory, which was supply- 
ing shoes to the Rebel army. He succeeded in destroying several thousand 
pairs of boots and shoes, and a large quantity of hats and leather, and 
captured a Rebel quartermaster from Port Hudson, who was there procuring 
supplies for his regiment. Colonel Grierson and the remainder of his troops 
moved on to a point ten miles below Louisville, a distance of fifty-seven 
miles, eight miles of it through the swamps of the Okanoxubee, at this time 
overflowed with water, and having numerous deep mire-holes, in which 
about twenty of the horses were lost. On the 23d they crossed the Pearl 
river, near Philadelphia, preserving the bridge over Pearl river, which 
the Rebels had attempted to destroy. The same day Lieutenant-Colonel 
Blackburn, of the seventh Illinois, was sent forward with two hundred 
men to Decatur, and passing through that place at four A. M. of the 24th, 
reached Newton station, on the Meridian and Vicksburg railroad, at seven 
A. M., and, with the aid of the rest of the command, who came up at nine 
A. M. captured two locomotives and two trains of cars, took seventy-five 
prisoners, burned the bridges and trestles for six miles each side of the sta- 
tion, destroyed two warehouses filled with commissary stores, and four car- 
loads of ammxinition, mostly for heavy artillery. At eleven a. m. the brigade 
moved forward to a plantation twelve miles from Newton, where they 
encamped. During the 25th and 26th they passed through Raleigh and 
Millhaven to "W estville, on their way to the Mississippi and Jackson 
railroad, and on the 27th Colonel Prince, with two hundred men, passed 
on in advance to Hazlehurst on that road, cut the telegraph wires, and 
destroyed a large number of cars, four of them loaded with ammunition. 
This march of twenty-five miles was performed in a drenching rain ; and 
the Georgetown ferry, over Pearl river — a wide and deep stream — crossed, 
the proprietor of the ferry supposing, till the troops were all over, that 
he was serving the first Alabama (Rebel) cavalry, on their way to Vicks- 
burg. 

Colonel Gricrso^ with his main column, moved on through Hazlehurst 



EESULT OP THE RAID INTO MISSISSIPPI. 509 

to Gallatin, and encamped near that town, having on their way captured 
a thirty-two pounder rifled Parrott gun, and fourteen hundred pounds of 
powder, on its way to Grand Gulf. The next day (28th) four companies 
were detached to proceed to Bahala, two miles below Hazlehurst, on the 
New Orleans and Jackson railroad, and destroy the railroad and transpor- 
tation. The sixth Illinois had a skirmish this day — the first during their 
raid — with the Rebels, in which they wounded two and took a number 
of prisoners. On the 29th, before daylight, the four companies came in, 
having performed their mission, and bringing about thirty prisoners. The 
seventh Illinois led the way this day, and charging into Brookhaven — 
another station on the New Orleans and Jackson railroad — burned the 
depot, cars, bridges, etc., and captured and paroled two hundred and one 
prisoners. On the 30th, the sixth Illinois, being in advance, visited 
Bogue Chitto, and burned the depot, bridges, and cars there, and all the 
bridges and trestles between there and Summit, eleven miles below, and 
the cars, and a large amount of property, belonging to the Rebel Gov- 
ernment, at Summit. No private property was destroyed at any of these 
places. 

On the 1st of May, proceeding southwestward, they came to a bridge 
over one of the forks of Amit^ river, where the Rebels had stationed an 
ambush, and Lieutenant-Colonel Blackburn, of the seventh Illinois, was 
severely wounded in attempting to cross the bridge. The enemy were 
put to flight by a few rounds from Smith's battery, and the column 
marched on, and reached and crossed the Amit€ river without opposition 
at ten o'clock p. M. 

On the 2d of May they surprised and burned a Rebel camp at Sandy 
creek bridge, and soon after captured forty-two of Stewart's Mississippi 
cavalry on Comity river, and at noon made their triumphant entry into 
Baton Rouge. 

In this expedition they had in fifteen days marched nearly six hundred 
miles, had cut every railroad in Mississippi, and destroyed most of them 
for miles, had burned the greater part of the cars, and most of the locomo- 
tives on those roads, taken and paroled over five hundred prisoners, 
liberated and brought in over three hundred negroes, and taken a large 
number of excellent horses. Their own loss had been very trifling — none 
killed, and only eight or ten wounded. The communications of the 
Rebels with Yicksburg in all directions had been completely broken up, 
and could not be re-established for weeks; while to restore them to their 
former condition was beyond the power of the Rebel Government. 

After the Rebel General Marmaduke's summary expulsion from Mis- 
souri — already detailed — he remained in Arkansas ; and it was generally 
supposed had made his way toward the northwest of that State, hoping 
for an opportunity to slip from the old battle-grounds, where he had been 
so often repulsed, into Southwestern Missouri. The supposition proved 



1,10 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

erroneous ; for ho was still ia the region lying between the White and St. 
Francis rivers, watching an opportunity for mischief, and contemplating 
a junction with General Sterling Price, who was now second in command 
in the Rebel Trans-Mississippi army, when the two purposed to make 
a descent upon Helena, Arkansas, and drive out the Union forces there 
under the command of General Prentiss. 

Rumors of this purpose on the part of the Rebels had reached General 
Prentiss early in May, and he resolved to ascertain the actual position of 
Price's army, to break up a gang of guerrillas under the command of a 
Colonel Dobbins, and also to destroy any supplies which the Rebels 
might have collected in the region lying between the White and St. 
Francis rivers. For this j)urpose, on the 6th of May, he directed Colonel 
Powell Clayton, of the fifth Kansas cavalry, one of the best partisan 
officers in the West, to take command of a brigade — composed of his own 
regiment, the fifth Illinois cavalr}', the first Indiana cavalry, one section 
of Ilayden's Dubuque battery, one company of the third Iowa cavalry, 
and one thousand infantry under the command of Colonel Rice, of the 
thirty-third Iowa, for an expedition to scour the region between the 
White and St. Francis rivers. 

Colonel Clayton detached the infantry, the section of artillery, and the 
company of Iowa cavalry, under command of Colonel Rice, to take the 
Cotton Plant road, and make a thorough reconnoissance in that vicinity. 
In order to reach this place it became necessary to bridge the Bayou de 
Vue, and believing that it would occupy too much time to construct a 
bridge over this extensive swamp, such as would admit the passage of 
artillery and cavalry, and having ascertained satisfactorily that there 
were no Rebel troops at Cotton Plant, Colonel Rice concluded to return t» 
Mariana, and look after Dobbins, who was said to be in that vicinity. By 
this course, too, he would be within supporting distance of the cavalry, 
should they need his assistance. 

Meantime, Colonel Clayton, with his cavalry force of eleven hundred 
men, had pushed on toward Clarendon, where he ascertained that the 
Rebel General Price was at a point about midway between the Arkansas 
and White rivers, fifty miles from Clarendon, with three brigades of in- 
fantry, and four companies of artillery. From Clarendon Colonel Clayton 
had gone northward, toward the L'Anguille river, by way of the military 
road leading to Memphis. This road crosses the L'Anguille by a cordu- 
roy bridge, which Colonel Clayton deemed it important to guard, as, if they 
were attacked by superior numbers, it would be their only way of escape. 
The Indiana regiment was accordingly detailed to guard it, and Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jenkins, of the fifth Kansas, (who had just returned from 
a dash to a camp of negroes, some eight miles distant, and had brought in 
about twenty,) was sent to Taylor's creek, five miles distant, to recon- 
noitre, and ascertain where Dobbins was. On arriving at Taylor's creek, 



MOVEMENTS OF COLONEL CLAYTON. 511 

Colonel Jenkins learned that Dobbins bad crossed Hughes' ferry, near 
Mount Vernon, some distance up the L'Anguille river, that afternoon, 
and consequently could not be far off. This intelligence he immediately 
communicated by messenger to Colonel Clayton, and went on himself to 
McDaniel's mills, seven miles from the ferry, where he took the proprie- 
tor of the mill (which had been running for the Rebel army all winter) 
prisoner, and destroyed between fifty and sixty thousand bushels of corn. 
Before dawn of the 12th, a negro came into Colonel Jenkins' camp, and 
brought the unexpected and startling news that General Marmaduke, 
with his whole command, was encamped not more than twenty-five miles 
up the creek, at Wittsburgh, and that this plan had been devised to cut 
ofi" the entire expedition; Colonel Dobbins was to be at Hughes' ferry 
with five hundred men to dispute their crossing, while Marmaduke 
moved down a strong force to attack them in rear. At first Colonel Jen- 
kins was inclined to disbelieve the report, but further examination of the 
negro convinced him of its truth, and he immediately despatched a second 
messenger to Colonel Clayton with it. That officer, on the receipt of his 
previous message, had sent him orders to advance at daylight on Dobbins, 
and he would follow as soon as possible. On receiving his second 
message, there seemed to be no other course but to move directly on Mar- 
maduke, and this he did, without informing Colonel Jenkins. This occa- 
sioned him much anxiety, as his instructions to Colonel Jenkins had 
been to meet him at Taylor's creek, where he would await his coming, 
and to do this would have brought him immediately upon Marmaduke's 
force, which now lay between him and Colonel Clayton. But remember- 
ing that Jenkins and his command (the Kansas fifth and the fourth Illi- 
nois) had been thoroughly accustomed, for years, to independent action in 
emergencies, he felt measurably assured that he was informed of Marma- 
duke's position, and would not attempt to return to Taylor's creek, but 
would cross at Hughes' ferry, where he would receive the support of the 
infantry force under Colonel Rice. 

Colonel Clayton's entire force with which he set out to meet Marmaduke, 
consisted of only two hundred and thirty men, (the Indiana cavalry) the 
Illinois and Kansas regiments being with Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins. 
Of these, he was obliged to detail forty as a rear-guard to hold the bridge. 
Marmaduke had three or four brigades, and his advance, which met Col- 
onel Clayton, consisted of an entire brigade. The Kansas officers had, 
however, met Marmaduke too often, and driven him from the field too 
precipitately, to feel much concern about the superiority of numbers he 
could bring against them. Colonel Clayton first found the Rebel general 
near the village of Taylor's Creek, and after a brisk fight, succeeded in 
driving him out of that village, and into a wood beyond. Following him 
promptly, and securing a good position, he fought the Rebels for an hour 
longer, when they fled in disorder. A part of them turned off in a direc- 



512 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tion which Colonel Clayton knew led to a road by which they could reach 
the bridge and cut off his retreat. This he must prevent at all hazards, 
and he accordingly formed his men in column, and marched promptly 
for the bridge. Just before his arrival, about thirty of the Rebels, who 
were in advance of the main force, came up and endeavored to set fire to 
the bridge, but were quickly dispersed by his guard. Colonel Clayton 
had just placed his little force in position, with his two small field-pieces 
on an eminence which commanded the bridge, when Marmaduke came up, 
and opened fire upon him with artillery and musketry. Clayton replied 
so vigorously, that after half an hour Marmaduke and his troops fell back, 
and sought the shelter of the hills. 

Colonel Clayton was unwilling to show the weakness of his force by 
pursuing them to their stronghold, and accordingly remained at the bridge, 
thinking it possible, also, that Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins might attempt 
to come there according to instructions. In the evening, several citizens 
were brought into his camp, and from them he ascertained that there 
were two routes, one above and the other below his camp, by which the 
enemy could cross Taylor's creek, and reach his rear. Calculating the 
time it would take them to arrive at the bridge, by either of these routes. 
Colonel Clayton waited till eight p. M., and then causing the camp-fires 
to be replenished, and the pickets in front to fire, so that the enemy 
might believe him still at the bridge, he quietly took up his march for 
Helena. 

Meantime, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins, learning that Marmaduke was 
at Taylor's creek, and appreciating the importance of consolidating their 
little forces, started at daylight of the eleventh, to join Colonel Clayton at 
the bridge. He had not proceeded far before his advance-guard came 
upon the enemy, and he at once dismounted seven companies, to serve as 
his main body, threw out one company to the right, and another to the 
left as skirmishers, two more to guard the flanks, and one to protect the 
rear, and ordered an immediate advance. The fire of his men was so well 
directed that the enemy broke and retired three times, retreating in all 
about six hundred yards. This occupied about three fourths of an hour. 
In thus driving the enemy back, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins had reached 
a very fovorable position, where a small force could successfully check a 
large one, and ordered his men to cover tlie road, and reserve their fire 
till the enemy came within forty yards. Presently the Rebels fired a most 
terrific volley, and then parted right and left, when a regiment of cavalry, 
finely mounted, rode toward them at full gallop, in columns of platoons, 
their colors flying, and the heavy tread of their horses making the earth 
shake. When within sixty yards, they broke out into a prolonged yell, 
such as might have came from ten thousand Comanche Indians. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Jenkins, sitting calmly on his horse, watched their motions, 
and gave the order quietly to his men : " Reserve your fire until they are 



ARRIVAL OF COLONEL CLAYTON AT HELENA. 513 

close on you, and then let every shot tell." He knew his troops; not an 
eye quailed, not a cheek blanched, but with set teeth, and a firm grasp of 
their Sharps' rifles, every man awaited the shock. The Rebel cavalry 
were within less than forty yards of the line, when, at the given signal, a 
stream of fire burst upon them, so well directed and terrible that the head 
of their column staggered, reeled, and finally broke in confusion, and fell 
back through the woods to the rear. About twenty minutes elapsed, 
when the twenty-first Texas (Rebel) Rangers came down in the same 
stylcj led by Colonel Carter, their brigade commander, (the same who in 
Marmaduke's raid demanded General McNeil's surrender). Rendered 
desperate by the previous repulse of their comrades, they rode forward 
more fiercely than their predecessors, and uttering the same wild yell, 
were allowed to approach still nearer, when at Lieutenant-ColonelJenkins' 
word of command, the torrent of flame again burst upon them and swept 
them down as with the besom of destruction. Colonel Carter was among 
the wounded, and most of the line officers. The ground was strewed with 
the wounded, who were begging most piteously for water, and the Kansas 
men, as tender to the wounded as brave in fight, though the battle still 
raged, brought water to the men who but a few moments before had 
sought their lives. 

A third time the enemy attempted a cavalry charge, but they could not 
be brought up to the close range which had twice proved so fatal, and 
halting at the distance of seventy or eighty yards, they retired. Thus far the 
fifth Kansas- had done all the fighting, but the fifth Illinois now came up^ 
and were greeted with hearty cheers. The enemy, who were now ascer- 
tained to be the Carter's brigade of Texan troops, about sixteen hundred 
strong, had taken up a position beyond musket range, and commenced a 
heavy artillery fire, having the exact range of Jenkins' camp. It was 
"now dark, and finding that the enemy could reach his rear by good roads 
at a short distance, Lieutenant-Colonel Jenkins, after consulting his offi- 
cers, determined to cross the L' Anguille at Hughes ferry, though Dobbins' 
force was said to be there. On arriving at the ferry, he found that Col- 
onel Rice had driven Dobbins away, and crossing in safety, by swimming 
his horses, he reached Helena the next day, May 12th. The loss of the 
Union forces in this expedition was two killed, and nineteen wounded. 
The loss of the Rebels was about fifty killed, and one hundred wounded, 
including one colonel, four captains, and five lieutenants. The brigade 
destroyed in all, about one hundred thousand dollars' worth of Rebel sup- 
plies, and brought away thirty or forty negroes. 

Among the minor skirmishes and affairs which occurred during the 
latter part of April, and the first week in May, were several raids made 
by Rebel cavalry under Imboden, Jenkins, Harper, and "William E.Jones 
in "Western "Virginia, at Piedmont, Cranberry Summit, Oakland, Rowles- 
burg, Altamont, and other points on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad 
33 



5U THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

intended to ascertain the feasibility of an advance of General Lee's army 
upon Pittsburg, and a severe fight at Greenland gap, a narrow pass in 
Knobley mountains, Hardy county, where a little Union force of seventy- 
five men withstood three attacks of a Rebel force of fifteen hundred men, 
for more than two hours, and were only driven from their position by the 
Rebels firing tlie building (a church) in which they had stationed them- 
selves. The Union loss was two killed, and four wounded; the Rebel 
loss in killed and wounded, was over eighty, including one colonel and 
several line oflicers, being more than the whole Union force. In the De- 
partment of the Gulf, Rcar-Adniiral Porter, early in May, completed the 
series of triumphs of the Union arms in Central Louisiana, already com- 
menced by General Banks, by the capture of Alexandria, on the Red 
river, and the destruction of its fortifications, and by the burning of stores 
belonging to the Rebel Government, of the value of about three hundred 
thousand dollars, on the Black river, by gunboats belonging to his 
squadron. 

In the Department of the Ohio, on the 30th of April, General Carter, 
on moving his division, about five thousand troops, across the Cumberland 
river, at Monticello, Kentucky, encountered a considerable Rebel force, 
variously estimated at from two thousand to thirty-five hundi'cd, under the 
command of Colonels Chenault, Morrison, and I'egram, with which his 
advance-guard skirmished briskly through the day, driving the Rebels 
two or three miles on the Albany road, and finally pursuing a portion of 
them some distance farther. The Rebels retreated toward Albany, and 
the Union troops returned to their camp at Monticello. The Union losses 
were very slight, one or two killed, and four or five wounded. The Rebel 
loss was nine killed, a considerable number wounded, and about twenty 
prisoners, including two ofScers. 



SIEGE OP WASHINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA 515 



CHAPTER XLV. 

THE SIEGE OF WASHINGTON, NOKTH CAROLINA — ATTEMPTS TO RAISE IT — THE STEAMER ESCORT 
RUNS PAST THE BATTERIES WITH REINFORCEMENTS AND SUPPLIES — GENERAL FOSTER ES- 
CAPES IN HER AND PREPARES TO RAISE THE SIEGE — THE REBELS ABANDON IT — SIEGE OF 
SUFFOLK, TIRQINIA — LONGSTKEET ABANDONS IT TO REINFORCE LEE — HOOKEu's MANAGE- 
MENT OF THE ARMT OP THE POTOMAC — HIS PLANS FOR ATTACKING LEE — MOVEMENTS OF 
HIS TROOPS — RUSE BELOW FREDERICKSBURG — THE CONCENTRATION OF SIX CORPS IN THE 
VICINITY OF CHANCELLOBSVILLE — THE COUNTERPLOT OF LEE — JACKSOn'S ATTACK ON THE 
EIGHT WING — PANIC IN THE ELEVENTH CORPS — THEIR FLIGHT — THE ADVANCE OF THE 
REBELS CHECKED BY BERRY'S DIVISION — BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS — JACKSON MORTALLY 
WOUNDED — HOOKER EE-FORMS HIS LINES — BATTLE OF CHANCELLOBSVILLE, ON SUNDAY 
MORNING — HOOKER AGAIN CHANGES HIS LINES — MOVEMENTS OF SEDGWICK's CORPS — 
BATTLE OF MARTe's HILL — BATTLE OF SALEM HEIGHTS — THE REBELS RECAPTURE FREDERICKS- 
BURG BATTLE OP banks' FORD — SEDGWICk's CORPS CROSS THE FORD — GENERAL HOOKER 

CALLS A COUNCIL OF WAR — RECROSSES THE RAPPAHANNOCK AT UNITED STATES FORD — 
REVIEW OF THE CAMPAIGN, 

The Department, of North Carolina, and the adjacent region of South- 
eastern Virginia, were, during the month of April, the theatres of some 
severe fighting. Washington, North Carolina, on the Tar river, at the 
point where it debouches into the wide estuary known as Pamlico river, 
had been occupied by a Union garrison for nearly a year, greatly to the 
annoyance of the Rebels, who hud made fi-equent attempts to recapture 
it, but without success. As they had no gunboats in the waters of North 
Carolina, they were obliged to confine themselves to attacks by land, and 
these the Union gunboats generally repulsed with heavy loss. 

On the 30th of March, there was a garrison of about two thousand 
Union troops there", and the commander of the department, Major-General 
Foster, was at this time in the place. A strong force of Rebels (two 
divisions) under the command of General D. H. Hill and General J. J. 
Pettigrew, appeared, early in the morning of that day, before the place, 
and drove in the Union pickets and skirmishers with considerable loss, 
but they were held at bay by the garrison ; and the gunboat Commodore 
Hull opening upon them with shell, they were driven back to the hills 
surrounding the town, where they immediately commenced fortifying, 
with a view of besieging it. They also planted batteries with strong 
earthworks on Rodman's Point, opposite Washington, at Hill's Point, and 
at other promontories on the Pamlico river, near and below the town, 
with a view to prevent the gunboats from aiding in its defence. On the 
4th of April, the garrison attempted to capture the battery on Rodman's 
Point, two hundred infantry, under the command of General Potter, em- 
barking for that purpose on the gunboat Ceres, and intending to land at 



5ir. THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

a point above, and attack the battery in rear, while the gunboats assailed 
in front. The attempt was foiled, however, by the Ceres grounding while 
within range of the Rebel battery, before the troops were able to land. 
The enemy immediately opened fire upon her, killing and wounding five 
men, when the gunboat getting afloat retired. The same day, the Sylvan 
Shore, a Union transport, coming from Beaufort with troops for Wash- 
ington, was fired at by the batteries on the Pamlico, and compelled to 
return to Beaufort. The next day, the Union gunboats Ceres and Com- 
modore Hull attacked the Rebel batteries on Hill's Point, and bombarded 
them for two hours, but were unable to capture them. The Rebel force 
besieging the town was increased by constant reinforcements, and was 
drawing its lines closer and closer around the town. A force of eight 
thousand Union troops, under the command of General Spinola, sent from 
Newbern by way of the Neuse river, on the 5th of April, to reinforce 
General Foster and raise the siege, met a superior force of the enemy, 
and returned to Newborn, reaching that city on the 10th. Learning of 
their retreat, the Union commander at Newbern resolved to attempt send- 
ing reinforcements, ammunition, and supplies, by steamer up the Pamlico, 
and past the Rebel batteries. The captain of the transport steamer E.scort 
volunteered to run the batteries with his steamer, which was very fast, 
and succeeded, though not without some damage to the steamer. He 
reached Washington on the 13th, and General Foster the next day went 
on board the steamer, and running past the batteries reached Newbern 
in safety, when he immediately commenced organizing an expedition for 
raising the siege. The Rebels finding that he had left the beleagnen d 
city, and knowing that he would soon bring a force against tlicm which 
they could not resist, prudently abandoned the siege on the niglit of the 
loth. 

On the Nansemond river, in the vicinity of Suffolk, Virginia, there was 
some sharp fighting during the month. On the 12th and 13th of April, 
there was considerable skirmishing, the Union force, under General Peck, 
being attacked by a considerable body of Rebels, under the command of 
Generals Longstreet and Anderson, who were beaten off by Pecl<'s troops 
and the gunboats Mount Washington and West End. In the action of 
the 13th the Mount Washington was seriously damaged. On Tuesday, 
tlie 13tli, the Rebels were reinforced, and one division assailed General 
Peck, while another engaged the Union batteries and gunboats on the 
water front. Both were repulsed with heavy loss, though the West End 
was crippled, and .seven of her crew killed or wounded. The Union gun- 
boats Commodore Barney and Stepping Stones participated in the fight ; 
and ai'ter a few hours bombardment the Rebel batteries were silenced and 
the troops driven back. On Wednesday (loth) a Rebel battery of twenty 
pounder rifled guns was effectually silenced, and an attack on the Smith 
Briggs, an armed quartermasters' boat, repulsed. For the next two or 



HOOKER'S PKBPAEATIONS FOR ATTACKING LBE.^ 51Y 

three days, repeated attempts were made on the Uuiou lines — General 
Hill having come from Washington, North Carolina, to reinforce Long- 
street — but all were foiled. On the 13th the Eebel battery near the west 
branch of the Nansemond was stormed by General Getty, and the Union 
gunboats under command of Lieutenant Commander Lawson, and six 
guns and two hundred prisoners were captured The enemy kept up 
skirmishing for several days longer, but with little success, and finally 
abandoned the struggle, having lost a large number of killed and wounded, 
four hundred prisoners, and six guns, during its progress. The Union 
loss was forty-four killed, two hundred and one wounded, and fourteen 
missing. As Suffolk possessed no advantage as a military post, and was 
not susceptible of a good defence, the garrison was soon after withdrawn 
within the new lines constructed around Norfolk. 

From these minor skirmishes and battles, which, though possessing local 
interest, were in no sense material to the final issue of the war, we now 
turn our attention to the army of the Potomac, where preparations were 
making for another of those great battles, which it was hoped might prove 
decisive. 

From the time when General Hooker took command of that army, his 
energies had been directed to increasing its efficiency in discipline, in 
mobility, and in esprit-du-corps. Incompetent and disaffected officers had 
been dismissed; the army train, that incubus which had always paralyzed 
its movements, had been cut down to two wagons for each regiment ; pack 
mules had been substituted for wagons, whenever they could be with ad- 
vantage; the health of the men had been carefully provided for, and their 
comfort, as far as was consistent with that hardening and toughening 
which is necessary to make first rate soldiers, had been cared for. The 
cavalry had been greatly improved, and was now a more efficient arm of 
the service ; and, in every respect, the army was in more perfect condition 
than it had ever previously been. 

It was not the purpose of a commander, whose successful and skilfully 
managed attacks upon the enemy, when in a subordinate command, had 
won him the sobriquet of "fighting Joe Hooker," to bring his army up to 
this splendid condition, without hurling them upon the foe, as soon as a 
favorable opportunity presented itself; and if, as was hardly to be expected, 
the opportunity did not come of itself, he held it to be the duty of a gen- 
eral to make one. 

The topography of the country on both banks of the Eappahannock 
and Rapidan had been carefully studied, and the fords, the slopes of the 
hills, the banks of the rivers, the railroads, plank-roads, and turnpikes 
traced, in the hope of discovering some point where a blow could be suc- 
cessfully struck, and the adroit and able Rebel general outwitted. 

At length General Hooker seemed to have found what he sought, and 
busied himself in perfecting the details of a plan which as yet he did not 



518 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

communicate even to liis most trusted corps commanders, giving them 
only their orders, from day to day, for each day's movements. A large 
cavalry force under General Stoneman, with General Averill and Gen- 
eral Kilpatrick as subordinates, was sent off upon a secret expedition ; and 
on the 26th of April orders were issued that the different corps should be 
prepared to break up camp the following day, with eight days cooked 
rations. 

On the morning of the 27th of April, the several army corps were put 
in motion, but the purpose of tlie commander was still impenetrably 
veiled. Three corps, the first (Major-General Eeynolds), the third (Major- 
General Sickles), and the sixth (Major-General Sedgwick), were moved, 
Monday evening, to a point near the bank of the Rappahannock, two 
miles below Fredericksburg— the same place where General Franklin had 
crossed before the battle of Frederick.sburg-^and were covered from the 
enemy's view by the curtain of hills which fringe the Rappahannock in 
that part of its course. At the same time, the fifth corps (Major-General 
Meade's), and the twelfth (Major-General Slocura's), were despatched, by 
different roads, up the north bank of the Rappahannock, and took up 
positions in the neighborhood of Banks' and United States fords, which 
are respectively eight and eleven miles above Fredericksburg. The 
eleventh corps (Major-General Iloward's) had gone in the same direction, 
on the night of the 26th. The second (Major-General Couch's) remained- 
in camp during the day. 

At dawn on Tuesday, April 28, the boats had been unloaded from pon- 
toon trains, and under cover of a heavy fog, Russell's brigade of Brookes' 
division, sixth (Sedgwick's) army corps, pushed rapidly over the river, 
took possession of the Rebel rifle-pits on the Fredericksburg side, in which 
were about four hundred Rebel sharpshooters, took a few prisoners, and 
assisted in laying the bridges, over which, in the course of the morning, 
the whole of Brookes' division passed. The remaining divisions of that 
corps did not cross that day. The third corps (Major General Sickles') 
had been ordered back to camp, and sent up the river. The first corps 
(Major General Reynolds') attempted to cross about a mile and a-half be- 
low Sedgwick's, but were annoyed by the Rebel sharpshooters to such an 
extent that they could not effect a crossing till after ten o'clock, when 
the batteries opened upon the rifle-pits from the Falmouth side, and kept 
the sharpshooters in check till a reinforcement could cross in boats 
and drive them out. One hundred and fifty Rebels were captured by this 
movement. The bridges were then laid, and General Wadsworth's di- 
vision crossed. The remaining divisions of both Reynolds' and Sedg- 
wick's corps, together with the artillery and cavalry, were marched and 
countermarched around the lulls, near the banks of the Rappahannock, 
in such a way as to give the impression that the force crossed there was 
not less than a hundred thousand men. This had the desired effect. The 



MOVEMENTS OP THE AEMY OF THE POTOMAC. 519 

Rebel forces posted below, as well as those above, began to swarm into 
Fredericksburg, and toward. the fortified heights which encompassed it, 
evidently expecting a repetition of the scenes of December. They were 
destined to disappointment. 

Major-General Howard's corps (the eleventh) had passed on beyond 
United States ford to Kelley's ford, on the Upper Rappahannock, twenty- 
seven miles above Fredericksburg, where they crossed on a pontoon bridge, 
and were followed by Slocum's and Meade's corps. Howard's and Slocum's 
corps proceeded twelve miles south, to Germania ford, across the Rapidan, 
which they crossed by wading. Meade's corps took a road leading east- 
ward, and crossed the Rapidan at Ely's ford. At Germania ford, a force 
of one hundred and fifty Rebel pioneers, who were building a bridge, 
were captured. Having crossed the Rapidan, both columns moved, as 
ordered, toward Chancellorsville, a large mansion situated at the junction 
of the turnpike from Gordonsville to Fredericksburg, with the Culpepper, 
Orange Court House, and Fredericksburg plank road, about ten miles west 
of Fredericksburg. Pleasanton's cavalry kept up a communication be- 
tween the diflerent corps, and protected them on either side from Rebel 
cavalry. By this movement, United States ford, eleven miles from Fred- 
ericksburg, and just below the mouth of the Rapidan, was opened, the Reb- 
els flying from our cavalry, and Major-General Couch's corps (the second), 
which had lain at Falmouth up to this time, moved forward, crossed that 
ford, and approached Chancellorsville by a road running directly south 
from the ford. The tliird corps (Sickles') and the first (Reynolds') had 
been withdrawn from their position below Fredericksburg and followed 
Couch's corps to United States ford. As these corps drew near their des- 
tination, they took position around Chancellorsville as follows : Howard's 
lay upon the road by which they had come, occupying most of the space 
between Wilderness church, between four and five miles west of Chancel- 
lorsville, and Dowdall's tavern, two miles west of that place. Slocum's 
corps, passing Howard's, had camped around Dowdall's tavern ; Sickles', 
coming from United States ford, had passed Chancellorsville and Dow- 
dall's, and lay along a road extending southward from Dowdall's to the 
left, and in rear of Howard's; Meade's, which had been the first to reach 
Chancellorsville, was encamped arouqd the Chancellor house, and to the 
right and left of it; Couch was posted along the road lending to United 
States ford, to guard it, while Reynolds, who was the last comer, was lyino' 
along the Rapidan, northwest of Chancellorsville, his left being about 
four miles from Howard's right. The sixth corps (Sedgwiclc's) had finally 
crossed below Fredericksburg, with the intention of flanking and capturino- 
the heights which had been so formidable in December. 

The movements by which Hooker had thus turned Lee's flank, and 
compelled him to move out of his fortifications and fight in the open field, 
were masterly, and, as it appeared, took Lee by surprise. The Union 



520 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

troops reached Chancellorsville on Thursday evening, April 30. In the 
house at Chancellorsville was found a letter from Lee's chief of staff, Gen- 
eral Taylor, dated at 4.29 p. M. of that day, in which he informs the Rebel 
officer in command at that post that General Lee had that moment heard 
that the Federal force was across Ely's ford, (they had crossed it eighteen 
hours before;) that General Anderson — who commanded at United States 
ford with a couple of brigades — knew nothing of their arrival, and con- 
cludes by asking him "to come down immediately and consult the com- 
mandino; sjeneral." 

On Thursday night, April 30th, General Hooker issued the following 
order : 

" Heabqcabters Armt of the Potomac, near Fai-mocth, Yiroinia, 

" Jpril 30, 1863. 
"It is with heartfelt satisfaction that the general commanding announces 
to the army that the operations of the last three days have determined 
that our enemy must ingloriously fly, or come out from behind their de- 
fences, and give us battle on our own ground, where certain destruction 
awaits them. 

"The operations of the fifth, eleventh, and twelfth corps have been a 
series of splendid successes. 

" By command of Major-General Hooker. 
"S. Williams, Adjutant- General." 

General Lee, though unquestionably outgeneraled by this brilliant ami 
rapid movement, was too shrewd and experienced a commander to hesi- 
tate long in his action. He did not probably comprehend at first the full 
magnitude of Hooker's plans; but he was strong enough to give battle on 
equal terms to General Hooker, even on ground of his own choosing, for 
he had, as it afterward appeared, withdrawn the greater part of the Rebel 
troops from Charleston, and had been reinforced by Longstreet's and IliU's 
divisions, which, as we have seen, had up to a few days before been oper- 
ating in the vicinity of Suffolk. With these additions his force probably 
approached very nearly one hundred thousand men. He had also the two 
advantages, of great importance to a general in his position, of moving on 
the interior or shorter line, and of knowing thoroughly and minutely the 
topography of the region in which the impending battles were to be 
fought. 

The Union troops, on Friday, were taking their positions and throw- 
ing up defences, with a view to resist more effectually the advance of the 
enemy; for it was General Hooker's design to make the battle at first a 
defensive one; to let Jackson, who, from the situation he was known to 
occupy, would be likely to be the first to assail him, throw himself upon 
his front, till he was thoroughly exhausted, and then to bring forward his 
strong reserves, perfectly fresh, and annihilate the Rebel army. To effect 
this purpose he had arranged his troops in the form of an irregular tri- 



EVENTS PRECEDING THE BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS . 521 

angle, of which the Rapidan and Eappahannock formed the base, the Gor- 
donsville turnpike one of the sides, and Chancellorsville the apex — How- 
ard's, Sickles' and Slocum's corps being on the right leg of the triangle, 
Meade's at the apes and along the left leg, and Couch extending along the 
left leg, to join Eeynolds, whose corps formed the base. The extreme right, 
Howard's corps, should have joined Eeynolds', but there was really a gap 
of four miles of a wooded region between them. Howard's corps had been, 
until recently, commanded by General Sigel ; it was composed maiuly of 
German regiments, though some of the regiments of one division were of 
American birth, and they were somewhat disaffected at the loss of their 
favorite commander. The three divisions of which the corps was com- 
posed were commanded by General Steinwehr, a gallant and experienced 
officer. General Devens, a Massachusetts ofi&cer of moderate reputation, 
and General Carl Schurz, who, though possessing undoubted bravery and 
resolution, perhaps lacked somewhat the experience to make him in all re- 
spects qualified to occupy, as he did at this time, the post of danger. 

Before proceeding to narrate the events of the battle of Saturday, May 
2d, it may be well to describe briefly the topographical character of the 
region in which the battle was fought. The turnpike from Fredericks- 
burg to Gordonsville passed in this part of its route three prominent 
buildings, which we have already named, situated at about two miles 
distance from each other, viz : the Chancellor House, which was General 
Hooker's headquarters, ten miles west of Fredericksburg, and in the 
middle of a clearing of elliptical form about a mile in length, by half a mile 
in width. Be3^ond this, on all sides the country was broken and wooded, 
rising toward Fredericksburg, to the heights which overlook that city. 
Two miles west of this house was Dowdall's tavern, surrounded by undulat- 
ing fields, but on the northern, eastern, and southern sides having heavy 
timber; within a moderate distance, on the west side, the land sloped down 
toward open ground, traversed by a small brook. Two miles farther west, 
in the midst of a dense forest, was a church known as " Wilderness Church," 
or as oTten as "Wilderness." On either side of this turnpike was a 
broken country, wooded, and with a dense undergrowth, and few clearings, 
and traversed by country roads, coming into the turnpike at a variety of 
angles. 

There had been some skirmishing during the afternoon of Friday, May 
1st, having mainly for its object the compelling the Eebel commander to 
develop his force, while at the same time it made the Union officers more 
familiar with the country, and the routes by which the enemy would' 
approach to attack them. 

All through Friday night General Howard heard a confused sound 
south and west of him in the woods — the rattle of wagons, the clatter of 
axes, men's voices, the low words of a multitude. Many supposed that 
Lee, finding himself flanked, was retreating to Gordonsville. It was 



] 



522 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

known that there was a country road, which had formerly been a turnpike, 

whicli branched from the Gordonsville and Fredericksburg turnpike, south- 
ward, five or six miles west of Fredericksburg, and crossed the Orange 
Court House and Fredericksburg plank road nearly at right angles. 
This road crossed the one running south from Dowdall's, on which 
Sickles' corps was posted, also at right angles. The movement of 
troops which Howard had heard on that Friday night was " Stonewall" 
Jackson's corps, with Longstreet's division, making in all a force of about 
forty thousand. They had passed along this old road to a point southwest 
of Wilderness church, and had, during that night and the next morning, 
cut a new road from tlie old road to the Gordonsville turnpike, and by a 
little after noon of Saturday, May 2d, were massed near and to the south 
of the Gordonsville pike, just west of Wilderness church. A part of his 
advance-guard occupied a ridge curving round to the road, running south 
from Dowdull's, and had thrown up some temporary earthworks and 
planted one or two batteries in the vicinity of that road. 

General Sickles had moved down on this road in the afternoon of Satur- 
day, his advance going nearly five miles south. In thus advancing, he 
had come in contact with Jackson's right wing, under General Longstreet, 
and the Eebcl army train, and had found it intrenched. As he had but one 
division with him, and met a steady resistance, he sent back to General 
Howard asking for support, as he was going to attack the enemy. Howard 
.sent word that he would support him, and sent a staff officer to ascertain 
the exact locality of his line of battle, that he might join it on the right. 
A few moments later, he received an order from General Hooker to send 
a brigade to General Sickles. In compliance with this order, he took 
his reserve, Bohlen's brigade, the best in his corps, conducted it in person 
to its position, and returned with all speed, but was, nevertheless, too 
late to arrest tlie panic which in tliat brief interval had seized his corps. 

He had been suspicious, during the afternoon, that the Rebels wore 
massitig their troops to the southwest of his position, but was not aware 
that they had attained a location in which they could flank hfm. The 
eleventli corps had been placed in a position in which its three divisions 
formed three sides of a hollow square; the third division, General Carl 
Schurz, lying north and parallel to the Gordonsville pike; the second 
division, General Steinwehr, tit right angles with them, and f;iciiig Jack- 
son's troops ; and the first division. General Devcns, lying parallel with 
tlie third, below the Gordonsville pike. General Sickles' movement had 
left a break between this division, and Birney's division of his corps, and 
Bohlen's brigade from Howard's corps, which had just reinforced him. 

General Howard, returning from General Sickles' line, about half past 
six P. M., as we have savl, beard the roar of the enem^^'s artillery ; and 
soon after, on his extreme right, where General Schurz's division was in 
line, the rattle of musketry, and the yells of the Rebel soldiery. Putting 



PANIC IN THE ELEVENTH CORPS. 523 

his horse to a gallop, he soon reached the left, General Devens' division, 
which had also been attacked, and found both this and Schurz's, under 
the influence of the terrible panic, caused by the unexpected onset of more 
than three times their number, melting away, and despite the efforts of 
their officers, and the heroic con-duct of some of the regiments, flying in 
sad and terrible disorder to Chancellorsville. Steinwehr's division held 
out longest, and struggled nobly to beat back the tide of panic-stricken 
men that was sweeping them down, but in vain, and they too were at last 
drawn into the current. Howard, left almost alone, begged, threatened, 
and strove with all his might to rally his men and retrieve their disgrace, 
but all in vain. With every yell of the enemy they fled the faster. 

The news of this panic and retreat reached General Hooker a few min- 
utes later, and mounting his horse, he was soon galloping at full speed to 
the scene of the disaster. He had no need to go far; the flying soldiers, 
who had now lost all self possession in the agony of panic, were rushing 
toward Chancellorsville in hot haste, each believing himself but an arm's 
length from the Eebel force. To check this torrent of frightened men, 
and to drive back the advancing Rebel force in the full flush of victory, 
were the tasks required of the commanding general, and with a prompt 
decision he undertook them. Before him, 9.nd as yet unaffected by the 
panic,'w£ls General Berry's division of Sickles' corps. Hooker's own old 
division, with which he had fought through the battles of the Peninsula 
and Pope's campaign, and which had fought so nobly at Antietam and 
Fredericksburg. That division, now commanded by General Berry, was, 
in many respects, the finest in the army. To send this, his favorite division, 
into the breach to stay the onward rush of Stonewall Jackson's fortv 
thousand veterans, was his determination, and very characteristic was his 
order to General Berry : "General, throw your men into the breach — 
receive the enemy on your bayonets — don't fire a shot— they can't see 
you 1" The order was obeyed with a promptness and resolution which 
showed the thorough discipline as well as the heroism of the division. 
Forward they dashed, at the double-quickstep, but in perfect line, with 
their bayonets at a charge, in the fast gathering darkness, and as the 
Rebels rushed furiously onvrard their advance was summarily checked 
by the solid line of glittering steel, but not until the head of their columns 
had gone down under this gallant charge. 

Meantime, General Hooker was exerting himself to stop the retreat of 
the eleventh corps, and brave officers and men were rendering him efficient 
aid in the attempt. Sickles had been promptly recalled, and did himself 
great honor by his zeal in checking the fugitives. The artillery of the 
corps, with the exception of seven or eight guns which they abandoned, 
was thundering down the road, as much panic-stricken as the infantry. 
About half-way from Dowdall's to Chancellorsville was a stone Wall, 
extending from Scott's creek to the woods, with a gateway across the 



524 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

road. Eeaching this gateway before the flying artillery had arrived at it, 
he rode directly at the foremost piece, with sword drawn and pistol raised, 
and threatened instant death to the drivers unless they stopped. Unlim- 
bering the piece, it was turned against the fugitives. Those behind came 
crowding on, but could get no farther, and the officers rallying them, their 
courage began to return, and they soon formed in order. The infantry 
tumbled headlong over the wall, but Pleasanton's cavalry checked their 
progress, and General Pleasanton himself took charge of the artillerj', 
turned it up on the ridge, formed it in battery, and brought his cavalry 
up to support it. Meantime, Captain Best, chief of artillery in Sickles' 
corps, had brought his pieces in position in line with what had thus been 
saved of Howard's, and with these forty cannon, all pieces of large calibre, 
opened upon the Rebels, already checked and flung back by the bayonets 
of Berry's division. It was when his columns had met their first check, 
but were about to press forward for another assault on the Union troops, 
that the Rebel General Jackson met his death-wound from the fire of his 
own men. lie had gone forward to reconnoitre with some members of 
his staff, leaving orders to General Hill not to fire unless the enemy (the 
Union troops) should approach to attack them. Ilaving completed his 
reconnoissance, he was returning upon a trot toward his corps, when the 
advance, supposing that the enemy were approaching, fired and wounded 
him severely, in tlie arm near the shoulder, and in both fore-arms, and 
killed and wounded some of his staff. He fell from his horse, but was 
caught by one of his staff; and at this moment the Union troops making 
a charge, drove back his staff, and charged over his body. They were in 
turn driven back a short distance, and tlie Rebel advance coming up he 
was placed upon a litter, and while being borne to the rear, the artillery 
fire, already mentioned, opened upon the Rebels, hia litter bearers wore 
shot down, and he was seriously injured by the fall and contusions. From 
these injuries, and an attack of pneumonia, partly if not wholly induced 
by them, he died on the 10th of May. 

General Jackson was thus disabled at a critical moment. It had been 
his intention, as he himself avowed, to penetrate that night, and within 
an hour, to the vicinity of the United States ford, and thus cutting off the 
line of retreat of the Union troops, he would have had them very much 
at his mercy. This intention failed of execution in consequence of his 
wound, and the Rebels losing the presence and enthusiasm of their 
greatest general, lost with it their desperate energy and dash, and fell 
back more readily under the galling fire and determined charges of the 
Union troops. It was nearly ten o'clock when General Jackson was 
wounded, and the fighting continued till about midnight; when, after a 
last fierce onslaught upon General Berry's division, now supported by 
Whipple's and Birney's divisions, both of Sickles' corps, and by the 
remnantiof Howard's corps (which, with almost superhuman exertion, he 



NEW LINES ESTABLISHED BY HOOKER. 525 

had reformed and brought up to their work), they gave way and fell back, 
the Union troops regaining a part of their lost ground. The _Rebel 
General A. P. Hill, " Stonewall" Jackson's successor, was wounded in this 
attack. There was no more fighting through the night, but the Union 
generals had full employment in reforming and strengthening their lines 
for the renewal of the struggle in the morning. 

The new lines established by General Hooker were arranged with skill. 
The eleventh corps re-organized, but after its flight the day before, hardly 
yet firm enough to be trusted in a dangerous position, was placed in 
reserve, and Berry's and Birney's divisions of Sickles' corps in the advance. 
The arrangement of the troops was still in the form of a V or triangle, 
and the apex was a little below Chancellorsville, but the Gordonsville 
turnpike was no longer the line on which a part of thS corps was massed; 
they were arranged rather with reference to the United States ford road, 
which runs at right angles with the turnpike. The line which the day 
before lay along the Gordonsville pike from Chancellorsville to Wilder- 
ness church, had been swung around at nearly a right angle, and now 
rested on the Eappahannock near the embouchure of the Rapidan. 
Reynolds' corps was nearest the Rapidan, Meade below him, and a little 
farther east, while Couch was still farther southeast and rested near the 
west side of the road to the United States ford. These three corps were 
in a strong position, and were unassailed by the enemy. Below and 
farther west, just north of the Gordonsville pike, and perhaps half a mile 
west of Chancellorsville, Berry's division occupied the extreme advance, 
with Whipple's division in reserve immediately behind him; south of the 
turnpike, and forming a continuation of Berry's line, was Birney's 
division of Sickles' corps, with Williams' division of Slocum's corps in 
reserve. In rear of these, on the other side of the United States ford 
road, and forming, with Birney and Williams, the apex of the V, was the 
remainder of Slocum's corps; while extending north of this toward 
Banks' ford, and joining it on the right, was Howard's corps. The 
artillery was massed in such a way as to command the approaches by the 
turnpike on both sides. 

Adhering to the figure of the V as the best illustration of the position 
of General Hpoker's forces, it will be seen from the preceding account of 
the location of the different corps and divisions that the Gordonsville 
road cut the V just above the joint thus, y. To gain possession of this 
road, and thus press the Union troops back to the Rappahannock, was the 
paramount object of the Rebel commanders. For this purpose, they had 
been massing their troops through the night on both sides of the turn- 
pike, and now, Lee having come up, confronted Berry and Birney, with a 
force of nearly or quite seventy-five thousand men. Jackson's corps, now 
commanded by the Rebel cavalry general, J. E. B. Stuart, advanced on 
the north side of the turnpike, and the rest of the Rebel army, under 



526 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

command of Lee himself, on the south side. They commenced the attack 
at about 5.30 A. M., Sunday morning May 3d, coming through the woods 
in solid mass, and receiving in their faces the terrible hailstorm which 
burst with the fury of a tornado from Berry's and Birney's lines, and 
from Whipple's and Williams', which were at once advanced to the front. 
The batteries, at that range, hurled upon them grape and canister. The 
advancing column was cut up and gashed as if pierced, seamed, and 
plowed by lightning strokes. Companies and regiments melted away, 
yet still they came. Berry and Birney advanced to meet them, and the 
shock was terrible. The living masses surged and rolled against each 
other like the billows of the sea in a tempest. The euemy, maddened by 
the resistance of these brave men, rushed up to the muzzles of the cannon, 
only to be swept back, leaving long lanes of dead men piled where the 
grape and canister passed through. The Eebel commanders pushed their 
men forward, and filled up the lines as fast as they were mowed down. 

But with the immense odds of seventy-five thousand men against 
twelve or fifteen thousand, the preponderance of numbers must eventually 
tell, and the weaker party be forced back by the sheer weight of the foe. 
It was so in this case. General Sickles sent for reinforcements, and 
General Hooker ordered Generals French and Hancock of Couch's corps 
to advance past Meade and attack the enemy in flank. Couch's corps 
was in the centre of the V; but in obedience to this order, instead of 
marching directly down to the point, their divisions marched westward 
and encountered Stuart, and in half an hour's hard fighting put his troops 
to night. Mean'time Sickles had been unable to hold out against the vast 
force assailing him, and his divisions were being driven back toward 
Chancellorsville ; General Berry was killed, and some of his brigadiers 
disabled, and large numbers of his men were straggling noi'thward toward 
the ford, not panic-stricken, but worn out and exhausted. They had had 
no food since noon of the day before, and no sleep, and had been most of 
the time fighting five or six times their number. General Hooker feeling 
that his reserves, Reynolds' and Meade's corps, might yet be wanted for a 
still more desperate struggle, did not bring them forward, but drstwing 
Sickles' divisions back a short distance, he reinforced them with Couch's 
divisions, and thus still retained his V-shaped line, only that the Y was 
now shorter, thicker, and blunter ; and what was of more importance, 
every part of this new line was strongly intrenched. The batlle of the 
morning ended at a little past eleven o'clock. During this battle, and that 
of the previous evening, the Union troops had taken over two thousand 
prisoners, and had lost, by the panic in the eleventh corps, somewhat 
more than three thousand. The line of the turnpike had been relin- 
quished by General Hooker, but at a disastrous cost to the enemy, who" now 
were in front and to the left, the greater part of their force being massed 
directly between him and Fredericksburg. During the remainder of the 



I 



MOVEMENTS OF SEDGWICK'S CORPS. 527 

day there was very little more heavy fighting along Hooker's lines ; tlie 
Rebels attacked his positions several times, apparently by way of feeling 
his force, but retired at once when his artillery opened upon them. 

Meantime, tlie sixth army corps (General Sedgwick's) which we left at 
Fredericksburg, had been busy. Eeynolds' (the first) coi'ps having re- 
crossed the Rappahannock, and marched to United States ford on Saturday 
morning, .to join the main army at Chancellorsville, only the sixth corps, 
which, however, was the strongest and perhaps the best disciplined in the 
army, was left for the attack on Fredericksburg. At a little past eleven, 
P. M., Saturday night, orders were issued to take Fredericksburg and effect 
a junction with General Ilooker. The corps was at this time below Hazel 
run or creek, southeast of the town. Newton's division, with the light 
brigade under his command, led the advance, followed by Howe's and 
Brookes' divisions. The enemy's skirmishers contested the advance 
almost step by step, but were pushed back gradually to Hazel run, where 
they rallied for a desperate resistance, but a bold and furious charge, 
made by the sixty-seventh New York regiment, routed them, and the 
town was gained. The rifle-pits and batteries on the heights to the south- 
west of the city, around the Marye house, yet remained frowning upon 
them, and it was too late and too dark to attack them. The Union troops 
were therefore massed in town. At dawn of day, on Sundny morning, 
itay 3d, four regiments were thrown forward, in open order, to reconnoi- 
tre the enemy's v/orks, and see if they were occupied, as it had been 
reported that the Rebels had fled, leaving only a single regiment on picket. 
The reconuoitering force approached to within twenty paces of the earth- 
works, when, with a fierce yell, the Rebels unmasked themselves, and the 
whole hill between the Marye house and the Richmond and Fredericks- 
burg railroad became a double girdle of flame. Their artillery opened at 
the same moment. The reconnoissance had accomplished its object, but 
full one third of the men engaged in it lay dead and wounded on that 
blood-stained slope. General Howe's division was now sent to the left, to 
attempt to storm the heights on the left of Hazel run, and orders sent to 
General Gibbon's division, of Couch's corps, which had remained at Fal- 
mouth to hold the camp there, to cross the Rappahannock and endeavor 
to gain the heights upon the right of the town. Neither of these attempts 
succeeded, but they prevented the concentration of the enemy upon Gen- 
eral Newton in the centre, where the principal attack was to be made. 

At eleven A. M. (just about the time the battle with General Hooker 
ceased) General Newton with his own division and the light brigade under 
his command moved forward to attack. General Brookes' division being 
held as a re'^erve, to support him if necessary. The three batteries of 
McCarthy, Butler, and Harris, opened with concentrated fire upon the 
Marye house, to prevent its being used as a shelter for the enemy's re- 
serves. The division moved forward rapidly, with fixed bayonets ; the 



628 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

left, consisting of four regiments, was deployed, while the centre (two 
regiments) and the right (four regiments) marched in column. The attack 
lasted ten minutes, and was successful, the enemy being bayoneted in 
their rifle-pits, not having time to get away ; but in that ten minutes the 
Union force lost a thousand men in killed and wounded. 

As soon as General Newton had succeeded, General Ilowe, at the left, 
pushed the enemy vigorously, and after a short but sanguinarj contest 
took the rifle-pits and heights on the left of Ilazcl run. Newton and 
llowe together took about eight hundred prisoners, and twelve guns, 
among them the battery of the famous Washington artillery. 

After gaining these formidable and almost impregnable heights, General 
Sedgwick reformed his lines, placing Brookes' division in advance, and 
Newton's and Howe's following it, leaving Gibbon's division to garrison 
the just captured heights, and pushed forward toward Chancellorsville, 
where he was assured Hooker was hotly pressing the enemy. Lee, it 
will be remembered, had succeeded by the terrible struggle of Sunday • 
morning in obtaining possession of the turnpike road to Fredericksburg ; 
and as Sedgwick was marching rapidly in pursuit of the flying Rebels 
whom he had driven from Marye's hill, he was suddenly confronted by 
the advance-guard of Lee's entire force, on Salem heights, strongly posted 
in earthworks in the timber on either side of the road, and the under- 
growth filled witli rifle-pits and abatis. General Brookes at once engaged 
them with his entire division, but was overpowered by their superior force, 
and compelled to retire, the enemy closely following. General Newton, 
just previous to this, had sent two regiments (the ninety-third and one 
hundred and second Pennsylvania) to protect the right, which seemed to 
be in danger, and which, if turned, would cut off the possibility of retreat 
to Banks' ford. These two regiments passed around the enemy's left 
without opposition, crossing a deep ravine with a stream in it, and to the 
top of the ridge, beyond which they met a most fearful volley from a hid- 
den foe. To sustain this line many minutes was evidently impossible, and 
three more regiments (the seventh and tenth Massachusetts and second 
Ehode Island) were sent to support it. They arrived just in season to 
check the Rebel advance ; and pouring a flanking fire on the enemy, who 
were advancing to push Brookes, they caused them to retire with terrible 
loss. As they retired, the Union troops advanced ; but not deeming it 
advisable to enter the woods again with the force then at command, they 
held the west of the hill to which they first came till dark, having been 
strengthened by additional reinforcements, and in the evening were 
relieved by Shaler's (late Cochran's) brigade. 

Sedgwick's corps bivouacked on the field, resupplying the stock of 
ammunition and food, obtaining knapsacks, and collecting their wounded, 
the number of whom in this second battle (of Salem heights) was very 
large. At dawn of day they again formed under arm.s, and rearranged 



CRITICAL POSITION OF SEDGWICK'S CORPS. 629 

their lines, extending them to the right and toward the Eappahaunoek. 
The light brigade was sent to occupy the works which the Rebels had 
constructed at Banks' ford to oppose the crossing of Burnside's troops 
there in the winter. Skirmisliing soon commenced, and continued until 
nine A. M., and the enemy seemed determined to ascertain what was the best 
point of attack. A lull of an hour ensued, during which General Sedg- 
wick learned that during the evening previous Lee had sent a large force 
past his left and rear, and had repossessed himself of Marye's hill and the 
Fredericksburg heights, driving Gibbon into the'city. 
■ Sedgwick's position was a o'itical one. In his rear Fredericksburg 
was in the possession of the enemy ; in front and on his left Lee's victo- 
rious troops interposed between him and tlie remainder of Hooker's army • 
and that army, with its six corps, had found the Rebel force fully its match. 
Only one way of escape remained, and from this the enemy were pushing 
vigorously to cut him off. He held as yet the line to Banks' ford, and 
his light brigade occupied the iutrenchments built for the defence of that 
ford. Crossing there, he might yet fall into a snare, for there was appa- 
rently little to hinder the Rebels from crossing over to Falmouth and 
taking possession of the fortified Union camp, and thus placing his corps 
at their mercy. 

General Sedgwick, however, was a brave and skilful general, and Ins 
decision was promptly made. Rearranging his lines, he placed his men 
in position to meet and hold the enemy at bay, from whichever point they 
might attack him. Newton was placed on the right, with his right wing 
on the Rappahannock and facing westward ; Brookes in the centre and 
facing south ; Howe on the left, facing eastward, and his left resting on 
the river. At four p. M. the enemy, who had been skirmishing through- 
out three charges, approached in force and attacked Newton's left, but 
were repulsed ; then Brookes' centre and left, and were again repulsed ; 
they then concentrated their forces against Howe, endeavoring to break 
his line, and force themselves between him and the river, to cut off his re- 
treat by way of the ford. Brookes repulsed them, but they massed their 
forces, and hurled them against him with such fury that he was compelled 
to fall back a short distance, which he did in good order. Seeing this, 
they pressed him still harder, but Sedgwick sent up reinforcements, in 
such numbers, that, with the aid of his batteries, he drove them back with 
their ranks fearfully thinned, and then fell back to the ford, the Rebels 
not following closely ; and having reached the fortifications at the ford he 
again turned and offered them battle. As they were evidently indisposed 
to engage, and offered no further annoyance, General Sedgwick com- 
""menced crossing the Rappahannock at two A. M. of the 5th with his corps, 
and by daylight had them all across in safety. In this campaign of less 
than three days he had lost nearly six thousand in killed and wounded, 
out of a force of not more than twenty-two thousand, but few or no 
34 



630 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

prisoners. He had taken eleven hundred prisoners, twelve guns, and 
five stands of colors. 

We have already noticed the strength of Ilooker's position. Finding 
it vain to assail it, and hoping that the annihilation of Sedgwick's corps, 
wliich he confidently anticipated, would be a more satisfactory undnrtaking, 
General Lee attempted notliing more on Monday than to place a battery 
at Scott's dam on Scott's creek, which commanded tlie United States 
ford, and commenced shelling that position. This battery was driven 
away, and the position it occupied held, though not without some difficulty, 
by tlie Union troops. Toward night on Monday, May 4th, a heavy rain' 
commenced falling, and it was ascertained that it had been raining all day 
in the mountains. Ou Monday night. General Hooker held a council of 
his officers. Stoneman had not been heard from, and it was not known 
whether his expedition had been successful or not. Lee had evidently all 
the troops he needed, and holding Fredericksburg, was not likely to want 
for supplies. Meantime, Hooker's supplies and ammunition were nearly 
exhausted, and the Rappahannock, always sensitive to rains in the moun- 
tains, was rapidly rising, and might soon become impassable. Sedgwick, 
while he had fought with the most undaunted bravery and skill, had 
failed to talvc and hold Fredericksburg, and the campaign, from several 
causes, had lost its chances for success. Such was tlie condition of 
afl'airs ; and tlie council, entertaining the same views in regard to it with 
the commander, advised that the arm}' should recross the next morning 
at the ford, and returning to its old quarters await another and more 
favorable opportunity to strike a decisive blow. Accordingly, on Tuesday 
evening, May 5th, General Hooker commenced moving his troops noise- 
lessly across the Rappahannock, at United States ford ; and though the 
river had risen so much that he was obliged to use the pontoons for three 
bridges to make two, he brought his entire force and train across in 
safety, and returned to Falmoutli, with his forces in perfect order. 

[The losses of the Union army in this series of battles have never been 
officially reported. Including General Sedgwick's losses at Fredericks- 
burg, and Salem Heights, they were probably not- far from eleven thousand, 
of whom four thousand two hundred were prisoners, many of them 
wounded. Of this number about one tliousand six hundred were killed. 
It is a matter of great difficulty to ascertain, even approximately, tlie losses 
of the Rebels. The number taken prisoners by the Union troops ex- 
ceeded three thousand six hundred ; and officers of great experience be- 
longing to both armies were confident that the numbers of killed and 
wounded considerably exceeded that of the Union troops. It was stated 
by some of the Rebel papers at nine thousand two hundred. Whether 
this was intended to include prisoners also is not stated ; if so, it was un- 
questionably far below the truth. The loss of General T. J. Jackson, 
better known as " Stonewall "Jackson, was a severer blow to them than 



EETIEW OF HOOKER'S CAMPAIGN. 531 

the slaughter of twenty thousand troops, for with the exception, perhaps, 
of General Lee, they had no commander of equal ability with him. 

In the review of this battle, forming as it did the fourth unsuccessful 
attempt to open the way to the capture of Richmond, we find that there 
were certain errors apparent in the movement, which prevented its suc- 
cess, although they do not tarnish the reputation of General Hooker as 
an able and skilful commander of a great army. These were, 1st. That 
Stoneman was sent too late upon his expedition. To have sent him a 
week earlier would have prevented the reinforcement of Lee by Longstreet's 
division of the South Carolina troops, and would have enabled General 
Hooker to have moved with more certainty and confidence. 2d. A cav- 
alry force should have been placed on duty to guard the approaches to 
the right wing of the army (the eleventh corps), and thus have prevented 
the surprise and panic which proved so disastrous. It is the testimony of 
the ofBcers of that corps that there were but thirty-five cavalrymen de- 
tailed for service on the flank of the right wing. 3d. It was a mistake 
to have attempted the capture of Fredericksburg by an assault in front, 
as was done by Sedgwick's corps. The possession of that city, in that 
way, was .of no consequence to the Union army, while it cost six thousand 
men, and drew off twenty-two thousand of the best troops in the army, 
whose services were needed in striking a heavy blow upon the Eebel 
force. Had Lee been defeated, Fredericksburg would have fallen into 
Hooker's hands as a part of the victory. As it was, it was in the pos- 
session of the Union troops less than twenty-four hours. 

Aside from these errors, the plan of the campaign seems to have been 
judicious, and displayed a high order of strategic ability ; while the'un- 
daunted courage, readiness of resource, and skilful management of his 
troops, showed conclusively that General Hooker possessed many, if not 
all, of the qualities of a great general. 

In the narrative of this series of battles, we have alluded more than 
once to the expedition of General Stoneman, as forming an important 
part of General Hooker's plan of the campaign, but we must reserve for 
another chapter the account of that ably-conducted and successful expe- 
dition. 



532 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER XLVr. 

STONEMAN's BXPBDITIOK — THE PLAN OP IT SUBSTANTIALLY THAT OF GENERAL BUENSIDE — 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP GENERAL STONEMAN — STARTING OP THE EXPEDITION — ITS 
ADVENTURES — -DETACHMENTS SENT IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS FROM THOMPSON'S CROSS 
ROADS — COLONEL WTNDHAM's RAID TO COLUMBIA — COLONEL KILPATRICK's ADVENTURES 
■ — LIEUTENANT-COLONEL DAVIS'S EXPEDITION TO CUT THE TWO RAILROADS — RESULTS OF 
THE EXPEDITION — THE ARMY OP THE POTOMAC AFTER THE BATTLE — LEE's DETERMINA- 
TION TO INVADE PENNSYLVANIA — PLEASONTON SENT TO ATTACK STUART's CAVALRY — 
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OP GENERAL PLEASONTON — SUCCESS OF HIS ATTACK — HIS SUBSE- 
QUENT SKIRMISHES AND FIGHTS WITH STUART's CAVALRY — LEE'S POSITION DISCOVERED 
— MOVEMENT OP HOOKEe's ARMY — THE REBEL ARMY CROSS THE POTOMAC — HOOKER's 
FOLLOW — HOOKER RELIEVED OP THE-COMMAND OF THE ARMY — MEADE APPOINTED HIS 

SUCCESSOR — POSITION OP THE TWO ARMIES ONLY TWO UNION CORPS NEAR OETTYS- 

BUEO A BATTLE IMPENDING. 

The expedition, or raid, of General Stoneman, properly comes under 
the history of the expeditions of that class given in Chapter XLIV., but 
from its forming a part of General Hooker's campaign it was deemed 
necessary to give it a place in connection with that campaign. In its 
boldness, the amount of damage it inflicted ujjon the enemy, and the 
success which attended it, from its inception to its close, it may'well rank 
as one of the most remarkable expeditions into the enemy's country ever 
undertaken. 

Without desiring to detract any thing from the merits of General 
Hooker's well-considered plan of operations for the turning of Lee's flank 
and crippling his army, wc must admit that the idea of a raid like Stone- 
man's was not original with him. It was conceived, and would have been 
carried out, by General Burnside in January, but for the interference of 
some of his subordinate generals. Indeed, Burnside's plan, though not 
exactly identical, contemplated a still bolder movement — the extending 
his raid in the rear of Eichmond, and reaching the Union lines at 
SuOblk. 

It is to the credit of General Hooker that he saw clearly the advan- 
tages of such an expedition, and arranged its details so skilfully as to 
insure its success. Could it have been undertaken a week earlier, as it 
would have been but for severe storms and floods, it would in all human 
probability have made the battles of Chancellorsville successful, instead 
of disastrous, as Lee would have had from forty thousand to fifty thou- 
sand less men with whom to defend his position, and attack the Union 
troops. 

Major-General George Stoneman, the chief of the cavalry corps of the 
army of the Potomac, under General Hooker, and now (February, 1864) 
chief of cavalry in the grand military division of the Mississippi, was the 



STARTING OF THE EXPEDITION UNDER STONEMAN. 533 

leader of this expedition. He was born iu Busti, New York, in August, 
1822, was educated at West Point, where he graduated in 1846, and was 
appointed on the 1st of July of that year brevet second-lieutenant of the 
fii'st dragoons, but did not obtain his full commission till July 12, 18-47. 
In July, 1854, he was promoted to a first lieutenantcy, and the next year 
acted as akk-de-camp to General Wool. On the 3d of March, 1858, he was 
made captain in the second cavalry, and for the next two or three years 
served in the southwest. In 1859, 1860, and the winter of 1861, he was sta- 
tioned at Palo Alto, Texas. At the outbreak of the Eebellion he returned 
north, and on the 9th of May, 1861, was promoted to the rank of major 
in the fourth cavalry, and on the 13th of August was appointed brigadier- 
general of volunteers. He reported to General McClellan, and when the 
army of the Potomac moved, was placed in command of the cavalry. 
When the Rebels evacuated Yorktown, he pursued them closely ; and for 
his gallantry at the battle of Williamsburg was brevetted lieutenant- 
colonel in the regular army. He was engaged in active operations during 
the whole campaign of the peninsula, and for his brilliant movements at 
the battle of Gaines' mill, June 27, 1862, was further brevetted colonel 
of cavalry in the regular army. He served under General Pope, in the 
several engagements before Washington, and also under McClellan in the 
Maryland campaign. At the battle of Fredericksburg he commanded 
the third- army corps, and with his corps exhibited great bravery and 
resolution. General Hooker made him chief of his cavalry corps on the 
5th of February, 1863 ; and on the twelfth of the same month, he was 
promoted to a major-generalship of volunteers. In March, he made 
several successful reconnoissances along the upper Rappahannock, and 
undertook with great heartiness the expedition we are about to describe. 
After that expedition he was placed by the Government at the head of the 
new cavalry bureau, organized in connection with the War Department, 
and rendered valuable aid in bringing that department of the service up 
to a high degree of perfection. 

The plan of the expedition, and the object to be accomplished by it, 
having been laid down by General Hooker, and instructions furnished, 
which still gave a large discretion to General Stoneman, he left Falmouth 
on the 27th of April, and on the morning of Wednesday, the 29th, 
crossed his entire force, of about two thousand seven hundred men, over 
the Rappahannock at Kelly's ford, with the exception of a small division 
under General Averill, which was sent still further up the river, and 
crossed near the Orange and Alexandria railroad. This division en- 
countered a small body of Rebel cavalry, soon after crossing, which it 
repulsed, after a brave contest. General Averill's orders were to proceed 
along the road toward Culpepper and Gordonsville, and by a dashing 
flank movement, keep the Rebel troops, which were known to be in that 
vicinity, employed, while detachments from the main column of cavalry 



534 THE CIYIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were engaged in the important work of cutting off the Rebel army on 
the Rappahannock from its base of operations — Richmond. General 
Avcrill was not successful in his attempt to accomplish this. He en- 
countered on Thursday, April 30th, a considerable force of Rebel cavalry 
at Rapidan station, on the Orange and Alexandria railroad, and after a 
short fight retreated and returned to the Union camp at Chancellorsville. 

When General Stoneman crossed the Rappahannock at Kelly's ford he 
had entered the enemy's country, and he ordered at once the most careful 
precautions to be taken, to avoid surprise from the enemy, and to prevent 
such intelligence of his movements from preceding him as would thwart 
his purposes. After crossing, he sent General Buford with a small force 
to the left, where he had a skirmish with the enemy, whom he repulsed, 
and before they could advance again he had constructed an abatis of trees 
and as they charged again, he received them with a volley which sent 
them back with some loss. 

General Stoneman, with the bulk of his command, remained near 
Kelly's ford, till nightfall, when the order to march was given, and the 
whole force crossed and bivouacked a short distance beyond a little rivulet, 
then much swollen by the recent rains, known as Fleischman's river, in 
an open ploughed field, with no other protection from the heavy rain then 
falling than their blankets and rubber coats. All fires were prohibited, 
all bugle-calls suspended, and orders delivered sotto voce, so that the enemy 
might have no opportunity of judging of the number and position of their 
force. At dawn the following morning, the force was carefully inspected, 
and all weak horses, all sick or weak-kneed troops, and all the pack 
animals except about twenty, were sent back across the river. Having 
brought his command thus into light marching order, General Stoneman 
proceeded cautiously for several miles through the woods, till a large open 
space of rolling ground was reached, when the whole district was patrolled 
to ascertain the position of the enemy. The same precautions were 
adopted every day. When the advance of General Buford's column 
arrived near Minot's ford, on the Rapidan, Lieutenant Gaskill, with a 
squadron of the fifth cavalry, crossed, and dashing up the river, caused a 
force of about sixteen hundred Rebel cavalry, who had been stationed 
there to prevent the crossing of Union troops, to retreat in haste. They 
had one piece of artillery, which, however, they took with them. Tie 
pursued them nearly five miles on the road to Orange Court House, and 
captured ten prisoners. General Gregg's column, meantime, crossed 
Raccoon ford without opposition. At night the whole force encamped 
on a hill commanding the ford. The march was commenced on the morn- 
ing of Friday, soon after daylight, and the force proceeded to Orange 
Spring, pressing a column of Rebel cavalry so closely that they were 
fth-ccd to throw away several wagon-loads of provisions and abandon their 
jaded horses. A few prisoners were captured. Several hundred of the 



STONEMAN AT LOUISA. COURT HOUSE. 535 

Rebel cavalry escaped by a side road, with their train, but were pursued 
as far as Madison by Colonel Wyudharn. Having halted for a rest, and 
the night being pleasant, the march was continued till three and a-half 
o'clock A. M. Saturday morning, May 2d, when they halted at Greenwood, 
one mile west of Louisa Court House. Here they reached the Virginia 
Central railroad, and detachments were sent up and down the road for 
miles, to destroy the track, culverts, and bridges, and also to act as pickets 
to prevent surprise. The work was well and thoroughly done. Just at 
dawn. Colonel (since General) Kilpatrick charged into the village of 
Louisa Court House. The people of the village were panic-stricken, and 
supposed, at first, that they should all be murdered and their property 
plundered, but on finding that no outrages or insults were ofltjred to pri- 
vate citizens, and that no private property was taken without compensation, 
they recovered their equanimit}'. 

While the troops were halting at Louisa, a squadron of the first Maine 
cavalry, picketing the Culpepper road, was attacked by a superior Rebel 
force, and, after a most gallant resistance, fell back, leaving two dead. 
The remainder of the first Maine, and the second New York, were sent 
to their support, when the enemy fled. At four o'clock p. M. on Saturday, 
the railroad having been destroyed for many miles, and a number of cars 
and bridges burned, and the horses and troopers well supplied with 
forage and rations, General Stoneman moved his command upon a hill to 
the east of the town, and, for an hour, awaited the threatened attack of 
Rebel troops known to be approaching from Gordonsville, but the repulse 
those troops had already received was sufficient to cause them to fallback 
toward Gordonsville. At five o'clock the command resumed their march, 
and arrived at Thompson's Cross Roads (or Four Corners) at half-past 
eleven o'clock, p. M. From this point General Stoneman had determined 
to send expeditions in different directions to cut the enemy's lines of com- 
munication. At twelve o'clock, midnight, he called all the principal 
ofScers together and explained his general plan of operations. The com- 
mander of each detachment was directed to destroy certain specified jDoints, 
and, the special object of his mission being accomplished, he was allowed 
the widest latitude for any further operations. Colonel Percy Wyndham, 
with the first New Jersey and the first Maine cavah-y, about five hundred 
men in all, was sent south to Columbia, on the James river ; Colonel 
Kilpatrick to Hungary, on the Fredericksburg railroad, and below on the 
Virginia Central railroad, with the Harris light cavalry ; Lieutenant-Col- 
onel Davis, with the twelfth Illinois, to the South Anne river, and Ash- 
land, on the Fredericksburg road ; General Buford struck westward 
toward the James river canal at Cedar Point, and thence passed near 
Gordonsville ; and the remainder of the force scoured the country in the 
vicinity of Thompson's Four Corners and Yancey ville. And on Friday 
morning, the 8th of May, the whole force, except Colonel Kilpatrick's 



53G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ivnd Lieutenant-Colonel Davis's commands, reached Kelly's ford in 
safety. 

The adventures of some of these detachments were interesting, and ex- 
hibited in a favorable light the tact and ability of their commanders. 
Colonel Wyndham left Thompson's Cross Roads at half past two, a. m., 
May 3d, and taking a soutlierly direction, crossed six or seven creeks, and 
reached Columbia, on the James river, nearly fifty miles northwest of 
Richmond, at about eight o'clock A. M., May 4th. The approach of his 
force had been heralded by a man who had ridden ten miles to warn tlie 
people, but no one believed it. The citizens hooted at him, threw dirt at 
him, and threatened him with all sorts of vengeance, for starting a report 
so absurd as that the Yankees were coming into Columbia. Just then 
Colonel Wyndham's advance-guard, under Major Beanmont, dashed into 
the town. The people persisted that it must be Stuart's cavalry, and were 
only undeceived when they found that the gentlemanly and well-behaved 
troopers took no private property, but destroyed all that belonged to the 
Rebel Government. The banks of the James river canal, which had 
been the great route of transportation for Rebel commissary stores and 
supplies, were cut in several places, and the locks destroyed for a distance 
of five miles. An attempt was made to destroy the aqueduct by which the 
canal crosses the James at this point, but for want of suitable tools it was 
not accomplished. Several canal-boats, loaded with commissary stores for 
theTlebel army, were burned, and a large, quantity of such stores in ware- 
houses were destroyed. Finding that two Rebel regiments with eight 
pieces of artillery were approaching. Colonel "Wyndham, at four p. M., 
moved down the river about five miles to Byrd's creek, which he forded, 
and then turning nortli, arrived at Thompson's Cross Roads at ten p. M. 
The command had captured during the day several hundred horses, and 
were followed into camp by a large number of negroes. Colonel Kilpat- 
rick's experiences read almost like the feats of a knight-errant in the 
palmiest days of chivalry. He had under his command his own regiment, 
the Ira Harris light cavalry, and left the rendezvous at Thompson's Cross 
Roads early in the morning on Sunday, May 3d ; reached Hungary, a 
station on the Fredericksburg railroad, about forty miles distant, and eight 
miles from Richmond, at daylight on the morning of the -ith, and de- 
stroyed the depot, telegraph wires, and railroad track for several miles. 
He then passed over to the Brook turnpike; drove in the Rebel pickets 
down the turnpike and across the Brook ; charged upon a moveable 
battery, and forced it to retire within two miles of Richmond ; and cap- 
tured Lieutenant Brown, akk-dc-camp to the Rebel General "Winder, 
commander of the fortifications at Richmond, and eleven men, inside the 
fortifications, and narrowly missed capturing General Winder himself. 
Having thus bearded the lion in his den, he turned eastward, and followed 
the line of the York river railroad to the Meadow bridge, over the 



EXPLOITS OP LIEUTENANT COLONEL DAVIS. 537 

Chickahominy, burned the bridge, and ran a train of cars into the river. 
He then retired to Hanovertown, on tlie peninsula, crossed the Pamunkej, 
and destroyed the ferry just in time to check the advance of a pursuing 
cavahy force ; burned a train of thirty wagons loaded with bacon for the 
Rebel army; captured thirteen prisoners; and encamped for the night 
five miles from the river. At one o'clock, A. M., of the fifth of May, he 
resumed his march — surprised a troop of three hundred Rebel cavalry, at 
Aylett's, on the Mattapony river, captured two officers and thirty-three 
men; burned fifty-sis wagons, and a depot of Rebel stores containing up- 
wards of twenty thousand barrels of corn and wheat, large quantities of 
clothing and commissary stores, and safely crossed the Mattapony, and 
again destroyed the ferry, just in time to escape the advance of the Rebel 
cavalry — and proceeded northeast on the Richmond and Warsaw turnpike 
to a point a few miles west of Tappahannock, on the Rappahannock river, 
where he destroyed a third wagon train and depot of stores. From this 
point, finding a large force of Stuart's cavalry in pursuit of him, he made 
a forced march of twenty miles, almost directly southward, capturing 
prisoners from his pursuers whenever they pressed too closely. At sun- 
down of the sixth he discovered a force of cavalry drawn up in line of 
battle above King-and-Queen Court House. He advanced at once to 
attack them, but ascertained that they were a part of the twelfth Illinois, 
under ifajor Bronson, who had become separated from Lieutenant-Colo- 
nel Davis's command. At ten A. M. of the 7th of May, after a severe 
march of over fifty miles, he reached the Union post at Gloucester Point. 
In this separate expedition Colonel Kilpatrick's command had marched 
nearly two hundred miles in less than five days, with a loss of one officer 
and thirty-seven men, having captured and paroled upward of eight 
hundred men. Lieutenant Estes, of his command, volunteered to carry 
despatches to General Hooker. He failed in the attempt, but with 
his escort of ten men, captured and paroled one major, two captains, a 
lieutenant, and fifteen men. He was afterward captured himself, with bis 
escort, bat was retaken by the Union troops. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Davis's exploits were hardly less remarkable. He 
left General Stoneman's camp at Thompson's Cross Roads at the same 
time with Colonel Kilpatrick. His ordei-s were to penetrate to the Fred- 
ericksburg railroad, and, if possible, to the Virginia Central also, and 
destroy the communications on both. Should he cross the Virginia Cen- 
tral he was to make for Williamsburg, which was said to be in possession 
of the Union forces. Passing down the bank of the South Anna river, he 
burned one bridge, and routed a party of mounted guerrillas who attempted 
to oppose their advance. Arriving at Ashland, on the Fredericksburg rail- 
road, he sent Lieutenant Mitchell forward with a dozen men to occupy the 
place. The Rebel force there was small, and they escaped with such haste 
as to leave their arms, which he destroyed. Assuring the inhabitants, 



538 THE CIVIL WAR IX TxIE UNITED STATES. 

who were in great terror, tliat no injury would be done to persons or 
private property, he proceeded to cut the telegraph wires, and tear up the 
rails on the railroad, and burned an extensive trestle-work south of the 
town, captured an ambulance train of seven cars filled with sick and 
wounded from the late battle, and paroled the officers of the guard, some 
of whom were of considerable rank. The cars were left for the benefit of 
the wounded, but the engine and tender, as well as another found in the town, 
were rendered completely useless. lie captured also a large number of 
liorses and mules collected there for the Rebel Government, and destroyed 
about twenty wagons. Leaving Ashland aboutsixP. M., and destroyingon his 
way eighteen wagons laden with Rebel stores, he reached Hanover station, 
on the Virginia Central railroad, at about eight P. M., captured and paroled 
about thirty officers and men at the station, burned an extensive trestle- 
work below the depot, destroyed a culvert, cut the telegraph wires, and 
burned the depot-buildings, storehouses, stables, and a train of cars, all 
filled to overflowing with stores belonging to the Rebel army. ITe also 
burned a hundred wagons loaded with commissary stores, a thousand sacks 
of flour and corn, and a large quantit}' of clothing and hor.^e equipments. 
No private property was injured. lie next marched to Uanover Court 
Ilouse, where several prisoners were captured, and proceeded southward 
to a point within seven miles of Richmond, where his command bi- 
vouacked till morning, when they marched toward \Yilliamsburg. At 
Tuustall station, near the Wliite House and Richmond and York river 
railroad, a train of cars, filled with infantry and a battery of three guns, 
was run out to oppose them. Colonel Davis charged upon them, but could 
not break through, as there were formidable rifle-pits to the left of the 
road, and the force largely outnumbered his. lie was forced to retire, 
with a loss of two killed and several wounded. Failing to penetrate the 
enemy's lines at this point, he turned northward to cross the Pamunkey 
and Mattapony rivers, and reach Gloucester Point. He succeeded in 
crossing tlie former river at Plunkctt's ferry after a slight skirmish, and 
the Mattapony at Walkertown, cai)turing a few persons at each ferry. 
Between the two ferries Major Bronson and a part of the regiment be- 
came detached, and captured fifteen Rebels, and destroyed a quantity of 
saddles at Kingand-Queen Court House. Colonel Davis having crossed 
the Mattapony, made the best of his way toward Gloucester Point, 
stopping however at Saluda to destroy a train of wagons laden with corn 
and provisions for the Rebel army. His total loss in this separate expe- 
dition was two commissioned officers and thirty-three enlisted men. He 
brought into the Union lines at Gloucester Point, one hundred mules and 
seventy-five horses captured from the enemy, and reported Rebel property 
destroyed to the estimated value of over one million dollars. The fol- 
lowing summary of the work accomplished by General Stoneman in this ex- 



GENERAL HOOKER'S ADDRESS TO HIS ARMY. 539 

pedition, shows that it was the most successful raid ever undertaken in 
this country: bridges destroyed, twenty-two; culverts destroyed, seven; 
ferries destroyed, five; railroads broken in seven places; supply trains 
burned, four ; wagons destroyed, two hundred and twenty-two ; horses 
captured, two hundred ; mules captured, one hundred and four ; canals 
broken, three; canal-boats burned, five; trains of cars destroyed, eight, 
storehouses burned, twelve ; telegraph stations burned, four ; wires cut 
in five places; depots burned, three; towns visited, twenty-five; contra- 
bands liberated, one hundred and fifty. Value of property destroyed es- 
timated at over two million dollars. 

Colonel Kilnatrick remained with his command at Gloucester Point 
till near the close of May, making an expedition on the 20th into Glou- 
cester and Matthew counties, in conjunction with the gunboat Commo- 
dore Morris, and capturing a large number of horses, mules and cattle ; 
burning five mills which were running for the Rebel Government, and 
which were filled to their utmost capacity with flour and grain, and de- 
stroying a large quantity of corn and wheat collected in storehouses. On 
the 30th of May Colonel Kilpatrick and his command passed through 
Saluda and Urbanna, crossed the Eappahannock at Union Point, and re- 
ported in person to General Hooker. 

A portion of the fourth army corps, under command of Major-General 
Keyes, arrived at West Point on- the 7th of May, having come thither 
from Fortress Monroe by transports, accompanied by a fleet of gunboats, 
and the same day sent forward a reconnoitering party, which penetrated 
as for as the White House, and rescued Lieutenant Estes and fifteen men 
of Colonel Kilpatrick's party who had been taken prisoners. The fourth 
corps moved forward to a point within a few miles of Richmond, where 
it remained for several weeks, it being the intention of General Dix, then 
in command of Fortress Monroe, that it should attack Richmond while 
stripped of its defenders and before the communications between that 
city and Lee's army could be re-established. It failed however to accom- 
olish this object, or even to attempt it — the failure resulting, it was al- 
leged, from the inefficiency of one of the generals commanding. It was 
therefore recalled in June, and the troops sent to reinforce the army of 
the Potomac. 

We return to the army of the Potomac. 

On the 7th of May, Major-General Hooker issued the following address 
to his troops : 

"Headquarters, Army of the Potomac, 

'•May 6, 1863. 
"Gexeral Orders, No. 49. — The Major-General commanding ten- 
ders to this army his congratulations on its achievements of the last seven 
days. 



540 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

" It has not accomplished all that was expected — the reasons are well 
known to the army. 

" It is sufficient to say they were of a character not to be foreseen or 
prevented by human sagacity or resources. 

" In withdrawing from the south bank of the Rappahannock before 
delivering a general battle to our adversaries, the army has given re. 
newed evidence of its confidence in itself and its fidelity to the principles 
it represents. 

" In fighting at a disadvantage, we would have been recreant to our 
trust, to ourselves, our cause, and our country. Profoundly loyal, and 
conscious of its strength, the army of the Potomac will give or decline 
battle whenever its interest or honor may demand. 

" It will also be the guardian of its own history and its own arm. 

"By our celerity and secrecy of movement, our advance and passage 
of the rivers was undisputed, and on our withdrawal not a Rebel returned 
to follow. 

" The events of the last week may swell with pride the hearts of 
every officer and soldier of this army. 

" We have added new laurels to its former renown. "We have made 
long marches, crossed rivers, surprised the enemy in his intrenchments, 
and whenever we have fought we have inflicted heavier blows than we 
have received. 

" We have taken from the enemy five thousand prisoners and fifteen 
colors, captured and brought ofi' seven pieces of artillery, and placed 
hors du comhal eighteen thousand of his chosen troops. 

" We have destroyed his depots filled with vast amounts of stores, 
damaged his communications, captured prisoners within the fortifications 
of his capital, and filled his country with fear and consternation. 

" We have no other regret than that caused by the loss of our brave 
companions; and in this we are consoled by the conviction that they 
have fallen in the holiest cause ever submitted to the arbitrament of 
battle. 

" By command of Major-General IIooker. 

"S. Williams, Assistant Adjutant- General." 

The President visited the camp at Falmouth ou the seventh, and con- 
ferred with General IIooker, in regard to the campaign and future move- 
ments, and on his return to Washington expressed his gratification at the 
condition and spirit of the army. During the remainder of May the 
army lay at Falmouth, and except some slight skirmishes at the outposts, 
and cavalry affairs in General Slahl's brigade, there were no military 
movements. 

The Rebel general-in-chief had determined, as soon as his broken com- 
munications could be repaired and his supplies accumulated to a degree 
sufficient to warrant it, to attempt again to invade Maryland and Pennsjl- 



LEE'S DETERMINATION TO INVADE PENNSYLVANIA. 541 

vania. His previous attempt at invasion had indeed terminated dis- 
astrously, though, with less loss than he expected, but he had what he 
deemed substantial reasons for believing that greater success would attend 
a second undertaking. The successful raid of General Stoneman had 
materially diminished the not over-abundant supplies upon which his 
army was dependent, and had deprived him of a large number of cavalry 
and artillery horses, of which he had great need. The portion of Mary- 
land and Pennsylvania which he intended to invade was rich in agricul- 
tural products, and abounded in fine horses, and he could thus supply his 
army at the enemy's expense. In addition to this, it was alleged that 
General Hooker's army was greatly demoralized by the unsuccessful 
termination of the recent campaign, and it was well known that a large 
body of the Union troops which had been enlisted for two years were 
returning home, their term of service having expired; and he might 
reasonably regard the Union forces as too much weakened from these 
causes to be able to offer sufficient and determined resistance to his 
attacks. There was also an apparent division of sentiment in the loyal 
States in regard to the conduct and continuance of the war, and some 
prominent men, in most of the States, were avowing their sympathy with 
the Eebellion ; or, if they did not openly do this, were seeking in every 
possible way to obstruct the action of the Government. The number of 
these sympathizers with the South was far smaller than General Lee sup- 
posed, but his information led him to believe that he had only to cross 
the border to find an army of Secessionists ready to join him. So con- 
fident were the Rebels of success in the enterprise, that it was heralded 
and boasted over for weeks before it took place. With a view to this 
movement, General Lee arranged and perfected his plans as rapidly as 
possible, and remodelled and strengthened his army, improving its dis- 
cipline, and increasing its numbers from all quarters, till, about the first 
of June, when he was ready to advance, he was at the head of one of the 
best disciplined and most efficient armies ever marshalled on this continent. 
The accumulating signs of the coming storm had not been unnoticed 
by the United States Government, or the commander of the army of the 
Potomac, and suspecting that an advance was speedily to take place, 
General Hooker, having first made a reconnoissance in force, with the 
sixth army corps, across the Eappahannock, on the 5th of June, to ascer- 
tain whether any considerable portion of Lee's army had yet evacuated 
their camps near that city, directed that an attack should be made upon 
the Rebel General Stuart's cavalry corps, at Beverly ford, on the Rappa- 
hannock, by a cavalry and infantry force under the command of General 
Alfred Pleasonton. This officer, who, on the promotion of General Stone- 
man to the head of the cavalry bureau, had been appointed commander 
of the cavalry corps of the army of the Potomac, was born in the District 
of Columbia in 182-i, and appointed a cadet at "West Point in 1840. He 



642 TUE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

graduated from the military academy on the 30th of June, 1844, ranking 
seventh in his class, and was at once appointed brevet second-lieutenant 
in the first regiment of dragoons. lie received his commission as second- 
lieutenant in the second dragoons November 3d, 1845. He served under 
General Taylor in the Jlexican war, and was brevetted for gallant and 
meritorious conduct at Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. In September, 
1849, he was promoted to the first-lieutenancy ; in 1854 he became adju- 
tant of his regiment, and on the 3d of March, 1855, received a captain's 
commission. In 1856, he was appointed assistant adjutant-general to 
General Harney in the department of the West. On the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 18(12, he was promoted to the rank of major in the regular army, 
and served with distinction in the peninsula in the corps of regular 
cavalry, winning two nominations for brevet rank. On the 16th of July, 
1862, he was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, and placed in 
command of one of the best brigades in Stoncman's division of cavalry. 
During the Maryland campaign he served with great celerity and bril- 
liancy, and made his splendid dash into Frederick, on the twelfth of Sep- 
tember, driving the Rebels through the town. At Boonsboro, on tha 
15th of the same month, he again engaged the Rebel cavalry, and 
drove them out of the place, capturing two guns and several prisoners. 
During the march of the army of the Potomac from Berlin, Maryland, 
to Fredricksburg, in November, 1862, General Pleasonton commanded 
the advance, and was continually engaged in skirmishing with the enemy, 
driving them from various gaps of the mountains, and clearing the way 
for the infantry. Although present, he was not engaged in the battle of 
Fredericksburg, in December, 1862, but was employed in reconnoissances 
and scouting expeditions. During the advance upon and the battles in 
the vicinity of Chancellorsville, he was, as we have seen, actively engaged, 
first in keeping up the communications between the different corps on 
their rharch from Kelly's ford, and afterward in checking the flight of the 
eleventh corps, and opposing the advance of the Rebel force. He was 
next ordered to the command of the expedition which we are about to 
describe; and his brilliant conduct in that expedition led to his promotion 
to the rank of major-general of volunteers, and the command of the cav- 
alry corps ; and in this new capacity his services were of the highest order 
in the subsequent battles. 

The force under General Pleasonton's command in the battle of Beverly 
ford was composed of the first cavalry brigade, under General Gregg, a 
brigade of regular cavalry, under General John Buford, and the second 
cavalry brigade, under Colonel DuflSe ; together with an infantry force 
of about two thousand, from the first and second arm}' corps, and two 
batteries of artillery — making in all about nine thousand men. The 
command bivouacked at Beverly ford, on the Rappahannock, at twelve 
o'clock, Monday night, June 1st, commenced their march at three A.M. 



PLEASONTON'S ATTACK ON STUART'S CAVALEY. 543 

next morning, and at four o'clock crossed the ford. After marching 
about two miles they came up to a semicircle belt of woods, where the 
Eebels had a line of rifle-pits just within the timber, and had massed their 
cavalry force, about twelve thousand or fourteen thousand strong, with 
twenty-five pieces of artillery, under the charge of their most skilful 
cavalry commander, General J. E. B. Stuaft. This force was collected 
for the purpose, as was ascertained from papers found on one of the pris- 
oners taken by the Union troops, of leading the way in Lee's advance 
into Pennsylvania, and would have started on their march within an hour 
but for the attack of the Union troops. 

General Buford's brigade, which was on the right, charged at once on 
the Rebels, Colonel Davis, of the eighth New York, leading the charge. 
A very severe battle ensued, the Rebels being in strong force, and re- 
sisting the advance with great determination. In this battle Colonel 
Davis was killed. The Union troops used the sabre with terrible effect, 
while the Rebels replied with the revolver. Finding the resistance too 
great for Buford's brigade, Gregg's, which was in the reserve, moved up 
to its support, and charge after charge was made by the Union troops with 
the greatest gallantry, and resisted by the Rebels with equal determina- 
tion. At last, about twelve ii., the Rebel force began to fall back, and re- 
treated nearly five miles to the position where their artillery was parked. 
Here they were heavily reinforced, with infantry and artillery, from Cul- 
pepper. Finding that he should be greatly outnumbered, and his orders 
being only to execute a reconnoissance in force. General Pleasonton re- 
tired about four o'clock P. M. across the Rappahannock, in perfect order, 
taking with him two hundred prisoners, whom he had captured, and all 
his own killed and wounded. His loss in killed and wounded was some- 
what more than two hundred, and from two to three hundred prisoners, 
and that of the Rebels was acknowledged by them to exceed six hundred, 
including the prisoners. 

The information obtained by this reconnoissance of the intended im- 
mediate advance of the Rebel army was of great importance, and led 
General Hooker to put his army immediately in motion, so as to prevent 
Lee, who had several days start of him, from flanking him, and coming 
between his army and Washington and Baltimore. Hooker had not, 
however, confined himself to this single reconnoi.ssance. Stahl's cavalry 
had hovered for several days in the vicinity of Winchester, New Balti- 
more, and Front Royal, and had had several skirmishes with Lee's ad- 
vance-guard, whom they drove back toward the main body. 

On the 11th of June, the War Department organized two new military 
departments — the Susquehanna and the Monongahela — and assigned 
Major-General D. N. Couch to the command of the former, with his head- 
quarters at Harrisburg, and Major-General W. T. H. Brookes to the com- 
mand of the latter, with his headquarters at Pittsburg. On the 12th, 



544 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Governor Curtin issued a proclamation and General Couch a call to the 
people of Pennsylvania, urging tliem to organize and to hasten to the 
defence of the State, and if possible to drive back the invader before he 
touched the soil of Pennsylvania. 

On the the 18th of June, the Rebel advance, under Longstreet, about 
eighteen thousand strong, reached Winchester, Virginia, and gave battle 
to General Milroy, who occupied that post with a force of eight thousand 
to nine thousand men. After a severe battle, General Milroy succeeded 
in repulsing them ; but on the next day they renewed their attack with a 
largely increased force, and surrounded the town ; and finding that there 
was no hope of a successful defence of the place. General Milroy resolved 
to cut his way through, and in the attempt to do so lost nearly all his am- 
munition and artillery, and a considerable number of men, in killed, 
wounded, or prisoners. He succeeded in reaching Harper's Ferry with a 
portion of his command, and ran his baggage train through safely, by 
Hagerstown and Cliambersburg, to Harrisburg.^ About two thousand 
cavalry and stragglers from his force broke through in another direction, 
and effected their escape to Bloody Eun, Pennsylvania, where they were 
reorganized and joined by recruits from the Pennsylvania militia. 

General Jenkins, one of Longstreet's division commanders, followed in 
pursuit of Milroy's train to Hagerstown, where he arrived at 10.30 A. M. 
of the 15th of June, and pushing forward rapidly, entered Chambcrsburg, 
Penusj'lvania, at 8.30 in the evening of the same day. 

On the 15th of June the President issued the following Proclamation : 

" Washington, Monday, June 15, 1863. 

"By the President of the United States of America: 

"A PROCLAMATION 

" Whereas, The armed insurrectionary combinations now existing in 
several of the States are threatening to make inroads into the States of 
Maryland, "Western Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, requiring immedi- 
ately an additional military force for the service of the United States: 

" Now therefore I, Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States, 
and Commander-in-Chief of the army and navy thereof, and of the 
militia of the several States when called into actual service, do hereby call 
into the service of the United States one hundred thousand militia from 
the States following, namely : 

" From the State of Maryland, ten thousand. 

"From the State of Pennsylvania, fifty thousand. 

" From the State of Ohio, thirty thousand. 

" From the State of West Virginia, ten thousand. 

"To be mustered into the service of the United States forthwith, and to 
serve for the period of six months from the date of such muster into said 
service, unless sooner discharged — to be mustered in as infantry, artillery, 



PEOGKESS OF LEE'S INVASION. 



545 



and cavalry, in proportions wbich will be made known through the "War 
Department, which department will also designate the several places of 
rendezvous. 

" These militia are to be organized according to the rules and regula- 
tions of the volunteer service, and sueh orders as may hereafter be issued. 

" The States aforesaid will be respectively credited, under the enroll- 
ment act, for the militia service rendered under this proclamation. 

" In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the 
seal of the United States to be affixed. 

" Done at the City of Washington, this 15th day of June, in the year 
of our Lord 1S63, and of the Independence of the United States the 87th. 

"Abraham Lincolk. 

" By the President : 

" Wm. H. Seward, Secretary of Slate P 

Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, issued a proclamation the same day, 
calling upon the citizens of Pennsylvania to enrol themselves in military 
organizations, and to encourage others to do so, as well as to contribute 
money in the defence of the Commonwealth. Governor Tod, of Ohio, and 
Governor Bradford, of Maryland, also issued proclamations, urging the 
speedy arming of their people, and calling out the militia for service in 
the emergency. Governor Seymour, of New York, tendered twenty 
thousand militia from that State, and Governor Andrew, of Massachusetts, 
all the available militia of that State, including three recently returned 
regiments. 

As yet, however, but a single division of Lee's army had entered 
Pennsylvania, and no more than that force had crossed the Potomac. 
The remainder were occupying the different passes or gaps in the Bull 
Eun range, and were moving within supporting distance of each other, 
ready to cross the Potomac as soon as their commander deemed the time 
for a movement in that direction propitious. General Pleasonton, who had 
hovered around them, seeking the opportunity to strike telling blows, 
and who never permitted such an opportunity to pass unimproved, sent 
his forces out, on the morning of the 17th' of June, from Aldie, to the 
right and left of Goose creek, in search of the enemy's cavalry, which he 
supposed to be near Aldie's gap. General Kilpatrick's brigade succeeded 
in finding them, and a sharp and determined battle ensued, both sides 
charging with great fury, and after a fight of about three hours the Rebels 
fled, having lost heavily, and did not make a stand again till they reached 
Ashby's gap, where the main column of Stuart's cavalry were encamped. 
General Gregg, who had been fighting the Rebels, at the same time, near 
Aldie, also drove them to Snickersville, and ordered Colonel Duffie, with 
about three hundred and sixty men, to proceed to Middleburg, and hold 
that place. On arriving there, he found that a force of Rebel cavalry 
greatly outnumbering his own were encamped around the town, and that 
35 



546 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Stuart's wliole force were within supporting distance. Determined to 
carry out liis instructions, he sent back messengers to Aldie, asking for 
reinforcements. Meantime the Rebels in force attacked hiin at several 
different points, and finding himself in danger of being overpowered by 
superior numbers, he resolved to cut his way through them, and regain 
his position at Aldie. Failing in this, he turned toward Thoroughfare 
gap, and had proceeded several miles, when he ascertained that the gap 
was held by Evvell, commanding the centre of Lee's grand army, and that 
he was in the vicinity in person. Colonel Duffie then turned to the left, 
crossed the mountains at Hope gap, and by a circuitous route, succeeded 
in rejoining the division. In the reconnoissances undertaken by General 
Pleasonton, between the 9th and the 18th of June, he had caused a loss 
to the Rebels in killed, wounded and prisoners of about two thousand five 
hundred. In some of the skirmishes his own loss had been considerable, 
but in the whole it had been less than one thousand. By the reconnois- 
sance in the vicinity of Aldie, in connection with others, he succeeded in 
discovering the location of the three columns of Lee's army. Longstreet, 
with the left wing, was at this time at Leesburg, and Jenkins' division, 
from his corps, had crossed into Pennsylvania ; Ewell, with the centre, 
was at Thoroughfare gap, in the Bull Run mountains ; and Ilill, with the 
right wing, was advancing by way of Occoquan and Maple Run Shoals. 
His force was estimated, and probably correctly, to be between ninety 
thousand and one hundred thousand men. 

On the 20th of June, another engagement took place between Pleason- 
ton's cavalry and the Rebel cavalry force, in which, after desperate fight- 
ing through the day, the Union troops drove the Rebels througli Ashby's 
gap into the Shenandoah valley, capturing about one hundred and forty 
prisoners, and inflicting very severe loss upon them in killed and wounded, 
lie also captured two pieces of artillery, three caissons and many small 
arms. 

During this time. General Hooker had been moving his army, by as 
rapid marches as possible, from Falmouth toward Manassas Junction and 
Fairfax, keeping between the Rebel army and Washington and Baltimore, 
and crowding Lee's army constantly to the west of the Bull Run range, 
and toward the Shenandoah valley, thus compelling them to cross the Po- 
tomac at a higher point than they desired. The people of Pennsylvania 
complained very bitterly, at the time, that troops were not sent to the de- 
fence of their towns, which were invaded, and threatened with invasion by 
the enemy; but General Hooker understood too well that this was just 
what General Lee desired, and that if his army were weakened by sending 
detachments to Pennsylvania, Lee would at once precipitate himself upon 
the remainder, with his whole force, and if he could defeat it, would then 
be prepared to attempt the capture of Washington or Baltimore. 

On the 20th of June, Lee had reached Winchester with his left and 



APPARENT APATHY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 547 

centre, and General A. P. Hill, commanding his right, had been forced 
beyond the Bull Eun mountains, and was following toward Winchester. 
On the 22d, E well's corps crossed the Potomac — a part of them at Shep- 
herdstown, near the site of the battle of Antietam, and a part at WiUiams- 
port. Longstreet's corps crossed on the 27th at Williamsport. Hill's 
corps crossed on the 2ith at the same place, or a little above. Oq the 23d, 
the Rebel General Ehodes' division of E well's corps entered Chambersburg, 
and was followed, the next day, by the remainder of that corps. On en- 
tering the town, General Ewell issued general orders, prohibiting the sale 
of intoxicating liquors to his command, and requiring all persons having 
such liquors in their possession to report the fact and state the amount to the 
provost-marshal, or nearest general oflScer, that a guard might be placed on 
them, and the men prevented from obtaining them. A failure to do this 
would be punished by confiscation of the liquors, and render the other prop- 
erty of the parties liable to seizure. He also admonished all citizens to ab- 
stain from all acts of hostility, under penalty of being dealt with in a 
summary manner. 

Up to this time, the people of Pennsylvania had apparently been apa- 
thetic under the earnest calls of their Governor and General Couch, and 
the proclamation of the President. Although large bodies of militia from 
New York, New Jersey, and some from Massachusetts, had hastened to 
defend the State from the threatened invasion, the citizens themselves, 
with but few exceptions, seemed either utterly indifierent to the approach 
of the enemy, or so panic-stricken that they fled northward or eastward, 
leaving their property at the mercy of whoever might choose to take it. 
As the Eebels actually entered the State in large numbers, this pusDla- 
nimity was less marked, and there was a rallying of the volunteer militia 
of the State in considerable numbers to Harrisburg. Even at this time, 
however, they were inclined to haggle in regard to the terms and time 
of enlistment, and to refuse to be enlisted in the United States service, 
lest they should be required to go into another State to fight the Eebels. 
In the language of one of her own citizens,* "It was not until the enemy 
was at our very doors, and three days before the battle of Gettysburg was 
begun, that the people began to realize the magnitude of their danger, 
and Philadelphia, which was a most tempting bait for the invaders, began 
to pour forth her men and treasures in real earnest." Lee, on his arrival 
in Pennsylvania, was in ignorance of Hooker's movements, his cavalry 
having been, by unskilful management, separated from his main array, 
and Hooker's army interposed between. He knew, however, that there 
was little leisure for delay, and he accordingly directed Ewell to send two 
of his divisions to Carlisle and York. In their route to York, Early's 
division entered Gettysburg on the 26th, and finding very little there (the 
inhabitants having sent off almost all their movable goods which would 

* Professor M. Jacobs of Gettysburg. 



54S THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

be of value to the Rebels to Philadelphia), they at first attempted to levy 
a cash contribution of considerable amount, but failing also in this, thev 
abandoned the place, and proceeded toward York, the cowardly chief 
burgess of which went six miles from the town toward the Rebels, to find 
them, in order to surrender the town to them. They occupied York ou 
the 28th of June. 

Meantime, General Hooker lost no time in following Lee. On the day 
after the Rebel army entered Maryland, the Union army crossed the 
Potomac at Edwards' ferry, and on the 27th were between Harper's 
Ferry and Frederick, Maryland. 

Ou the 27th of June, General Hooker was relieved of the command of 

the army of the Potomac, General Halleck says, in his report, at his own 

request — a request made probably from the conviction that, with divided 

counsels and a lack of efiBcient co-operation with him on the part of some 

of his generals, there would be little hope of success, in the battle which 

it was evident must soon be fought. Major-General George G. Meade 

was appointed his successor. The general orders of the retiring and the 

incoming general were as follow: 

"Headquarters Akmy of the Potomac, Frederick, Marti.axd, 

"June 28, 18G3. 

"General Order, Xo. 65. — In conformity with the orders of the 
War Department, dated June 27, 1863, I relinquish the command of the 
army of the Potomac. It is transferred to Major-General George G. 
Meade, a brave and accomplished officer, who has nobly earned the con- 
fidence and esteem of the army on many a well -fought field. Impressed 
with the belief that my usefulness as the commander of the army of the 
Potomac is impaired, I part from it, yet not without the deepest emotion. 
The sorrow of parting with the comrades of so many battles is relieved 
by the conviction that the courage and devotion of this army will never 
cease nor fail; that it will yield to my successor, as it has to me, a willing 
and hearty support. AVith the earnest prayer that the triumph of its 
arms may bring successes worthy of it and the nation, I bid it farewell. 

"Joseph Hooker, 

" llajor-Oeneral. 

"S. F. Barstow, 

"Acting Adjutant-General." 

"Headquarters of the Army of the Potomac, 

" June 28, 1863. 

"General Order, No. 66. — By the direction of the President of the 
United States, I hereby assume command of the army of the Potomac. 
As a soldier, in obeying this order, an order totally unexpected and un- 
solicited, I have no promises or pledges to make. The country looks to 
this army to relieve it from the devastation and disgrace of a hostile 
invasion. Whatever fatigues and sacrifices we may bo called upon to 
undergo, let us have in view constantly the magnitude of the interests 
involved, and let each man determine to do his duty, leaving to an all- 



POSITION OF THE TWO AHMIES. 549 

controlling Providence the decision of the contest. It is with just diffi- 
dence that I relieve in command of this army an eminent and accomplished 
soldier, whose name must ever appear conspicuous in the history of its 
achievements; but I rely upon the hearty support of my companions in 
arms to assist me in the discharge of the duties of the important trust 
which has been confided to me. 

"George G. Meade, 

„ „ _ "Major-General Commanding. 

"S. F. Barstow, 

"Assistant Adjutant-General." 

Having assumed command on the 28th of June, General Meade di- 
rected his left wing, the first corps, commanded by General J. F. Eeynolds, 
to move to Emmettsburg, Maryland, and the right wing, the eleventh 
corps, under General 0. 0. Howard, upon New Windsor, leaving General 
French, with eleven thousand men, to protect the Baltimore and Ohio 
railroad, and convey the public property from Harper's Ferry to Wash- 
ington. Buford's cavalry was at Gettysburg, and Kilpatrick's at Hanover, 
Pennsylvania. The Rebel commanders, Ewell and Hill, with their corps, 
reached Fayetteville on the Cashtown road, on the 28th, and Longstreet 
came up to the same point on the day following. 

It now became evident that the point of collision of the two hostile 
armies would be in the vicinity of Gettysburg, to which they were con- 
verging from opposite directions. On the 29th of June, Buford's Union 
cavalry encamped in the vicinity of Gettysburg, on McPherson's farm, a 
mile and a half northwest of the village. The first and eleventh corps 
(General Reynolds' and General Howard's, numbering in all about twenty- 
three thousand men) also came from Emmettsburg, and encamped four 
miles southwest of the village, on the right bank of Marsh's creek. On 
the Rebel side. Hill's corps, consisting of Heath's division, ten thousand 
men; Pender's, ten thousand; and Anderson's, fifteen thousand, were 
moved to the vicinity of Marsh's creek ; while from Longstreet's corps, 
McLaws' division, twelve thousand men, and Hood's, twelve thousand, 
were encamped in the same vicinity. Pickett's division, seven thousand 
men, was at Chambersburg, and Rhodes' and Early's divisions of Ewell's 
corps, together nineteen thousand strong, were at Heidlersburg, nine 
miles distant; and Johnson's of the same corps, twelve thousand, was at 
Carlisle. The plan of Lee was evidently that which he so often found 
successful, of massing an overwhelming force upon a numerically feeble 
foe, and thus defeating the Union army in detail. He had, as will be 
seen, fifty-nine thousand, ready to give battle to the two Union corps of 
twenty-three thousand, while he had also nineteen thousand more in sup- 
porting distance. The remaining corps of the Union army, except the 
six thousand cavalry of Buford, were not within a day's march, and 
hence could not furnish adequate support. The great battle could not be 
delayed, and the prospect for the Union forces was exceedingly dark. 



550 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHArTER XLYir. 

SKKTCn OF GENERAL MEADE — TOPOORAPHT OF THE BATTLE-FIEI.D — THE BEOINNINO OF THE 
BATTLE — DEATH OP OEXERAL REYNOLDS — SKETCH OF HIS LIFE — COMING UP OF TBB 
ELEVENTH CORPS — THE POSITION ON CEMETERY HILL SECURED — RETREAT OF THE FIRST 
AND ELEVENTH CORPS TO CEMETERY HILL — GREAT LOSS OF PRISONERS — THE STATE OF 
FEELING IN THE TWO ARMIES — DEPRESSION OF THE CITIZENS OF GETTYSBURG — REIN- 
FORCEMENTS OF THE UNION ARMY — POSITION OF THE TWO ARMIES ON THE MORNING OP 

JVLt 2 OPENING OF THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE — THE ATTACK ON SICKLES' CORPS — 

THE NINTH MASSACHUSETTS BATTERY — THE CHARGE OF THE PENNSYLVANIA RESERVES — 
THE ENEMY BEATEN BACK — EWELL's ATTACK ON THE ELEVENTH CORPS AND ON GREEN's 

BRIGADE — HE PENETRATES TO SPANGI-Eu's SPRING THE THIRD DAy'S BATTLE — ATTACK 

ON THE UNION RIGHT — THE REPULSE — TERRIBLE ARTILLERY DUEL ON THE LEFT CENTRE 

ASSAULT BY PICKETT'S DIVISION — TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER — LONGSREEt's ATTACK ON 

BOUND TOP — THIS TOO REPULSED — THE BATTLE OVER — RETREAT OF THE REBELS — 
CROSSING OF THE POTOMAC — GENERAL MEADE'S ERROR — THE LOSSES ON BOTH BIDES — 
GENERAL ORDERS OP THE TWO COMMANDERS — BENEFICIAL RESULT OF THE INVASION TO 
THE UNION CAUSE. 

At tlie close of the last chapter, we left the two armies rapidly ap- 
proaching each other, and both preparing for a battle, whose results could 
hardly fail of being decisive in their character. Before proceeding to 
describe the battle of the first three days of July, it may be well to give 
some account of the new commander of the army of the Potomac, who 
had been promoted to that difficult and responsible position only two days 
before the battle. George Gordon Meade was born in Cadiz, Spain, in 
1816, where his fiither was, at that time. United States consul. His elder 
brother, Captain Richard W. Meade, entered the navy in 1826, and is 
now (January, 1865) in command of the steam frigate San Jacinto. 
General Meade was appointed to the West Point military academy, from 
Pennsylvania, in 1831, and graduated in June, 1835. He was appointed 
brevet second-lieutenant of the third artillery, July 1, 1835, and received 
his full commission in the same rank, in December of that year. On the 
26th of October, 1836, he resigned his commission, and for the next six 
years lived in complete retirement. In may, 1842, he again entered the 
army, as second-lieutenant of topographical engineers, and served in that 
capacity throughout the Mexican war, distinguishing himself at the 
battles of Palo Alto and Monterey, and receiving a brevet for "gallant 
and meritorious conduct" in the latter battle. He was appointed to a 
first-lieutenancy in the topographical engineers, in August, 1851, and to 
a captaincy in the same corps in May, 1856.. During the period which 
had elapsed since the Mexican war, he had been engaged in topographical 
surveys of the northern lakes, and in other duties connected with his 
corps. "When the Pennsylvania Reserve corps was organized for three 



SKETCH OF GENERAL MEADE. 551 

years, Captain Meade was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, and 
ordered to the command of the second brigade of the Eeserves, his com- 
mission dating from August 31, 1861. 

While serving in tliis corps, he superintended the erection of Fort 
Pennsylvania at Tenallytown, and subsequently joined the army of the 
Potomac in the winter of 1S62. His brigade belonged to McDowell's 
corps, and remained at Fredericksburg for some months. On the 18th of 
June, 1862, General Meade was advanced to the rank of major of topo- 
graphical engineers in the regular army, and assigned the same rank in 
the newly organized engineer corps of the United States army. In June, 
1862, the Pennsylvania Reserves were added to the army of the Potomac 
on the peninsula. General Meade took part in the battle of Mechanics- 
ville, on the 26th of June, and in the battle of Gaines' Mill, June 27; and 
for his bravery in the latter battle, received the brevet of lieutenant- 
colonel of engineers in the regular army. After the capture of Generals 
McCall and Reynolds, he took command of the Reserves, and in the battle 
of June 30 was severely wounded, but recovered in season to command 
his division in the Maryland campaign ; and after General Hooker was 
wounded at Antietam, commanded his corps, and had two horses killed 
under him, and was himself slightly wounded. During the battle of 
Fredericksburg, he commanded the second division of the first army 
corps, and fought in the left wing, under General Franklin, with a 
tenacity and daring which was hardly equalled in that day of magniiicent 
bravery. All his brigade officers, many of his field and line officers, and 
more than fifteen hundred men of his division, were either killed or 
wounded, before he relinquished the attack. Two days after the battle he 
was pronioted to the command of the fifth army corps, and was appointed 
major-general of volunteers, his commission dating from the 29th of No- 
vember, 1862. He remained in command of the fifth corps during the 
whole period of General Hooker's command of the army of the Potomac ; 
and during the battles of Chancellorsville, his corps, though less actively 
engaged than some of the others, was yet a tower of strength to the rest 
of the army. When it was found to be the intention of the Government 
to relieve General Hooker of the command of the army of the Potomac, 
the other corps commanders, without General ^leade's knowledge, unani- 
mously asked his appointment of the Government; and the order re- 
quiring him to take command of the army took him completely by sur- 
prise. In his stragical movements in the battle of Gettysburg, he 
displayed admirable skill and fertility of resource, and showed, conclu- 
sively that he understood how to foil the most cherished plans of his able 
and adroit adversary. 

Gettysburg, the point toward which the two hostile armies were 
hastening, and which was the scene of the most bloody and desperate 
battle of the war, is the county seat of Adams county, Pennsylvania. It 



553 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

is situated iu a small valley, surrounded by hills, some of them rising to a 
considerable height. South Mountain, the northern prolongation of the 
easternmost range of the Blue Eidge, is about ten miles \ve.<t of the town, 
and has a general course from northeast to southwest. Half a mile west 
of the town, parallel with South Mountain, and extending southward for 
several miles, is Oak or Seminary ridge. North of the town this ridge 
extends across the roads leading to Carlisle and Ilarrisburg. Immediately 
south of the town rises the bold, bluff" eminence of Cemetery hill, almost 
wholly destitute of timber, but commanding, from its height, the Semi- 
nary ridge and the borough of Gettysburg. Southeast of Seminary hill, 
there are two other smaller elevations — the nearer and smaller, Culps 
liill, and the remoter, Wolfs hill. Both are heavily wooded. About one 
and three-fourths miles directly south of Cemetery hill, and forming a 
continuation of the elevated plateau, are two summits — Little Round Top 
or Granite Spur, and Round Top. These, too, are crowned with heavy 
forest- trees. Perhaps half a mile further south, or a little southwest, was 
another and somewhat lower eminence, occupied, on the 3d of July, by 
two brigades of Kilpatrick's cavalry. 

Ilaving thus briefly sketched the leader and the field of battle, let us 
take up the narrative of the battle itself, from the morning of the 30th 
of June, when the first corps (Reynolds') and the eleventh (Howard's) of 
the Union army, camped, late in the evening, wearied with a long march, 
on the bank of Marsh's creek, five miles from Gettysburg, with Hill's and 
Longstreet's corps, fifty-nine thousand strong, in their immediate vicinity, 
and nineteen thousand more but nine miles distant. General Buford had 
that day entered the borough of Gettysburg, with his division of six 
thousand cavalry, and had taken a position on the western slope of Semi- 
nary ridge, northwest of the town. 

Early iu the morning of "Wednesday, July 1, he moved forward to a 
cultivated hill, a quarter of a mile west of Seminary ridge, and placed his 
batteries on the eastern slope of it, near the summit, and formed his line 
in rear of his batteries, near the base of the hill. He threw out his 
pickets a mile or more in advance of his batteries. 

On this point, the attack commenced a few minutes before ten A.M., by 
the firing of some of the Rebel skirmishers upon Buford's pickets. Hill's 
(Rebel) corps, or at least Pender's and Heath's divisions, numbering 
twenty thousand men, bad moved forward by the Cashtown road, and 
posted themselves along the line of Willoughby creek or river, which 
flows along the western base of the hill, on which Buford was posted. 
Anderson's division, of the same corps, followed soon after, and took its 
position toward the Hagerstown road. The engagement between the 
pickets and the skirmishers soon grew into the proportions of a battle, 
and about ten o'clock A. M. the artillery on both sides opened. At half- 
past ten, Major-General Reynolds, with the first corps, came at full speed 



DEATH OP GENEEAL REYNOLDS. 553 

ttrougli Gettysburg, and formed in line of battle along the eastern slope 
of Oak ridge, their right wing resting near the Seminary. From this 
position he ordered the corps to advance to Buford's relief, who was at 
this time warmly engaged with a force nearly four times the number of 
his own. In thus advancing, they passed to the northwest till their left 
was nearly opposite the Seminary, and half a mile west of it. 

On the east bank of Willoughby run, and about one hundred yards 
south of Chambersburg tunpike, is a small grove of timber, extending 
eastward from the run nearly half a mile, to the summit of the hill on 
which Buford's batteries were placed. This grove the Rebels had filled 
with sharpshooters ; and as the first corps approached it, Major-General 
Eeynolds, according to his usual custom, rode forward toward the woods, 
and dismounted to reconnoitre. As he drew near a fence at the eastern 
extremity of the grove, and stooped forward to examine the woods, he 
was struck by a ball in the neck, breaking the bone. lie fell forward on 
his face, and expired in a few minutes.* 

* Major-General John Fulton Reynolds was born in Lancaster, Pennsylyania, in 
1820. He was admitted a cadet at West Point in 1837, and graduated on the 30<h 
of June, 1841. He was appointed a brevet second lieutenant of artillery on the 1st of 
July, 1841, and on the 23d of October following received his commission as second 
lieutenant in the third artillery. On the 18th of June, 1846, he was promoted to the 
rank of first lieutenant in the same regiment, and served throughout the Mexican 
war, winning the brevets of captain and major for his " gallant and meritorious con- 
duct" at Monterey and Buena A'ista. After his return from Mexico he was engaged 
in military service in California and against the Indians on the Pacific coast. In 
1852, he was appointed aid to General AVool, and on the 3d of March, 1855, was pro- 
moted to the captaincy in the third artillery. 

At the commencement of the war Captain Reynolds assisted Governor Curtin of 
Pennsylvania in organizing the State troops, and xmder the act of the Legislature of 
May 15, proceeded to raise the Pennsylvania Reserve corps. For these services he 
was presented with a sword by his native State. On the 14th of May, 18C1, he was 
appointed lieutenant-colonel of the fourteenth United States infantry. On the 20th 
of August, 1861, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volunteers, and appointed 
to the command of the first brigade of the Pennsylvania Reserve corps, then under 
General McCall. With this command he was engaged in the construction of Fort 
Pennsylvania at Tenallytown, and in the early part of 1862 passed over the Potomac, 
joining the army of the Potomac. The "Reserves," it will be remembered, formed 
the second division of the first army corps under General McDowell. In June, 1862, 
they joined the army of the Potomac on the peninsula ; and General Reynolds, on 
the 26th of June, 1862, participated in the battle of Mechanicsville, and the nest day 
took part in the severe and disastrous battle of Gaines' Mill. He was also engaged 
at Savage's station and at Charles City Cross Roads, where he took command of 
the division after General McCall was taken prisoner, and at a later hour the same 
day was himself captured by the enemy and sent to Richmond. For his gallantry in 
these battles he received the brevets of colonel and brigadier-general in the regular 
army. After his release from Richmond, he took command of the Pennsylvania 
militia when that State was invaded in September, 1862, and for his gallant conduct 
at that time received the thanks of the State, through Governor Curtin, and also 



551 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

On the fall of General Reynolds, the command of the corps devolved 
on General Doubleday. The corps, which had been much reduced by 
losses at the battle of Fredericksburg, numbered but about eight thousand 
men. The battle now raged furiously for nearly two hour-s, the Eebels 
relying on their superior numbers, and assaulting the Union lines with 
great fury, and these resisting their eftbrts with equal determination. A 
Rebel brigade, under command of General Archer, of Maryland, num- 
bering about fifteen hundred men, attempting to outflank and capture the 
Union brigade on the extreme right, was itself captured and sent to the 
rear; and a regiment of ^lississippi troops, eight hundred strong, had also 
been taken prisoners. As he came upon the field, General Reynolds, ob- 
serving the numerical superiority of the Rebel force, had sent back to 
Major-General Howard, commanding the eleventh corps, requesting him 
to hasten forward with his troops. 

General Howard came up about noon, and having stationed Steinwehr's 
division on Cemetery hill, as the best position for the coming struggle, 
hastened with Schurz's and Barlow's divisions to the support of the 
struggling heroes of the first corps. It was time. Rhodes' and Early's 
divisions of Ewell's (Rebel) corps, each about twelve thousand strong, 
which it will be remembered were at Ileidlersburg, nine miles distant, the 
day before, had been ordered forward at an early hour, and formed on the 
left of Heath (of Hill's corps) with the intention of flanking the Union 
troops. Rhodes' division, which was in the advance, moved forward on 
the Harrisburg road, and took part in the battle about noon, and were 
ppcssing the first (Union) corps so hard that they were beginning to give 
way, when the divisions of Schurz and Barlow coming up upon the 
double-quick step, took position on their extreme riglit, resting on the 
^lummasburg road. This stayed the tide of battle for an hour, when 
Early's (Rebel) division coming up on the York road, arrived on the 

those of General McClellan. On the 2Cth of September he relinquished this position, 
and returned to the command of hisf division, and soon after assumed the command of 
the first army corps liy virtue of seniority of rank. ITe commanded this corps in the 
battle of Frcdcrickslmrfr, being in the left wing iinder General Franklin. In January, 
18G3, he was nominated major-ireneral of volunteers, and confirmed in March, his 
commission dating from the 29th November, 1862. In the movements preceding the 
battles around Chaucellorsville, General Reynolds distinguished liimself for the 
promptness and skill with wliich he moved his corps, carrying out the prints which 
General Hooker had planned to deceive the enemy. In the battles the first corps 
took no active part, being in the reserve. On the 12th of June he was appointed to 
the command of tlie right wing of Hooker's army, having charge of three corps. He 
moved rapidly from the Kappahaiuiock, and crossed the I'otomac on the 2.")th of June. 
He was, as we have seen, with liis own corps, in the vanguard at Gettysburg, and fill 
in the very beginning of the battle. He endeared himself greatly to liis officers and 
men by his thoughtfulness for their welfare, and his extraordinary personal courage 
and daring. 



MOVEMENTS OF THE TWO ARMIES 555 

field, and took part in the fight. The Rebels had now forty-four thousand 
men actually engaged in the battle, and as many more within supporting 
distance, against not more than twenty thousand Union troops ; and as 
their fresh troops were constantly moving up, and extending farther east, 
with the evident intention of flanking the Union troops, it became evident 
that these must fall back to Cemetery hill or be killed or captured. 
General Howard had anticipated this contingency, and had, on first 
coming upon the field, ordered the removal of the heavy artillery to 
Cemetery hill, and sent orders to Steinwehr's division to be ready to sup- 
port the Union troops, should they find it necessary to retreat. 

As the pressure of the advancing columns of the enemy became greater, 
the men of the first and eleventh corps were forced to yield before them. 
The first corps, for the most part, moved in very good order through the 
southwestern suburbs of the town, and took position on the left and rear 
of Steinwehr ; while the eleventh corps, crowding through Washington 
and Baltimore streets, took position in front, and on the right centre of 
the hill. In the confusion consequent upon the dense crowd, they were 
unable to repel the assaults of the enemy, who were pressing hard upon 
them, and from two thousand five hundred to three thousand were taken 
prisoners. 

At 4.30 p. M. the two corps had reached Cemetery hill, and the well 
directed artillery fire of Steinwehr's division, and a heavy force of sharp- 
shooters stationed along the front of the hill, prevented the Rebels from 
pursuing. Soon after they had reached the hill, General Hancock, com- 
mander of the second army corps, who had been sent forward by General 
Meade to represent him upon the field, arrived, and approving of the ju- 
dicious choice of position made by General Howard, proceeded to post 
the troops on the hill, and assign positions to the different corps, which, 
under urgent orders from General Meade, were now rapidly coming up. 
The twelfth corps (Major-General Slocum's) and part of the third, with 
its commander, General Sickles, arrived about seven p. M. The twelfth 
was stationed on Gulp's hill, extending to Wolf's hill, and the third on 
Cemetery hill, to the left of the first. 

At night the Rebel forces were stationed as follows: Ewell's corps 
(Rhodes' and Early's divisions) occupied the town, and formed a line 
thence southeast to Rock creek, a stream flowing southward about a mile 
east of the town. Johnston's division of this corps did not arrive till the 
next day (July 2d), and then took its position on the extreme left, beyond 
Rock creek. Hill's corps was posted on Seminary ridge in the follow- 
ing order : on the left, and extending from the Chambersburg turnpike, 
to the Shippensburg or Mummasburg road, was Heath's division ; nest 
came Pender ; then Anderson, who had come up late, and had taken no 
part in the day's fighting; then McLaws' division of Longstreet's corps 



556 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

which had also come up too late for the battle of that day ; nnd this was 
joined still further on the right, the next morning, by Hood's division. 

The tone of feeling in the two armies was very different. The Eehcls 
were boastful and jubilant; they were elated with their success on that 
day, and fully confident that on the morrow they should completely an- 
nihilate the Union army, fatigued as it was by long marches, and yet 
scattered, for they were well aware that but two small corps had been 
fighting them through the day. Their commander, however, saw less oc- 
casion for rejoicing than some of his subordinates. lie had, indeed, driven 
the small force opposed to him back about two miles, and taken about 
three thousand prisoners ; but they had retreated to a strong and almost 
impregnable position, and had carried off twenty-three hundred of his 
men ; and their forces would come up rapidly, and soon would be equal 
in numbers to his own, with a decidedly superior position. 

On the Union side there was very little dejection or discouragement, 
but as little rejoicing. The two corps which had been engaged had made 
a good fight, and though tliey had lost heavily, in killed, wounded and 
prisoners, they had not been panic-stricken and dishonored. They had, 
indeed, lost their noble and gallant commander. General Reynolds, and the 
youthful but fearless General Barlow was wounded well nigh to death. 
Of Schurz's division, of the eleventh corps, numbering in the morning 
three thousand six hundred men, two thousand two hundred were killed; 
wounded, or prisoners. With all these misfortunes, however, there was 
a full belief in the advantages of their position, a certainty that they 
would be largely reinforced before another day's fighting, and an un- 
shaken confidence in the ability of General Meade. When evening 
brought Slocum's and part of Sickles' corps, and especially when, soon 
after midnight, General Meade and his staff rode into camp from Taney, 
town, the spirits of the men, weary as they were, began to rise, and they 
felt that victory was yet within their reach. 

The people of Gettysburg were overwhelmed with distress and anxiety 
during this, the first night of the battle. They had seen one of the finest 
dwellings of the town, the Harman house, wantonly burned in the morn- 
ing; they knew that the rebels were plundering others at this very time! 
they had seen the Union army flying before a triumphant foe through 
their streets, and though they k'^ew that they had succeeded in gaining 
the Cemetery hill, yet they feai ''--y would not be able to hold it, 
especially as they knew nothing of ueneral Meade's near approach, or of 
the reinforcements already come in, or within a short distance from the 
town. Furthermore, the Rebels encamped in the town were loquacious 
and boastful, and took delight in telling how easily they should be able to 
destroy the Union army on the morrow. Disheartened, and almcst in 
despair, the citizens of Gettysburg watched sadly for the dawn, which 
they feared after all might come too soon, and too deeply laden with 



1 




OPENING OF THE BATTLE AT GETTYSBURG. 55T 

sorrow. At seven A. M., Thursday morning, July 2cl, tlie remainder of 
the third corps (Sickles') and the whole of the second (Hancock's) and 
the fifth (Sykes') had reached the camp. Hancock's corps was placed on 
the left centre, next to the first corps, and Sickles joined it still further 
on the left, while Sykes' held the extreme left wing, resting on Round 
Top and Granite Spur, or Little Round Top. Sedgwick's corps (the sixth) 
did not arrive till two p. M., having marched thirty-two miles since nine 
A. M, of the previous day. As the men were very much wearied with 
their fatiguing march, they were ordered to take a place behind the fifth in 
reserve, to be able to support either the right or left as might be required- 

The Rebels were in no haste to commence the.attack. General Lee, the 
Rebel commander, says in his report, that the force of the enemy (the 
Union troops) was unknown, and that he deemed it advisable to wait till 
the rest of his troop's came up. They were, however, all in ,the field ex- 
cept Pickett's division of Longstreet's corps, Johnston's division of 
Ewell's corps, and Stewart's cavalry — all of which came up on Thursday. 

The force which was present for duty at Gettysburg, under his com- 
mand, on the morning of July 2d, was not less than seventy-five thousand 
men; and about twenty-nine thousand more came in during the day, in- 
cluding Stuart's cavalry, giving an entire force of one hundred and four 
thousand. The Union army, in the morning, numbered about seventy- 
eight thousand ; and Sedgwick's corps, of about sixteen thousand, came 
in at two P. jr., making the entire Union force about ninety-four thousand. 

The day passed in silence, except occasional picket-firing, and now 
and then a cannon-shot from the Union lines to ascertain the position 
and strength of the enemy, till twenty minutes past four P. M., when, 
liaving perfected his arrangements, the Rebel commander opened a ter- 
rific artillery fire upon the left, and followed it by an infantry attack upon 
the left wing. General Sickles, in command of the third coi-ps on that 
wing, moved forward with his corps from half to three fourths of a mile 
in front of the main line of the Union army, to the vicinity of Sherfey's 
peach orchard. The ninth Massachusetts' battery, Captain Bigelow, ac- 
companied the corps. General Sickles' position was unfortunately too 
far from the main line to be promptly or immediately supported by the 
second or fifth corps. General Meade sought General Sickles at once, and 
discussed with him the propriety of falling back to the line of his sup- 
ports ; but the enemy had perceived his exposed position, and were rush- 
ing forward to the attack in heavy force, about twenty-six thousand men 
being thrown at once upon this single corps. Very early in the engage- 
ment, General Sickles was severely wounded, and Major-General Birney 
took command of the corps, and retained it, though himself wounded 
soon after. After a brave and determined resistance, the corps was forced 
back ; and the enemy, flushed with success, pressed forward with all their 
might for the high ground between Round Top and Little Round Top or 



658 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Granite Spur. If they could reach and hold this, they would be able to 
command the Union position on Cemetery hill. The struggle was fierce 
and desperate, and, for nearly four hours, victory seemed poised in the 
balance. Bigelow's ninth Massachusetts battery, nine months' men, who 
had not previously been under fire, occupied an exposed position, and the 
Kebels seemed determined to take it. Major McGilvray, who commanded 
the artillery on the left, ordered Captain Bigelow to hold his position till 
he could get up two batteries on the ridge, and to give the Eebels grape 
and canister. Captain Bigelow obeyed, and as the Eebels came up to the 
very muzzles of his cannon to capture them, he blew them to pieces, and 
filled the air with the scattered fragments of their bodies. Still they 
rushed on with demoniac yells, climbing upon the limbers, and shooting 
the horses, but Bigelow held on, though nearly all his horses were 
killed, five of his sergeants dead, and three of his cannoneers and twenty- 
two of his men wounded, and himself shot through the side, till the booming 
of the guns from the ridge told that McGilvray had planted his batteries. 
He then brought off five of his limbers and two of his guns, dragging 
them in part by hand. The Rebels rushed forward, seized the four pieces 
with loud shouts, and came on for new triumphs, but McGilvray's batteries 
drove them back with terrible slaughter, and a fresh division (Humphrey's) 
coming up to reinforce the third corps, charged upon the Eebels and re- 
captured the guns. 

In this desperate struggle, Doubleday's division of the first corps, the 
second, and part of the fifth and sixth corps, together with two divisions 
of the twelfth corps, came to the assistance of the third, and after nearly 
three hours of the hardest fighting of the war, succeeded in repulsing the 
enemy, who had at one time gained possession of the summit of Little Eound 
Top. From this point they were driven by Crawford's division of the fifth 
corps (the Pennsylvania Eeserves) who, coming up fresh, charged upon them 
with great fury, drove them down the rocky front of that hill, across the 
valley below, over the next hill, and into the woods beyond, taking over 
three hundred prisoners. In this charge, the gallant Colonel Taylor, com- 
mander of the Bucktail regiment of the Eeserves, and brother of the dis- 
tinguished author, Bayard Taylor, was killed, and the Eebel General 
Barksdale also fell. Thus thoroughly driven back, and with severe loss, 
the enemy made no further attempts upon the Union left wing, but the 
Eebel General Ewell, who commanded on the enemy's left (opposite the 
Union right) and had determined to obtain possession of Gulp's and 
AVolf's hills to the right and southeast of Cemetery hill, took advantage 
of the weakening of the Union right to support the attack of Longstreet 
and Hill on the left, massed his force first against the position of the 
eleventh corps on Cemetery hill, and afterward on Green's brigade of 
Geary's division, which, with Williams' division, alone remained of the 
twelfth, the rest having crossed to the support of the third corps, and 



THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE AT GETTYSBUEG. 559 

whicli guarded the valley between Gulp's and Wolf's hills. The attack 
upon the eleventh corps was speedily repulsed, and with fearful loss to 
the Eebels. Howard, depressing the muzzles of his forty cannon, poured 
such volumes of flame, with such a hail of shell, upon the Kebel troops, 
who were flying to climb the steep front of the hill, that they fell back 
completely routed. E well's success was somewhat better, in his attempt 
upon the lines further to the Union right. He attacked Green's brigade, 
in the darkness, with great fury, but was received by the brigade with the 
most resolute courage, and the whole ground in front of Green's breast- 
works was covered with the killed and wounded. After some time a 
brigade of the first corps was sent down to the assistance of this little 
band of heroes. The conflict raged nearly two hours, till 9.30 p. M. ; and 
though repelled from Green's breastworks, a small Eebel force succeeded 
in penetrating to a point inside of the Union lines, near Spangler's Spring, 
where they lay on their arms during the night. Owing to the late hour and 
the darkness, they dared not push on further, lest they should fall into a trap. 

The losses during this day's fighting had been very severe on both sides, 
but they were heaviest on the side of the Rebels ; and, with the exception 
of the slight advantage gained at Spangler's Spring, which proved of no 
subsequent importance, they had been repulsed with great loss in their 
attempts to carry every point. They were not however defeated ; and 
the reinforcements which they had received during the day, and which 
had as yet taken no part in the fighting, together with the fact that a 
retreat could only prove ruinous to their cause, led the Rebel commander 
to resolve to continue the assault on the next day, July 8d. To General 
Ewell he assigned the task of carrying the Union right wing, and to 
Longstreet that of breaking the Union left centre, the weakest point of 
the Union lines. 

On the morning of the 3d, General Geary, who had returned to the 
right during the night, was attacked at early dawn by the enemy, and re- 
plied with his batteries. The attacking force was that which had pene- 
trated to Spangler's Spring the night previous, now largely reinforced by 
Ewell's best troops. At sunrise Gearj^'s division, which had been rein- 
forced by Shaler's brigade from the sixth corps, and Lockwood's Maryland 
brigade, charged furiously upon the enemy and drove them back. Rein- 
forced, they again advanced, only to be again driven back, and from 4.30 
to eight A. M. the battle raged with the utmost violence, and there were 
no symptoms of yielding on eithtS" side. At eight o'clock there was a lull 
of a few minutes, and then the strife was renewed again with ever in- 
creasing fury. At 10.30 A. M. the Rebels were retreating, driven by 
main force over the breastworks with dreadful slaughter, and, as they 
fell back, a battery on the Baltimore turnpike ploughed through their 
lines with shot and shell, hurled over the heads of the twelfth corps, and 
made terrible havoc in their ranks. 



560 THE CIVIL WAR IN" THE UNITED STATES. 

After the retreat of Ewell's troops to the west and northwest of the 
town of Gettysburg, the enemy remained quiet till one P. M., when they 
opened fire with one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty 
guns on the centre and left, the position of General Hancock's corps, 
which, from the want of natural defences, was the weakest portion of the 
Union lines. The Union Latteries, fully equal in number and calibre, 
replied promptly, and for the next two hours the earth shook under the 
feet of the two armies with the terrible concussion. The air seemed filled 
with iron missiles, and the forest trees on both sides were riven, torn 
and splintered, as if struck by lightening. At last the Union troops 
ceased to reply, not from any disposition to yield, or from lack of am- 
munition, but to compel the Eebels to a further demonstration. 

They were not slow in making it. Pickett's division, the elite of 
Longstreet's corps, which had not yet been under fire in this battle, was 
advanced, and supported by three brigades from Heath's and Anderson's 
divisions of Hill's corps. They moved steadily forward for nearly a half 
mile, intending evidently to carry the Union lines by assault, when having 
arrived within short range, the artillery opened on them with grape, can- 
ister, and shell. They hesitated for a moment, tlien with tremendous 
yells rushed on till, when within a short distance of the lines, they were re- 
ceived with a most deadly and destructive fire of musketry. Under this 
they reeled and staggered, and a part rushing up to the Union lines threw 
down their arms and surrendered, while the remainder turned and fled. 
Webb's and Stannard's brigades of Doubleday's division sprang furward, 
and each captured ab6ut eight hundred prisoners, and the other brigades 
con.siderable numbers. Fifteen stands of colors were also taken by the 
Union troops. Of the three brigade commanders of Pickett's division, 
Garnett was killed, Armistead mortally wounded, and Kemper severely 
wounded and taken prisoner. General Pcttigrew and General Semmes 
were also wounded, the latter mortally. Over one third of the men en- 
gaged in this assault were left upon the field, and three thousand more 
taken prisoners. On the Union side the loss had been much less, but 
Major-General Hancock and Brigadier-General Gibbon were severely, and 
Generals Warren and Hunt slightly wounded. Of course this closed the 
battle in this part of the field, as there was no probability of rallying these 
broken troops for another attack. 

But Longstreet had not relinquished his hope of effecting a lodgment 
of his troops upon Eound Top or Granite Spur. Hood's and lIcLaws' 
division of his corps, while the fight with the Union centre was progress- 
ing, assaulted these points with great vigor in front, and at the same time 
Longstreet sent an infantry force with two or three batteries, to a point 
nearly two miles southwest of Round Top, with orders to press forward 
and turn the flank of the sixth corps, so as to fall upon the Union rear 
and secure its trains of ammunition, which were packed behind Round 



RETREAT OF THE REBEL ARMY FROM GETTYSBURG. 



561 



Top. They were, as they thought, making good progress in this move- 
ment, when they suddenly found themselves confronted by two brigades 
of Kilpatrick's division of cavalry. A fierce engagement ensued, in 
which the Eebel batteries were silenced, and the infantry driven back to 
their original position in front of Round Top, and the Pennsylvania Ee- 
serves charged upon them, capturing the battery, taking three hundred 
prisoners, and five thousand stand of arms. At the same time, General 
Gregg, with his division of cavalry, who had held a position on the 
extreme right, crossed the Baltimore and Bonaughtown road, and attacked 
Stuart's cavalry and Ewell's force on the left and rear. 

The great battle was over. Thwarted at every point, his efforts to 
penetrate and destroy the Union army all defeated, with nearly one third 
of his whole force either killed, wounded, or prisoners, his ammunition 
and supplies nearly exhausted, the Rebel commander sullenly drew back 
to his intrenchments, and ordered the gathering up of such of his 
wounded as could be most readily moved. The Rebel troops which had 
hitherto occupied the town and the tract southeast of it, moved during the 
night to Seminary ridge. "Owing to the strength of the enemy's posi- 
tion," says General Lee in his report, "and the reduction of our ammu- 
nition, a renewal of the engagement could not be hazarded, and the 
difficulty of procuring supplies rendered it impossible to continue longer 
where we were." Accordingly, he commenced his retreat by the Fairfield 
and Cashtown roads toward Williamsport, on the evening of the fourth 
of July, in a heavy rain, and with the utmost secrecy, and on the morning 
of the fifth General Meade ascertained that he was in full retreat, and the 
sixth corps was sent to pursue him on the Fairfield road, and cavalry 
on the Cashtown road, by the Emmettsburg and Monterey passes. The 
fifth and sixth of July having been occupied with the succor of the 
wounded and the burial of the dead, and General Sedgwick having 
returned from the pursuit of the enemy, which he had pushed as far as 
the Fairfield Pass, with the report that the pass was very strong — one in 
which a small force of the enemy could hold in check and delay any 
pursuing force — General Meade resolved to follow the enemy by a flank 
movement, and accordingly, leaving a brigade of cavalry and one of in- 
fantry to continue hara.ssing the enemy, he put his army in motion for 
Middletown, Maryland, and sent orders to Major-General French, at 
Frederick, to re-occupy Harper's Ferry, and to send a force to hold 
Turner's Pass in South Mountain. He ascertained subsequently that 
Major General French had not only anticipated some of these orders in 
part, but had pushed a cavalry force to Williamsport and Falling Waters, 
where they partially destroyed the enemy's pontoon bridge, and captured 
its guard. General Meade sent Buford at the same time with his cavalry 
division to Williamsport and Hagerstown, where they successfully 
36 



562 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

harassed the Kebel army, destroying its trains, and making many cap- 
tures of guns and prisoners. 

After halting a day at Middletown, to procure necessary supplies and 
bring up trains, the Union army moved through South Mountain, and by 
the 12th of July was in front of the enemy, who occupied a strong 
position on the heights near the marsh, which lies in advance of Williams- 
port. In taking this position several skirmishes and affrays had been had 
with the enemy, principally by the cavalry, and the eleventh and sixth corps. 
The loth of July was occupied in reconnoissances of the enemy's position 
and in preparations for an attack ; but on advandng the next day, it was 
found that during the night of the 13th they had crossed the river at 
Falling Waters and Williamsport, Ewell's corps fording the river at tlie 
latter point, wading waist deep, and Longstreet and Hill's corps crossing 
at the former on the pontoon bridge, v\ hich had been rejjaired. Tlie cav- 
alry in pursuit overtook the rear-guard of Longstreet and Ilill at Falling 
Waters, and captured two guns and numerous prisoners. Such is Gen- 
eral Meade's account of the retreat. General Lee, on the contrary, states 
that he awaited an attack at AVilliamsport for two days (June 12lli and 
13th) and that as none was made, and his preparations were completed, ho 
crossed deliberately, and without interference on the part of the Union 
army. Were it not that General Lee's report is, throughout, disingenuous, 
and that though he does not directly assert falsehoods, yet often he so 
states facts as to compel the drawing of false inferences, and as often sup- 
presses important truths which would tell against his cause, we might 
be disposed to accept as the whole truth his version of his escape. Gen- 
eral Meade did not fail of censure from the Government for thus permitting 
the Rebel army to glide away from him when it was seemingly within 
his grasp. It should be said in his favor, that his forces were much ex- 
hausted by their very long, forced marches ; that the Rebel position was 
one of great strength, and that the Rebel army, fighting for existence, 
would undoubtedly have fought with the utmost desperation, and the re- 
sult of the battle might have been doubtful. Yet to have fought and been 
repulsed would have been better than not to have fought at all, since he 
could liardly have f;iiled to have innicted as much injury on the Rebel 
army as he received, and this would have so thoroughly crippled Lee's 
army as to have rendered it powerless in the future. It cannot be denied 
that the mistake was a grave one. 

General Gregg's cavalry force, which had crossed the Potomac at Har- 
per's Ferry on the 12th or 13th, came up with the rear of the enemy at 
Charlestown and Shepherdstown, had a spirited contest, in which the 
enemy was driven to Martinsburg and \Vinchester, and pursued and 
harassed in his retreat. General Lee says that this cavalry force was at- 
tacked by (Rebel) General Fitz Lee near Kearneyville, and defeated with 
heavy loss, leaving its dead and many of its wounded on the field. Gen 



THE LOSSES OP*rHE TAVO ARMIES. 563 

eral Meade's army crossed the Potomac at "Berlin, and moved down the 
Loudon valley, and keeping between the Blue Eidge and the Potomac, 
compelled Lee to retreat up the Shenandoah valley, and to take a position 
on tlie Rapidan, where his army remained for some time. 

In the magnitude of the losses on both sides in this campaign, it is en- 
titled to be regarded as the greatest campaign of the war up to that period, 
and the battle as one of the severest of modern times. The Union losses, 
as officially stated, were two thousand eight hundred and thirty-four killed, 
fourteen thousand seven hundred and nine wounded, and six thousand six 
hundred and forty-three missing, of whom not far from four thousand 
were prisoners. The total loss was therefore twenty-three thousand one 
hundred and eighty-six. Among the killed were Major-General Reynolds, 
and Brigadier-Generals Weed, Zook and Farns worth ; while Major-Gen- 
erals Sickles, Hancock, Butterfield, Doubleday, and Birney, and Brigadier- 
Generals Barlow, Barnes, Warren, Gibbon, Hunt, Graham, Willard, and 
Paul, were wounded. The Rebel losses have never been officially stated, 
but, from the best data to be obtained, it is believed that their dead num- 
bered about five thousand five hundred. Nearly that number were buried 
by the Union army, and others were found in the woods and ravines sub- 
sequently. The number of wounded, from the most accurate estimates 
to be obtained, exceeded twenty-one thousand. Of these seven thousand 
five hundred and forty were left on the field, and abandoned to the care of 
the victors, and were attended with tlie same assiduity and tenderness as 
the wounded of the Union army. The number of Rebel prisoners was 
thirteen thousand six hundred and twenty-one, inclusive of the wounded. 
The total loss then of the rebel army was not less then thirty-two thousand 
one hundred. Among these were Major-General Pender, and Brigadier- 
Generals Barksdale, Armistead, Garnett, Semmes, and Pettigrew (killed ;it 
Falling Waters), killed ; and Mnjor-Generals Heath, Hood and Trimble, 
and Brigadier-Generals Kemper, Scales, Ander.son, Hampton, Jones and 
Jenkins, wounded ; and Brigadier-Generals Archer and Kemper taken 
prisoners. Three cannon and forty-one standards were also captured from 
the Rebels. 

On the 4th of July, General Meade issued the following general order 
to his army : 

" Headquarter.s Army of thk Potomac, 
"Near Gettysburg, July 4, 1863. 

"General Orders, No. 68. — The commanding general, in the name 
of the country, thanks the army of the Potomac for the glorious result 
of the recent operations. 

" Our enemy, superior in numbers, and flushed with the pride of a suc- 
cessful invasion, attempted to overcome or destroy this army. Baffled 
and defeated, he has now withdrawn from the contest. The privations and 
fatigues the army has endured, and the heroic courage and gallantry it 
displayed, will be matters of history to be ever remembered. 



564 THE CIVIL WAR IN Ae UNITED STATES. 

" Our task is not yet accomplished, and the commanding general looks 
to the army for greater efforts to drive from our soil every vestige of the 
presence of the invader. 

" It is right and proper that we should on suitable occasions return our 
grateful thanks to the Almighty Disposer of events, that in the goodness 
of his providence he has thought fit to give victory to the cause of the 
just. By command of 

" (Signed) Major-General Meade. 

" S. Williams, A. A. G." 

General Lee on reaching Williamsport also issued a general order to 
his army, of which the following is a copy : 

•' Headquarters Armt of NoRinERjf Viboinia, 

'^Jtilii 11, 13G3. 

■ "General Orders, No. 16. — After the long and trying marches, en- 
dured with the fortitude that has ever characterized the soldiers of the 
army of Northern Virginia, you have penetrated to the country of our 
enemies, and recalled to the defences of their own soil those who were 
engaged in the invasion of ours. 

" You have fought a fierce and sanguinary battle, which, if not attended 
with the success that has hitherto crowned your efforts, was marked by 
the same heroic spirit that has commanded the respect of your enemies, 
the gratitude of your country, and the admiration of mankind. 

" Once more you arc called upon to meet the enemy from whom you 
have torn so many fields names that will never die. Once more the eyes 
of your countrymen are turned upon you, and again do wives and sisters, 
fathers and mothei-s, and helpless children, lean for defence on your strong 
arms and brave hearts. Let every soldier remember that on his courage 
and fidelity depends all that makes life worth having, the freedom of his 
country, the honor of his people, and the security of his home. 

" Let each heart grow strong in the i-emembranoe of our glorious past, 
and iu the thought of the inestimable blessings for which we contend ; 
and, invoking the assistance of that benign Power which has so signally 
blessed our former eflbrts, let us go forth in confidence to secure the 
j)eace and safety of our country. Soldieis, your old enemy is before you. 
Win from him honor worthy of your right cause, worthy of your comrades 
dead on so many illustrious fields. 

" R. E. Lee, General Commanding." 

The invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania by the Rebel army, so far 
from accomplishing what the Rebels and their sympathizers at the North 
had liopcd from it, was, notwithstanding its immense expenditure of 
loyal blood and treasure, of great service to the Union. It thwarted the 
schemes of the " Peace " party, and transformed many who had been 
ardent sympathizers with the Rebellion, into active advocates of the war. 



EESULTS OF THE INVASION OF PENNSYLVANIA. 565 

It roused the dormant patriotism of tlie professed friends of the Union, 
and gave a n^v impulse to volunteering. The heavy loss sustained by 
the Rebels in the expedition, in men and munitions of war, convinced 
them that the party on whose sympathy they had relied to sustain them 
in their struggle, by rising against the United States Government, were 
utterly powerless to effect any thing in their favor, and this did more to 
dispirit and discourage them, and to injure their cause abroad, than any 
previous event. Coming, as it did, in connection with other and still 
more decisive victories for the Union arms, it encouraged the timid, 
established the wavering, infused fresh courage into the hearts of the 
friends of the Union at home and abroad, and turned the tide which had 
in other countries set so strongly and unjustly against the national cause, 
if not to favorable regard, at least to a far stricter impartiality than had 
previously been manifested. 



5r.G THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CEAPTEK XLYIIT. 

OENERAL ORANT TAKES COMMAND IN PERSON OF THE ARMY FOR THE REDUCTION OF VinKS- 

BHRO HIS OANAL PROJECTS — THE CANAL ACROSS THE PENINSULA — ROUTE BT ROUNDAWAT 

BAYOU — LAKE PBOVIDKXCE CANAL — YAZOO PASS — STEELE'S BAYOU — SUCCESSIVE FAILURES 
— HE RESOLVES TO ATTACK FROM BELOW — THE RLNXING OF THE BATTERIES — EXCITEMENT 
AMONG THE SPECTATORS — MARCH OF THE ARMY TO HARD TIMES, LOUISIANA^ — ATTACK ON 
GRAND GULF — REPULSE OF THE GUNBOATS— THEY RUN PAST THE BATTERIES— LANDING AT 
BRUINSBURG — BATTLES OP SHAIFER's PLANTATION AND PORT GIBSON — EVACUATION OF 
GRAND GULF — SKIRMISH AT FOURTEEN MILK CREEK — BATTLE AT RAYMOND — CAPTURE OP 
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI, AND DESTRUCTION OF REBEL PROPERTY THERE — MARCH OP THE 
ARMY WESTWARD — BATTLE OF CHAMPION HILL — BATTLE OF BLACK RIVER BRIDGE — 
VICKSBUKG INVESTED — ASSAULTS OF THE NINETEENTH AND TWENTY-SECOND OF MAY — 
SIEGE OF THE CITY — ITS CAPITULATION ON THE FOURTH OF JULY — TERMS OF THE SUR- 
RENDER — THE RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN — REBEL AND UNION LOSSES — SHERMAN'S 

PURSUIT OF JOHNSTON — CAPTURE OP JACKSON AND DEFEAT OF THE REBELS GENERAL 

ransom's EXPEDITION TO NATCHEZ — GENERAL IIERRON'S CAPTURE OP YAZOO CITY — 
OPERATIONS OF THE GUNBOATS ON THE TRIBUTARIES OF THE MISSISSIPPI — THE BATTLE OF 
MILLIKJEN's bend BRAVERY OF THE COLORED TROOPS — ATIACK ON LAKE PORVIDENCE. 

The efforts for the reduction of Vicksburg, the principal stronghold of the 
Kebellion at the West, had thus far proved abortive. Sherman's unsuc- 
cessful assault on Chickasaw Bluffs, at the close of the year 1862, had only 
resulted in rendering its defences more formidable, and its garrison larger, 
while it rendered it certain that the north line of the Rebel works around 
that cit}' could only be carried by a very heavy sacrifice of life, if at all. 

General Grant had been engaged in operations having in view the 
command of the Mississippi Central, otherwise known as the New 
Orleans, Jackson and Great Northern Railroad, as far south as Jackson, 
and he had hoped to be able to move on Vicksburg in rear, by this route, 
making Memphis his base. That hope bad been dispelled by the cutting 
off of his communications by the Rebel cavalry in December, 18G2. 

Early in January he took command of the army designed to reduce 
Vicksburg, in person, and made his headquarters at first at Milliken's 
Bend, twenty -five miles above Vick.sburg, and subsequently at Young'.s 
Point, nearly opposite that city. General Thomas William.s, who had 
been in command at Baton Rouge, and was killed there on the 5th of 
August, 18G2, had, in the early summer of that year, made a survey of 
the vicinage of the stronghold, and had projected a canal across the neck 
of land opposite Vicksburg, with a view of turning the channel of the 
Mississippi into the new route, and leaving Vicksburg an inland town, or 
at most, with a deep and sluggisli bayou in front of it. To make it plain 
to our readers how this could be done, it may be necessary to state that 
the Mississippi, moving, as it does, in much of the lower part of its course, 



THE CANAL PROJECT BEFORE VICKSBUEG. 56T 

through an alluvial soil, is very tortuous, forming a succession of bends 
for nearly twelve hundred miles. Occasionally, where the peninsula in- 
closed by one of these bends has a narrow ueck, the river, in time of flood, 
breaks through, thus shortening its course, and forming what is called a 
cut-off, while its older and more circuitous channel, retains a small volume 
of water, but ceases to be the channel of the main river. There are a 
number of these cut-offs and passes, by which the river communicates, 
through the marshy and easily riven soil of Arkansas, Mississippi, and 
Louisiana, with interior streams, and a part of its waters either find their 
way to the gulf through these waters, or into other streams which reenter 
the great river at points below. 

It is a little below the centre of the concave front of one of these bends 
that Vicksburg is situated ; and it was General Williams' belief, that by 
making an artificial cut-off, she could be so far isolated, that her power 
to obstruct the free navigation of the Mississippi would at least be de- 
stroyed. This canal had, however, been improperly located, its upper 
terminus being in an eddy, which would render the entrance to it difficult, 
while its lower terminus was within the range of some of the enemy's 
guns. When General Grant took command in person, he found that this 
canal had been abandoned, temporarily, after General Williams' death, 
although a large amount of labor had been bestowed upon it. Believing 
that notwithstanding its objectionable location it could be so far made 
available, as to furnish a route for sending transports below the strong- 
hold, he prosecuted the work on it diligently, though much delayed by 
the succession of heavy rains. Finally, on the 8th of March, the rapid 
rise of the water in the river, and the consequent great pressure upon the 
dam across the canal near the upper end, at the maiti Mississippi levee, 
caused it to give way, and let through the low lands, back of the camps, 
a torrent of water that separated the north and south shores of the pen- 
insula as effectually as if the Mississippi rolled between them. This 
occurred when the canal was so near completion as to promise success 
within a short time, but it so completely destroyed it that there remained 
no hope of passing through with transports by that route. 

General Grant did not confine himself to this measure for the reduction 
of the beleaguered city. Eesolving to make thorough work of the explo- 
ration of the side, or indirect passages, by which the Mississippi might be 
descended without passing by Vicksburg, he directed the opening of a 
route from Milliken's Bend through Roundaway bayou, into the Tensas 
river, which would communicate with the Mississippi at New Carthage, 
and sent a small steamer and a number of barges through this route, but 
the water commencing, about the middle of April, to fall rapidly, and the 
roads becoming passable between Milliken's Bend and New Carthage, it 
was found impracticable and unnecessary to open permanent water com- 
munication between these two points. He had also caused a channel to 



568 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

be cut from the Mississippi river into Lake Providence, wliicli connected 
through Bayou Baxter, Bayou ^Nfacon, and the Tensas, Washita, and Red 
rivers, with the Mississippi below. This was done for the purpose of 
communicating more readily with General Banks at Port Hudson. He 
also opened a channel from the Mississippi into Coldwater river, by way 
of Yazoo pass. His first intention was only to pass by this route through 
the Coldwater and Tallahatchie into the Yazoo, and there destroy tlic Rebel 
gunboats and transports known to be concealed in that river; but his 
success in the early stage of the work led him, at one time, to hope that 
he might be able through this route to obtain a foot-hold on tlie high 
lands along the Yazoo above Haines' Bluff, and by the reduction of that 
formidable outwork, make some progress toward the capture of the strong- 
hold itself. But, owing to the difficulty of obtaining a sufficiency of small 
steamers in season, the movement was delayed till the Rebels had time to 
fonify a strong fort at Greenwood, the point where the Tallahatchie and 
Tallobusha unite to form the Yazoo. The land around this fort is low, 
and was at this time overflowed with water, so that no troops could be 
put on shore to make an attack by land, while the gunboats bombarded 
the fort. Only the smallest and lightest draft gunboats had been able to 
enter the Coldwater river, and these did not carry sufficiently heavy can- 
non to reduce the fort alone. After an engagement of several hours' 
duration they withdrew, being unable to silence the batteries of the fort, 
but still remained in the Tallaliatchie river. 

While the force thus detached was at a dead-lock at Greenwood, unable 
to go forward and unwilling to go back. Admiral T>. D. Porter, command- 
ing the Mississippi squadron, informed General Grant that he had made a 
reconnoissance up' Steele's bayou, one of the numerous water courses 
which furrow the district of alluvial soil lying between the Mississippi 
and Yazoo, and that through this ba^'ou, Black bayou, Deer creek. Roll- 
ing fork and the Sunflower river, there was a practicable passage into the 
Yazoo, a considerable distance below Greenwood, and at a point where 
the vessels of the Rebels could be entrapped between the two squadrons. 
This route was also tried on the 25th of ilarch, but failed in its main ob- 
ject, rather, as General Grant states, " from a want of knowledge as to 
what would be required to open this route, than from any impractica- 
bility in the navigation of the streams and bayous through which it was 
proposed to pass." Incidentally it proved of considerable advantage in 
the destruction of stores for the Rebel army at Vicksburg, and in furnish- 
ing some supplies to the Union forces. 

Foiled in these repeated eflbrts to cut off the Rebel stronghold from its 
commanding position on the Mississippi, or to assail its strongest out- 
works in the rear, and destroy the great bulk of its supplies, General 
Grant was not the man to yield to discouragement or despondency. 
There remained the plan of assailing it from below and from the rear, by 



GRANTS MARCH TO HARD TIMES, LOUISIANA. 569 

making a point some distance below and on tlie Louisiana side, Tiis base 
of operations, and thence, by rapid marches, without heavy trains, fight- 
ing, if need be, as he went, to gain and occupy the hills, which looked 
out upon its lofty bluffs. The attempt to capture so strong a post by 
such a movement was one of great daring, and beset by obstacles which 
many, perhaps most, commanders would have deemed insuperable. The 
eastern or left bank of the Mississippi was lined with formidable batteries 
for most of the distance between Vicksburg; and Port Hudson ; and from 
Young's Point to some distance below Warrenton, the batteries were con- 
tinuous, and more formidable perhaps than had ever been passed by armed 
vessels. It would be necessary for a considerable number of Admiral Por- 
ter's best gunboats, and a small fleet of transports and coal barges to run 
the gauntlet of these batteries, as they would be needed for the reduction 
of some of the fortified points below. It was also necessary to march his 
whole army, which had been considerably reinforced, and consisted of 
three army corps (the nineteenth, fifteenth, and seventeenth), down the 
right or west bank of the river, to some point below, where they could 
safely cross the river. The wet, marshy soil, recently overflowed by the 
Mississippi floods, was ill-fitted to bear the heavy trains which must ac- 
company the army, and the roads were intolerable. General Grant had 
intended to make New Carthage his base, but the want of transports, an i 
the formidable character of the defences to be encountered, compelled him 
to extend the march of his troops to Hard Times, Louisiana, seventy miles 
from Milliken's Bend, their point of departure. Crossing the river at this 
point, there was still a march of more than a hundred miles through the 
enemy's country, and exposed at every step to attacks from a large hos- 
tile force known to be in the field and determined to obstruct his pro- 
gress, before the rear of the fortified city was reached ; and when reached 
its defences were such that it was nearly as well adapted to resist an at- 
tack in rear as in front. 

The Union commander, however, having satisfied himself that this was 
the most feasible plan of attack, was not appalled by any dangers or diffi- 
culties, whether real or apparent, from pressing forward to its accom- 
plishment. As a precautionary step, to cripple as far as possible the 
power of the enemy, and cut off his communications and supplies, he sent 
Colonel B. H. Grierson on that expedition, whose successful progress we 
have recorded in a previous chapter. 

On the 20th of March, he directed the thirteenth army corps, under the 
command of Major-General McClernand, to take up their line of march 
from Milliken's Bend for Hard Times, and ordered the fifteenth and 
seventeenth corps to follow, moving no faster than supplies and ammuni- 
tion could be transported to them. The fifteenth corps (Major-General 
W. T. Sherman) was to remain to the last, and by making a feint of 



570 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE TJNTTED STATES. 

attack on Haines' Bluff, with as much show as possible, attract the atten- 
tion of the enemy from the real movement going on below. 

While the army was thus making its slow and toilsome progress south- 
ward, through the marshes, the gunboats and transports were preparing 
to run past the batteries. The attempt was hazardous in the extreme; 
Admiral Farragut had tried it at Port Hud.son, and lost the noble frigate 
Mississippi; and of the five gunboats and rams that had entered upon the 
fiery ordeal at Vicksburg, the Lancaster had been destroyed, the Essex 
terribly riddled, and the Queen of the West and Indianola barely escaped 
destruction, only to fall soon after into the hands of the enemy. In this 
case the danger would be aggravated by the large number of vesisels 
which would attempt the perilous passage at once. Yet great as might 
be the peril, there was no reluctance on the part of the brave seamen on 
the gunboats, or the volunteers from the arm)'-, who manned most of the 
transports, to incur the dangers of the passage. Even the pilots, whose 
position was more exposed than any others, volunteered in larger num- 
bers than were required. 

It was determined to send at first eight gunboats, three transports — 
large river steamers, their boilers protected against the shot from the 
batteries by cotton bales — and the transports themselves, laden with com- 
missary stores, and a number of barges, flat-boats, etc., with forage and 
coal on board. The night of the 16th of April was fixed upon for their 
departure; and instead of starting just before dawn, as the Switzerland 
and Lancaster had done, they were to leave the rendezvous near the 
mouth of the Yazoo at eleven P. M. Long before that hour, all the other 
steamboats in the vicinity were crowded with anxious spectators, assem- 
bled to watch the passage of the vessels through the ordeal of fire. At 
last one approached, and floated down silently near the Louisiana shore, 
its dark sides hardly to be distinguished from the foliage lining the bank, 
and, just below the rendezvous, crossed obliquely to the Mississippi side/ 
where, as it crept slowly along in the gloom, all its lights hidden and its 
fires concealed, it would require keen watclifulncss to distinguish it from 
tlie trees which overhung the river bank. Another followed, and another, 
till the whole eight gunboats and the three transports had started on the 
perilous voyage. The spectators, awed with emotion and anxiety, main- 
tained a breathless silence, and listened painfully for the intimation that 
the enemy had discovered them. The upper batteries bad been passed in 
safely, and, from the time which had elapsed, it was evident that they had 
reached a point opposite the beleaguered town. Some were sanguine 
enough to hope that they might escape past the whole without discovery, 
when suddenly a flame leaped into the air, and was followed almost in- 
stantly by another and another, and soon the heavy booming of the can- 
non succeeded the flashes. The boats had evidently been seen, and the 
fire of ten miles of batteries was opening upon them. The wind was 



EUNNING THE BATTERIES BEFORE VICKSBURG. 5T1 

blowing flown the river, and tlie reverberation of the cannon — thud, thud, 
thud — fell with a dull sound upon the ear. As time passed, the batteries 
lower and lower down came into action, indicating to the anxious listenera 
that some, at least, of the gunboats have yet escaped destruction, and are 
passing on toward the lower batteries. While watching their progress as 
thus chronicled by the reports of the enemy's cannon, the spectators were 
horrified by observing that the Eebels had lighted an immense beacon- 
fire on the loftiest bluff of the city, which threw a clear and brilliant light 
on each arm of the bend of the river, which brought into bold and distinct 
relief every object passing on its surface. Guided by this light, the gun- 
ners at the Rebel batteries now redoubled their fire, and along the whole 
line there belched a constant sheet of flame. The light, however, had also 
revealed to the gunboats the exact position of the Rebel batteries, and 
soon the fierce screech of the Parrott shells from the armament of the 
gunboats, mingled with the din, and more than once carried destructioa 
into the batteries on the shore. 

The upper batteries have at last slackened their fire, and it began to be 
evident that most, if not all, of the squadron have passed the most dan- 
gerous part of their perilous journe}'-, both from the spiteful fire of the 
lower batteries and the heavy thunders of the answering guns of the fleet, 
when suddenly a new light creeps up athwart the sky, about midway be- 
tween the now nearly-extinct beacon and the fire of the lower batteries at 
Warrenton. It was soon apparent that this light was moving, and the 
dense white smoke which rose from it showed that cotton furnished a part 
of the fuel for the flame. The inference was inevitable — one of the trans- 
ports was on fire. The sight of the burning vessel seemed to rouse the 
Rebels to new exertions, for the firing increased in intensity for some 
time, as the fiery wreck floated down past their batteries. In the morn- 
ing it was ascertained that the whole of the gunboats had passed this 
terrible ordeal without material damage, one man only being killed and 
two wounded on the flag-ship by the explosion of a shell. The transport 
which was burned was the Henry Clay, which was set on fire by a shell 
exploding among the cotton with which her engines were protected. Her 
cargo was all destroyed, but the crew escaped to the Louisiana shore in 
safety. 

On the 22d of April, six more transports, and twelve barges, ran past 
the batteries, and with similar success. One of the transports, the Ti- 
gress, was sunk by a shot in her hull, but the rest escaped, though in a 
somewhat damaged condition. They were, however, speedily repaired, 
and having discharged their cargo at the depot below, were used for 
transporting the troops across the river on the 29th of April. They 
moved in front of Grand Gulf on that day, and the gunboats Louisville, 
Carondelet, Mound City, Pittsburgh, Benton, Tuscumbia, and Lafayette, 
attacked the batteries at Grand Gulf; but after a severe naval action of 






572 THE CIVIL WAR I\ THE UNITED STATES. 

five hours and a balf, and sustaining a loss of twenty-six killed and fifty- 
four wounded, they were unable to silence the batteries completely, and 
General Grant landed his troops again at Hard Times, and directed them 
to march across the neck of tlie peninsula made by a bend in the Missis- 
sippi, and running past the Grand Gulf batteries with gunboats and trans- 
ports, to a point ten miles below Hard Times, crossed his troops the next 
morning to Bruinsburg, Mississippi. Here, after furnishing the thirteenth 
army corps with three days rations, in their haversacks, he ordered them 
to march immediately for Port Gibson. The seventeenth corps (McPher- 
son's) followed as rapidly as it could be put across the river. At a little 
after midnight on the morning of the first of May, the army moved for- 
ward, and at two o'clock A. M. the advance met the Kebel skirmishers 
eight miles from Bruinsburg, and five west of Port Gibson. The Ecbcls 
fell back, but were not pursued flir till daylight. As soon as it was light, 
McCIernand's (thirteenth) corps followed the enemy rapidly, and came 
up with them four miles from Port Gibson, at a point where the road 
branches in opposite directions, though both eventually lead to Port Gib- 
son. These roads, like most of those in this section, ran along the summit 
of narrow, elevated ridges, while on either side there were deep and im- 
penetrable ravines and marshes. The enemy's force did not probably 
exceed twelve thousand to fifteen thousand, and in the attempt to occupy 
both these roads, with a view to divide the Union troops, he committed 
the fatal error of dividing his own inferior force still more widely, and 
exposing the severed portions to be beaten or captured in detail. Three 
divisions of McCIernand's corps, Ilovey's, Garr's, and Smith's, pursued the 
Rebels on the right-hand road, and Osterhaus' division followed them on 
the left. The Union force on the right drove the enemy steadily before 
them to Port Gibson, though not without stubborn and desperate resis- 
tance, but Osterhaus encountered such vigorous opposition that he sent 
back for assistance, and a brigade of Logan's division, of McPherson's 
corps, was sent to him ; but before it came up he had driven the enemy. 

The struggle at this point, which, for the sake of distinction, is called 
the battle of Shaifer's plantation, ceased about noon, though the enemy 
kept up a slow and occasional fire, even while retreating, and attempted 
to repel pursuit with their skirmishers. At about three P. jr., they took 
another position, on a plateau known as Clear Ilills, within little more 
than a mile of Port Gibson, and opened upon the advancing Union troops 
with artillery; but after a sharp struggle, in which the Rebels suffered 
heavily in killed, wounded, and prisoners, they fled in disorder, and burned 
the bridge over the Bayou Pierre, on the Grand Gulf road, behind them. 
The Union troops slept on their arms that night, and in the morning, 
while a brigade of Logan's division was sent forward to occupy the atten- 
tion of the enemy, on the road on which they had retreated, a pontoon 
bridge was laid across the Bayou Pierre, directly at Port Gibson, and the 



PROGRESS OP GRANT'S ARMY. 573 

advance of the army commenced crossing upon it at five A. M. on the 3d 
of May. During the day the enemy were pursued as far as Hawkinson's 
ferry, with continued skirmishing and a large number of prisoners cap- 
tured. The losses of Grant's army in the engagements in the vicinity of 
Port Gibson, were one hundred and thirty killed, seven hundred and 
eighteen wounded, and five missing. On arriving at Hawkinson's ferry, 
General Grant learned from his scouts that Grand Gulf had been evacuated 
by tlie enemy, who, by his capture of Port Gibson, were effectually flanked, 
and as it was desirable to make that point his base, and as he deemed it 
unnecessary to send back any considerable number of his troops, who 
were now fifteen miles on their way toward Jackson, he rode to Grand 
Gulf, with an escort of fifteen or twenty cavalry troopers, and made his 
arrangements for a change of base from Bruinsburg, and awaited the ar- 
rival of supplies, wagons, and Sherman's (fifteenth) army corps, at that 
point, for four days. These having arrived, he ordered an advance from 
Hawkinson's ferry on the 7th of May; McPberson's corps, forming his 
left wing, to keep the road nearest to the Black river; McClernand's 
corps to follow the'ridge road from Willow Springs (see map); and Sher- 
man to divide his corps between the two roads. All the ferries were 
closely guarded until the troops were well advanced. It was General 
Grant's purpose to keep McClernand's and Sherman's corps as near as 
possible to the Black river, while McPhersoii was to move farther east, 
through Utica to Eaymond, and thence into Jackson, destroy the railroad, 
telegraph, the supplies of the enemy, etc., and then push westward to re- 
join the main force. Accordingly, Sherman was ordered to cross Four- 
teen Mile creek at Dillon's plantation, and McGlernand to move across 
the same creek farther west, sending one division to hold and guard the 
ferry at Baldwin. Both corps skirmished for a considerable time with 
the enemy at Fourteen Mile creek, before obtaining possession of the 
crossing. General McPherson met the enemy in considerable force (two 
brigades) at Eaymond, and after several hours' hard fighting, drove him 
toward Jackson, with heavy loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners. Many 
of the Rebel soldiers threw down their arms and deserted to the Union 
lines. General Grant had ordered McClernand's corps to march toward 
the Jackson and Vicksburg railroad at Edwards' station, and. Sherman's 
at a point between that and Bolton (see map), but having ascertained that 
the Rebels were receiving, daily, large reinforcements at Jackson, and 
that General Joseph Johnston was hourly expected there to take command, 
of the Rebel forces, he countermanded the order, and directed both these 
corps to move toward Raymond. 

On the 13th, General McPherson moved to Clinton (see map), destroyed 
the railroad and telegraph, and captured some important despatches from 
General Pemberton (the Rebel commander at Vicksburg) to General 
Gregg, who had been in command in the battle at Raymond the day be- 



5H THE CIVIL WAR IN TUE UNITED STATES. 

fore. General Sherman took a position at Mississippi Springs, on the 
Eaymond and Jackson road, and General MoClernaud moved to a point 
near Eaymond. On the 14th, Generals Sherman and McPherson moved 
tlieir troops toward Jackson, marching fourteen miles in a heavy rain, 
and about noon engaged the enemy near Jackson. McGlernand's corps 
hud been brought up within suj)porting distance. The enemy marched 
out their principal force on the road to Clinton, two and a half miles from 
Jackson, and there gave battle to McPherson's corps, while a small body 
of artillery and infantry took a strong position in front of Sherman's corps 
but, by a resolute advance of his troops, were soon driven witliin their 
rifle-pits, just outside city. "While McPlierson was engaged in a fierce 
fight with the Eebel force, which probably equalled, if it did not exceed 
his own in numbers. General Sherman, by a reconnoissance, discovered 
the weakness of the force in front of him, and ordering a general ad- 
vance, soon drove them into and through the city, when he learned that 
after a battle of about two hours witli General McPherson, the Eebels had 
retreated northward, badly beaten, and had been pursued till night, but 
Avlthout any serious result. Papers captured in Jackson showed that 
General Johnston, as soon as he became satisfied that Jackson was to be 
attacked, had sent peremptory orders to General Pemberton to march out 
from Yicksburg and attack General Grant in the rear. On learning this, 
the Union commander directed General McPherson to retrace his steps on 
the Clinton road the next morning, and General McClernand, with Blair's 
division of Sherman's corps, wiiich was in the rear with McClernand, to 
face about and march toward Edwards' station, on different roads, which 
converged near Bolton. (See map.) General Grant himself proceeded 
westward as far as Clinton, leaving General Sherman at Jackson to de- 
stroy the railroads, bridges, factories, workshops, arsenals, and every thing 
valuable for the support of the enemy, and then move forward to rejoiti 
the other two corps. This woik was performed in the most thorough 
manner. McGlernand's corps was sent forward on the morning of llie 
16th, toward Edwards' station, with orders to feel the enemy if he encoun- 
tered him, but not to bring on a general engagement unless he was confi- 
dent of his ability to defeat him. There were then McPherson's and 
McClernaiid's corps, and Blair's division of Sherman's corps, all concen- 
trating by different roads from an arc of about ninety degrees upon 
Edwards' station, and the line of railroad a little east of it. The region 
traversed by the Union troops was very hilly and broken, with heavy 
timber and deep ravines, and occasionally open and cultivated tracts. 

At five o'clock a. m. of the 16th, two men, employees on the Jackson 
and Vicksburg railroad, who had passed through Pemberton's army the 
night before, were brought to General Grant's headquarters. From these 
it was ascertained that the Eebel army consisted of about eighty regi- 
ment.s, with ten batteries of artillery, and that it numbered about twenty- 



BATTLE OF CHAMPION HILL. 515 

five thousand men. They also informed him of the positions occupied by 
the enemy, and of their intention of attacking the rear of the Union army. 
General Grant had previously intended to leave one of Sherman's divis- 
ions for a day longer in Jackson, but on learning these facts he decided 
to send orders to General Sherman to move his whole force forward with 
all possible speed till he should come up with the main army near Bolton. 
McClernand's corps was also ordered to push forward rapidly, and Blair's 
division to establish communication with Osterhaus' division, and if the 
latter became engaged, to move promptly to its support. General Grant 
also furnished to General McClernand the information he had received, 
and himself left for the advance at an early hour. 

General A. P. Hovey's division formed the right of McClernand's corps, 
and occupied the main road from Jackson to Vicksburg, near the railroad, 
while the remainder of that corps was coming up on other roads nearly 
parallel, but from three to five miles south. McPherson's corps were 
north of this road, and Logan's division of that corps occupied the left, 
next to Hovey. The skirmishers of Hovey's division found the enemy, 
before nine o'clock A. M., at Champion Hill, on the Champion plantation, 
about eight miles east of Edwards' station, and, by General Grant's orders, 
skirmishing was maintained as long as possible before bringing on a bat- 
tle, as he did not desire to enter upon a general engagement until McCler- 
nand's other divisions were sufficiently near to come directly to the support 
of the troops who were engaged. 

The enemy's position was a very strong one, on a narrow ridge covered 
with a heavy forest and almost impenetrable undergrowth, and his left 
resting on a precipitous height, where the Vicksburg road made a sharp 
turn to the left. In front, beyond the timber, which extended for a short 
distance beyond the hill, was a succession of gentle slopes, mostly under 
cultivation, and swept by the enemy's cannon. By eleven o'clock A. M. 
it became evident, from the great rapidity and intensity of the firing, that 
the skirmishing was fast assuming the proportions of a battle. McCler- 
nand was, at this time, about two and a half miles distant; and, sending 
several successive messengers to him to hasten forward. General Grant 
suffered the battle to go on. General Hovey attacked the enemy in front, 
and Logan's division assisted him in flank. The Rebel force actually en- 
gaged was two or thi-ee times the number of the Union troops then on 
the ground, and they made a stubborn and determined resistance to the 
Union attack. General Hovey's charge was a gallant and brilliant one, 
but he was for a short time forced back by the overwhelming weight of 
numbers, but being reinforced by a part of Quimby's division, regained 
his position, and Logan, having flanked the enemy and operating on his 
rear, was in a situation to have captured nearly the entire hostile force, could 
the attack in front have been made in greater force. Owing in part to the 
nature of the ground, and the density of the timber, the divisions under 



5:C THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

McClernand's immediate command did not arrive upon the field till four 
o'clock, when the Rebels were in full and rajnd retreat. Carr's and Os- 
terhaus' divisions of this corps were ordered forward immediately in 
pursuit, and captured a train of cars laden with commissary and ordnance 
stores. The battle of Champion Hill was by far the severest battle which 
General Grant's forces had yet fought, and though but three divisions, 
Ilovey's, Logan's, and Quimby's, were actually engaged in it, the losses 
on the Union side were, in killed and wounded and missing, nearly two 
thousand five hundred. The Rebel loss was nearly three thousand in 
killed and wounded, almost two thousand prisouers, thirty-two cannon, 
and an unusual quantity of small arms and equipments. A large propor- 
tion of the prisoners gave themselves up voluntarily. 

The Rebels had retreated to the Big Black river, eight miles west, and 
there, in a position of extraordinary strength, they resolved to make one 
more stand. On the east side of the Big Black (which at this point was 
crossed by the railroad on a fine trestle-work bridge), a bayou filled with 
stagnant water about three feet deep, and from ten to twenty feet wide, 
extends in a semi-lunar form, both ends uniting with the river, and in- 
closing a cultivated bottom land nearly a mile in width. On the inner 
side of this bayou the Rebels had constructed their rifle-pits, and planted 
what cannon they had left. They were protected on either flank by heavy 
timber, while, for a distance of nearly three hundred yards in front, the 
approach was unobstructed by timber, and was swept by the Rebel can- 
non and musketry. Ou the morning of the 17th, after a heavy artillery 
duel, the Union troops approached to the edge of the timber, fronting the 
Rebel position, and by a careful reconnoissance it was ascertained that 
opposite the extreme right of the Union troops, where the rifle-pits joined 
the timber, there was an opening through which the Rebel works might 
be entered at the end, by charging across the ploughed field, three hun- 
dred yards in width. Four regiments, the twenty-third Iowa, the twenty- 
first and eleventh Wisconsin, and the twenty-second Iowa, all of Lawler's 
brigade and Carr's division, formed the forlorn hope for this perilous 
charge. The troops moved forward with fixed bayonets, but their mus- 
kets loaded, at a double-quick step, with heads bowed and foces averted, 
like men encountering a storm of hail, and though with a loss of more 
tlian one tenth of their number, gained the desired point, and rushed 
through the creek, through the abatis, and over the rifle-pits, into the 
enemy's works, and poured in a terrible volley, cheering meanwhile most 
lustily. Thus carried by assault, the Rebel position was surrendered at 
once; eleven hundred of their men were taken prisoners, and eighteen 
cannon and several stand of colors were captured. The remainder of the 
Rebel forces fled most precipitately acro.ss the Big Black, burning the 
bridge, and thus preventing the escape of any portion of their troops who 
were still on the east bank of the river. General Sherman and his corps 



THE SUCCESSFUL INVESTMENT OP YICKSBUEG. 511 

had been ordered to Bridgeport, a point farther up on the Big Black, and 
a pontoon bridge sent liim, on which he crossed on the morning of the 
18th, and marched directly for Walnut hills and the Yazoo river, at the 
northwest of Vicksburg, and occupied that important position on the even- 
ing of the same day. McClernand and McPlierson built floating bridges, 
and crossed on the morning of the 18th, and McPherson occupied the 
hills east of the city, while McClernand took possession of those to the 
southeast. The city was thus completely invested, for the river front, 
above and below, was held by Admiral Porter's gunboats. 

In this campaign of eighteen da3's. General Grant had fought five se- 
vere battles, in all of which he had been victorious ; had skirmished 
nearly the entire distance (somewhat more than one hundred miles); had 
taken more than five thousand prisoners, sixty-five field pieces, and nine 
heavy siege-guns, and an immense quantity of small arms, equipments, 
etc., and had destroyed a vast amount of the property of the enemy, in- 
flicting upon them irreparable losses. The wisdom and forethought whicR 
prompted the expedition of Colonel Grierson, had been signally manife:-t 
in this entire campaign. Had not the railroads been so extensively cut, 
and such large supplies of ammunition and of railroad cars and locomo- 
tives been destroyed, Johnston would have found little difficulty in col- 
lecting at Jackson a force sufficiently large to have effectually checked 
General Grr.it's progress toward Vicksburg, and rendered his enterprise, 
if not wholly a failure, an undertaking in which the losses would have 
very nearly counterbalanced the gains. Great, however, as had been the 
advantages derived from this expedition. General Grant was fully aware 
that they could not in all probability be of long continuance. The rail- 
roads would in a few weeks, perhaps in a few days, be repaired ; and 
though the locomotives and cars which had been destroyed could not be 
so readily rebuilt, yet their places could be supplied by those drawn from 
other roads, and the troops which Johnston was straining every nerve to 
gather at Canton, would probably be accamulated in sufficient numbers 
to resume the offensive, and attack Grant in the rear while he was be- 
sieging Vicksburg. General Grant's force, though sufficient to cope with 
the Vicksburg garrison, was not as yet large enough to repel also an 
attack from a considerable force who might attempt to raise the siege. 

Taking this view of the position of affairs, General Grant resolved to 
lose no time in attempting the reduction of the Eebel stronghold by as- 
sault. For success in this he relied very much upon the enthusiasm of 
his troops, and the demoralization of the Rebels consequent upon their 
repeated defeats. His first assault was made at two o'clock P. m. on the 
19th, the day upon which he arrived before Vicksburg. The fifteenth 
army corps (Sherman's) having already attained a good position, made a 
vigorous assault, and gained a situation within the enemy's outworks. 
The thirteenth and seventeenth army corps (McClernand's and McPher- 
37 



573 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

son's) were ]ess successful, but obtained advanced positions covered from 
the fire of the enemy. 

On tlie 22d of May, a second assault was ordered to commence at ten 
o'clock A. M., and the gunboats of Admiral Porter's squadron made an 
attack on the front of the city, and bombarded it continually from seven to 
11. ?0 A. M. The assault on the rear of the city by the land forces was not 
simultaneous, and the " forlorn hopes" which made the attempts to storm 
the enemy's forts were not well supported, owing in part to the difficul- 
ties of the ground. On the left, in McClernand's corps, Lawler's brigade 
headed the assault, and gained a part of one of the forts, but. found that it 
was divided by a partition breastwork, and commanded by rifle-pits iu 
the rear, and the troops were slaughtered iu their efforts to hold their po- 
sition. Benton's brigade, followed by Burbridge's, attacked another fort 
to the right of this, and succeeded in planting their flag upon the parapet, 
but were driven back by the Rebels, who hurled shells with lighted fuses 
down upon them. The struggle was maintained for five or six hours in 
both these forts, but resulted only in very heavy losses. General McCler- 
nand asked repeatedly for reinforcements from the other corps, but as 
they were engaged in assaulting the works in front of their respective 
positions, and as McClernand's own corps was not fully engaged. General 
Grant could only direct him to use the remainder of his own troops, and 
make a diversion in his favor by a more earnest and heavy attack on the 
part of the other corps. He had also become satisfied that General McCler- 
nand's attempts to capture these forts were not likely to be successful, 
and that a persistence in the assault would only be attended with great 
loss of life without advantage. He did, however, finally, at McClernand's 
repeated and urgent demands, send McArthur's, and subsequently Quira- 
by's division from McPherson's corps, to his assistance, but without other 
result than a large increase of the killed and wounded.* The assault hud 
proved a failure, and had caused severe losses to the Union army, but it 
had not in any way impaired its confidence or energy, or its hopes of 
success. 

It was necessary, however to resort to the slower method of advancing 
by regular approaches, and maintaining so close a siege that the belea- 
guered army in the city could receive no supplies or reinforcements. 
Information received at this time of the difficulty which Johnston expe- 
rienced in raising a sufiioiency of Rebel troops to attack him, and the 



* In a congratulatory onlor mldresscil by General JlcClornand to the thirteenth 
army corps on the Snth of May, he claimeil for himself and his corps all the success 
of the campaign thus far, and animadverted so offensively upon General Grant's man- 
agement of the assault, that that general, having read the order, and given opportu- 
nity for explanation or apology, felt compelled to remove him from the command of 
the thirteenth army corps. 



SUREENDER OF THE GARRISON AT VICKSBUEU. 5Y9 

arrival of very considerable reinforcements from Memphis, Helena, and 
Louisville, rendered his position safe, and enabled him to invest the city 
more closely, and to make his approaches rapidly and successfully. At 
first there was a scarcity of engineer officers for conducting the siege, but 
under the skilful superintendence of Captains Prince and Comstock, and 
Lieutenant-Colonel Wilson of General Grant's staff, the volunteer officers 
rapidly gained a practical experience in military engineering, which made 
them capable and efficient engineers before the close of the siege. 

By the 3d of July his saps were so far advanced as to render his success 
certain, and he had made all preparations for a final assault on the 6th, to 
be followed immediately by a vigorous pursuit of Johnston's forces, which, 
though approaching as near as the Big Black river, had never ventured 
to attack him. 

On the 3d of July, General Pemberton, who was in command of the 
Eebel forces in Vicksburg, sent a letter to General Grant, proposing an 
armistice, and the appointment of commissioners to arrange terms for the 
capitulation of the place. The correspondence resulted in the surrender 
of the city and garrison of Vicksburg, at ten o'clock A. M., July 4th, I860, 
on the following terms : The entire garrison, ofiicers and men, were to be 
paroled, not to take up arms against the United States until exchanged 
by the proper authorities ; officers and men each to be furnished with a 
parole, signed by himself; officers to be allowed their side-arras and pri- 
vate baggage, and the field, staff, and cavalry officers, one horse each ; the 
rank and file to be allowed all their clothing, but no other property ; ra. 
tions from their own stores sufficient to last them beyond our lines;* the 
necessary cooking-utensils for preparing their food, and thirty (fifty were 
finally allowed) wagons to transport such articles as could not well be 
carried. 

These terms, liberal as they were, were, after all, more advantageous 
to the United States Government than an unconditional surrender. They 
saved the necessity of transporting thirty-one thousand prisoners to the 
North, which, from the limited amount of traosportation on hand, would 
have been a matter of great difficulty, and saved also the expense of sub- 
sisting them, while it left Grant's army free to operate against Johnston, 
and gave him the command of his river transportation, to be used for any 
purpose which the exigencies of the service might require. A large num- 
ber of the prisoners deserted at once, and would not again serve in the 
Eebel army. But for the violation of good faith by the Rebel leaders, 
who forced many of these paroled prisoners into their armies again with- 
out exchange, the arrangement thus made would have been an eminently 
humane and satisfactory one. 

The results of this campaign were, in the modest language of General 

* It was found after the surrender that they had not sufficient rations to do this, 
and five days' rations were furnished them from General Grant's stores. 



580 TOE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Grant, "The defeat of the enemy in five battles outside of Vicksburg ; 
the occupation of Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, and the capture of 
Yicksburg and its garrison and munitions of war ; a loss to the enemy of 
thirty-seven thousand prisoners, among whom were fifteen general ofBcers; 
at least ten thousand killed and wounded, and among the killed, Generals 
Tracy, Tilghrnan, and Green ; and hundreds, and perhaps thousands of 
stragglers, who can never be collected and reorganized. Arms and mu- 
nitions of war for an army of sixty thousand men have fallen into our 
hands (there were two hundred and twenty cannon, of which forty-two 
were guns of heavy calibre and of the very best make, and seventy-one 
thousand stand of small arms, of which fifty thousand were Enfield rifles 
in the original Engli.sh packages), besides a large amount of other public 
property, consisting of railroads, locomotives, cars, steamboats, cotton, etc., 
and much was destroyed to prevent our capturing it." General Grant 
says nothing in his report of the greatest result of this campaign, and the 
surrender of Port Hudson, which followed a few days later; the opening 
of the Mississippi, and the division of the Rebel Confederacy into two sec- 
tions, without the means of communicating with each other, except by 
stealth ; and the terrible blow thus inflicted upon the Eebel Government, 
which tlicnceforth began to be distrusted at home and abroad, and though 
making desperate efforts to retrieve its failing fortunes, found this disaster 
constantly brought forward against it, as evidence of its inability to main- 
tain its position. 

The surrender was made partly from the consciousness of the inability 
of the garrison to resist the assault which was soon expected, and partly 
from the exhaustion of their supplies, as they had only a sufficiency for 
three days longer, and had, for two or three weeks, subsisted mainly on 
mule meat. The Union losses in this series of battles were as follows : 

Rattlfs. Kill'Ml. Woun']t;il. Mi.Hni»jr. 

Port Gibson, or Shaifer's plantation, etc 130 718 ."i 

Fourteen Mile creek (skirmish) 4 24 

Baymond 69 341 32 

Jackson 40 240 6 

Champion's Hill 426 1,842 189 

Big r>lack river railroad bridge 29 242 2 

Vicksburg (mostly in two assaults) 545 3,688 303 

1,243 7,095 537 
or a grand total of eight thousand eight hundred and seventy-five casual- 
ties. Of the wounded many were but slightly injured and continued on 
duty ; many more required but a few days or weeks for their recovery. 
Not more than one half of the wounded were permanently disabled. 

The general-in-chief of the army of the United States, General TIalleck, 
whose praise is ever bestowed sparingly, well says of this campaign : " No 
more brilliant exploit can be found in military history. When we con- 
sider the character of the country in which the army operated, the 



EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO THE FALL OF YICKSBURGf. 581 

formidahle obstacles to be overcome, tbe mimber of the forces, and the 
strength of the enemy's works, .we cannot fail to admire the courage and 
endurance of the troops, and the skill and daring of their commander." 

But the grand catalogue of victories and triumphs of the Union arms, 
in conneclioB with the army of Tennessee, did not close with the fall of 
Vicksburg. On the 5th of July, General Sherman, by direction of Gen- 
eral Grant, started with three army corps in pursuit of Johnston, who 
retreated from the Black river, where he had intrenched himself, toward 
Jackson, which place Sherman invested on the 14th and captured on the 
18th, with a loss in this and a previous attack on the 13th on the part of 
the Union forces of about one thousand in killed, wounded, and missing. 
He captured seven hundred and sixty-four prisoners, two rifled guns, and 
a large amount of ammunition, and destroyed over forty locomotives, and 
a lar^ number of cars, being almost the entire equipments of the New 
Orleans and Northern, and the Jackson, Meridian, and Vicksburg rail- 
roads. This loss was a very severe one for the Eebels, and was -wholly 
irreparable. General Eansom, with a force of one thousand two hundred 
men, was sent to Natchez, on the 6th of July, to stop the crossing of cattle 
from Texas for Johnston's army. He took a considerable number of pris- 
oners, among whom were five Rebel officers, crossed the river, captured a 
battery of nine guns, four of them ten pounder Parrotts, marched nine 
miles back into the country, and seizet^ two hundred and forty-seven 
boxes of ammunition and a number of teams for its transportation, and 
nine more guns, the Rebels in charge of the battery flying in consternation. 
Returning to Natchez he captured five thousand head of Texas cattle (two 
thousand of which were sent to General Banks, and the remainder brought 
to Vicksburcr), and four thousand hogsheads of sugrar. 

Having learned that Johnston was fortifying Yazoo city, whiQli, with 
the steamers and gunboats on the Yazoo river, had been captured and 
destroyed by the gunboats early in May, General Grant sent General F. 
J. Herron with his division to co-operate with gunboats from Admiral 
Porter's squadron to destroy the Rebel works. After a short but severe 
action the Rebels fled, leaving a large amount of stores and ammunition, 
six heavy guns, and one vessel, formerly a gunboat, in the hands of the 
Union troops, and destroying four of their finest steamers. General 
Herron pursued them and took about three hundred prisoners. The 
Baron De Kalb, one of Admiral Porter's gunboats, ran foul of a torpedo, 
which exploded and sunk her. No lives were lost. 

In addition to these substantial results of the enterprise of the Union 
commander in following up his victories, was the surrender of Port Hud- 
eon, which took place on the 9th, and of which a full account will be 
given elsewhere. The Mississippi squadron penetrated into the interior, 
on both sides of the Mississippi, by way of its numerous affluents, and 
destroyed the transports and gunboats which the Rebels were preparing on 
the smaller rivers. The Louisville and the Elmira, the former the finest 



582 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

Steamer on tbe Western waters, were among the captures, and two other 
large steamers were burned, anii a large amount of Rebel stores seized. 

While the siege of Vicksburg was progressing, General Johnston 
thwarted in all his eflbrts to open communication with General Pember- 
tou through General Grant's lines, attempted to eilect it from the west side 
of the Mississippi, and sent a force of three brigades, under the command 
of General Walker, to attack Milliken's Bend, on the 6th of June. The 
greater jjart of the Union force stationed there was composed of negro 
troops, portions of four regiments which were forming for the service, but 
had never been under fire. The whole force, including three hundred or 
ibur hundred white troops, did not exceed fourteen hundred men. The 
Rebel force numbered not far from four thousand five hundred. The 
Rebels were discovered by a reconnoitering force on the afternoon of tlie 
6th of July, and making an attack, were repulsed by the colored troops^ 
and on being reinforced, and assailing the intrenchinents to which the 
Union troops had fallen back, were met with such determined resistance, 
that they in turn fell buck. On the morning of tiie 7th the Rebels again 
made an attack upon the Union intreuchments at five A. il. The battle 
lasted till late in the afternoon ; and though, by the use of his cavalry, 
the enemy succeeded, after a desperate resistance, in turning the flank of 
the Union troops, and, by an enfilading fire, driving them to the river's 
brink, the gunboat Choctaw, coming up opportunely, and obtaining the 
range of the Rebels, compelled them to fly from the field. Tbe loss on 
both sides was large for the number engaged. The Rebels left sixty dead 
on the field, but carried away all tlioir wounded and some of the killed. 
The Union loss was one hundred and one killed, two hundred and eighty- 
five wounded, and two hundred and sixty-six missing, nearly forty-seven 
per cent, of the whole number engaged. Of these nearly six hundred 
were from the colored regiments. The two hundred and sixty-six missing, 
who were mostly prisoners, were nearly all colored, and there was too 
much reason to believe that they were all murdered after their capture by 
the Rebel forces. None of them have since been heard from, and the avowal 
in a semi-official way, of the intention of the Rebel Government to deal in 
this manner with any frecdmen who became soldiers in the Union armies, 
coupled with the persistent refusal of the Rebel autiiorities to give any 
account of them, justifies the painful presumption that they were thus 
slaughtered. Their bravery in this, their fiist battle-field, completely 
refuted the insinuations which had been so often made, of their want of 
the courage necessary for the profession of arms. 

On the lOlh of June a Rebel force attacked the Union garrison at Lake 
Providence ; but there, as at Milliken's Beud, they were repulsed and fled. 
The attack on Helena, Arkansas, on the 4th of July, of which we shall 
give some account in another chapter, does not seem to have been made 
by any portion of Johnston's troops, but by a detaohmeut from the Trans- 
Mississippi army. 



THE INYESTMENT OF PORT HUDSON. 583 



CHAPTEE XLIX. 

THE INVESTMENT OF PORT HUDSON — BATTLE FOUGHT BY GENERAL AUGUR — THE AKRIVAL OF 
ADDITIONAL FORCES — THE ASSAULT OF THE TWENTr-SEVENTH OF MAT — THE BRILLIANT 
ATTACK OF GENERAL WEITZEl's DIVISION — PARTIAL SUCCESS OF THE ASSAULT — THE 
ASSAULT OF THE FOURTEENTH OF JUNE — ITS FAILURE — THE CLOSENESS OF THE SIEGE — 
SUFFERINGS OF THE GARRISON — THEIR SURRENDER — THE REBEL ATTACKS ON BRASHEAR 
CITY AND TERREBONNE — INHUMAN MASSACRE OF INFIRM CONTRABANDS AND WOMEN AND 
CHILDREN — THE MURDER OF NEGROES AT ST. MARTINSVILLE — THE ATTACK OF THE REBELS 
ON HELENA, ARKANSAS — THEIR SIGNAL DEFEAT — REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR 
DDKING THE LAST ELEVEN MONTHS — THE BEGINNING OF THE END. 

We left General Banks, the commander of the Department of the Gulf 
(Chapter XLIII., p. 501,) at Alexandria, Louisiana, which place he had enter- 
ed with his troops on the 8tli of May. He remained at this point for about 
ten days, having sent General Augur, meantime, to commence opei'ations 
against Port Hudson from Baton Rouge, and despatched twg expeditions of 
cavalry to break up the enemy's camps and destroy their communications 
at Camp Moore, Ponchatoula, and on the Clinton and Port Hudson rail- 
road. Admiral Farragut had also bombarded the batteries on the night 
of the 8th of May for several hours. General Augur encountered a con- 
siderable Rebel force on Port Hudson plains, about four miles east of the 
town, on the 22d of May, and fought them, for nearly nine hours, and 
finally compelled them to retreat with heavy loss toward Clinton. The 
Union loss was. nineteen killed and eighty wounded. General Banks 
moved forward from Alexandria with his troops as rapidly as possible, 
and crossing his army over the Mississippi at Bayou Sara, which he 
reached on the 21st of May, effected a junction with General Augur on 
the 23d. The town was closely invested the next day. 

Port Hudson is about twenty-five miles above Baton Rouge, on the 
east side of the Mississippi. Like Vicksburg, it is situated on a bend of 
the river, but unlike that city it is at the angle of the bend, which in this 
case is nearly a right angle. On the north, for a distance of eight miles, 
it is protected by an impassable swamp, which is bounded on the side 
nearest Port Hudson by Thompson's creek, the hither bank of which is a 
precipitous bluff, crowned by an intrenched abatis. This abatis extends 
from the Mississippi river eastward, till it joins a series of intrenchments, 
nine or ten miles in extent, sweeping to the south in a semicircle till they 
rest upon the river on the crest of a range of high hills. The country in 
the rear is rolling, and much of it heavily timbered. Between Baton 
Rouge and Port Hudson is a long stretch of territory, difficult of access 
at all times, being covered by dense woods and undei'growth, and abound- 
ing in bayous and marshes. The Port Hudson plains, lying about four 



584 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

miles east of the town, on which General Augur's battle was fought, were 
two open tracts of level country, one about a mile square, the other half 
a mile in length by a fourth of a mile iu breadth. Both are surrounded 
by dense forests. 

The defences of Port Iludsoa were nearly as formidable and extensive 
as those of Vicksburg. On the water front were eight batteries, one of 
them stationed on a bluff eighty feet high. These batteries mounted about 
twenty-five guns, two of them one hundred and twenty pounders, and 
the remainder twenty-four, thirty-two, and forty-two pounders. On tl>e 
land side, the defences occupied four distinct lines of fortifications, each 
commanded by the one in its rear. In front of all a formidable abatis 
extended for many rods. There were two large and 'strong forts, four 
redoubts, and three extended bastions, connected with each otlier by earth- 
works, and strengthened by lines of rifle-pits in front and rear. On these 
fortifications were mounted between thirty and forty guns, some of them 
of heavy calibre, and besides these there were four movable field-batteries. 
The garrison consisted of about seven thousand men, under the command 
of General Franklin Gardner, an able and skilful officer. 

On the 25th of Ma}', General Bunks had compelled the enemy to aban- 
don his first line of works. The Union forces, having been joined on the 
26tli by General Weitzcl's brigade, which had distinguished itself so 
greatly in the campaign on the Teche, General Banks ordered an assault 
on the Rebel defences for the next day. The artillery commenced firing 
between five and six o'clock A. M., and the squadron of Admiral Farragut 
opened fire upon the water batteries above and below, about the same 
time, and continued their bombardment most of the day. 

At ten o'clock, General Weitzel, with his own brigade and portions of 
Grover's and Emory's divisions, and two regiments of colored troops, un- 
der the command of Colonel Paine — the whole being about five brigades 
— attacked the right of the encm3''s works, and after a desperate and pro- 
tracted contest, lasting till after four P. M., succeeded in forcing the enemy's 
lines, crossing Big Sandy creek, and taking possession of a redoubt, 
mounting six guns of large calibre, near Foster's creek. In this achieve- 
ment every foot of ground had been contested with the most determined 
resolution, and the slaughter on both sides had been fearful. Tlie colored 
troops, especially, fought with such courage and daring as to call forth the 
highest encomiums from the commanding general. Nearly one half of 
tiie casualties of the day were from their ranks. The captured battery, 
which had been the one which inflicted its death wounds on the frigate 
Mississippi, was speedilj' turned upon the enemy, and with great effect 
The positions gained in tliis terrible struggle were firmly held. 

On the lefrand centre, the assault led by Generals T. W. Sherman and 
Augur, was equally resolute and determined, though commenced later, 
and not crowned with the same measure of success. General Sherman 



SURRENDER OF PORT HUDSON. 585 

■was severely wounded, losing a leg, and barely escaping with tis life. 
The bastions were approached but not captured, and after dark the troops 
were campelled, in order to avoid a flanking fire, to fall back a short dis- 
tance. Tlie success of the day had been sufBcient, incomplete as it was, 
to excite the highest hopes of the speedy reduction of the stronghold. 
The losses in killed, wounded, and missing, were nearly one thousand. 
There was reason to fear that those of the colored troops who were taken 
prisoners were put to death by their captors. 

The siege was now pushed with great energy, and the Rebel garrison 
was soon reduced to great straits for food. Ou the lith of June, General 
Banks ordered a second assault. It was intended that the attack should be 
made simultaneously by three divisions, Weitzel's, Grover's, and Paine's, 
before daybreak, and that General Augur's division should make a feint to 
divert the attention of the enemy. But the obstructions to be overcome 
were so many that the three divisions could not act together; General 
Weitzel's division was the first to come up, and drove the Eebels out of 
their rifle-pits into their breastworks, but after an hour's strenuous assault 
of these, were compelled to fall back under cover. Paine's division 
assaulted that portion of the fortifications in front of their camp, but^ 
early in the attack, their gallant commander was severely wounded, and 
fell very near the breastworks, where he lay for twelve hours before he 
could be brought off. The losses in this division were very heavy, as 
they were also in Grover's. division. The assault was unsuccessful, and 
the loss in killed, wounded, and prisoners was nearly one thousand. A 
charge made on the 17th by the fourth "Wisconsin and the sixth Michigan 
.was also repulsed, and the Union army lost heavily in prisoners. The com- 
manding general now proceeded to invest the city still more closely, and 
to press the siege' with greater ardor. The Eebel garrison were speedily 
reduced to great straits for food, and their mules were killed and eaten, 
the cattle being entirely exhausted. They had no breadstufts except a 
considerable quantity of beans, of very indifferent quality. They held 
out stubbornly, however, till the 7th of July, when the news of the sur- 
render of Vicksburg having been received by the Union army, and 
occasioning great rejoicing, the Eebel officers began to inquire the cause 
of the uproar, and though at first unwilling to believe the intelligence, yet 
General Gardner, tlie Eebel commander, on ascertaining its truth, at once 
made overtures for a surrender, and finally gave up the town, on the Sth 
of July, though it was not entered by the Union forces till the 9th. 

By this surrender six thousand two hundred and thirty-three prisoners 
fell into General Banks' hands, together with fifty-one pieces of artillery, 
two steamers, four tliousand eight hundred pounds of cannon powder, five 
thousand small arms, one hundred and fifty thousand rounds of ammuni- 
tion, and some stores and equipments. It also opened the navigation of 
the Mississippi, as Port- Hudson was the last of the Eebel fortresses which 



58G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

had commaoded the river, Columbus, Island Number Ten, Fort "Wright, 
Fort Pillow, Memphis, and Vicksburg, having all been captured or aban- 
doned during the previous sixteen mouths. 

General Banks now returned to New Orleans, and Port Hudson was 
garrisoned by colored troops, and made the camp of instruction for the 
colored regiments, which were forming in the Department of the Gulf, 
under the direction of General UUman. 

The necessity of supplying a large force in the siege of Port ITudson, 
and the expiration of the term of service of a portion of the nine months 
men, compelled the temporary abandonment by General Banks of the 
Teche country, which he had so recently rescued from the Rebels, as he 
had not a sufficient army to occupy it while conducting the siege. The 
enemy were not slow in availing themselves of the opportunity of repos- 
sessing a portion of it. About the 19th of June they appeared with a 
force of about seven thousand, mostly Texans, at Terrebonne, tore up tiic 
track of the Opclousas railroad, and attacked the small Union force at 
Lafourche, but were repulsed with considerable loss. Their next point 
of attack was Brashear City, which had been made a depot of stores and 
the location of a large hospital and convalescent camp. The Union garri. 
son at that place was about one thousand men, chiefly of the one hundred 
and seventy-sixth New York and the twenty-third Connecticut, though 
there were a few squadrons of the second Rhode Island cavalry with them. 
Two companies of the one hundred and seventy-sixth New York were 
absent on detached duty near New Orleans. The Union forces were badly 
handled, and being attacked in front and rear soon surrendered. Three 
were killed and seven wounded of the New York regiment. The whole 
number of prisoners taken, including the large number of convalescents i 
and the sick and wounded in the hospital, was three thousand five hun- 
dred and thirteen. Most of the privates were paroled. The amount of 
stores lost was estimated at one million five hundred thousand dollarsi 
and included thirty pieces of artillery. There was a large camp of frced- 
men, mostly the infirm and old men and women and children, near Bra- 
shear, the able bodied freedmen having joined the colored regiments. 
After the capture of the town the Rebel troops rushed upon this camp, 
and slaughtered jiH indiscriminately, except the few who were able to con- 
ceal themselves and escape. It was estimated that more than two thousand 
helpless prisoners were thus inhumanl}' murdered. This atrocious act of 
barbarity, unhappily, does not stand alone in the history of that depart- 
ment. About a month previous, a body of about five hundred negroes, 
from the abandoned plantations of the Attakapas country, had determined 
to come to the Union camp and enlist as soldiers. Arming themselves 
with such weapons as they could find, old shot-guns, pitchforks, etc., they 
made their way toward the camp peaceably, molesting no one. 'Arriving 
near St. Martinsville, through which they must pass, they resolved to dc- 



BBBEL ATTACK ON HELENA, AEKANSAS. 587 

mand the surrender of the place, their leader, an intelligent Creole, think- 
ing this would be the best plan to avoid a collision with the people. A 
number of the citizens of St. Martinsville, together with some professed 
Unionists then in the place, went out to them with the Union flag, and 
professing to be friends, told them to lay down their weapons and march 
into the town. As they did so they were seized by the inhabitants, and 
every one hung on the spot, and Rebel ofScers who participated in the 
horrible massacre afterward boasted of the number they helped to kill. 
It speaks volumes for the humanity and forgiving nature of the negro 
troops that, in the opportunities which have since offered, they have not 
taken signal vengeance on those who had so brutally murdered their kins- 
men and their families. 

With the capture of Port Hudson, the triumph of the Rebels in the 
" Attakapas country " terminated, and they speedily escaped to western 
Louisiana. 

The necessity of assembling as large a force as possible for the siege of 
Vicksburg had led to the reduction of the corps of the other armies of the 
"West to as small numbers as would be at all sufficient to hold their 
respective districts. The corps assigned for the defence of northeastern 
Arkansas, under the command of Major-General Prentiss, having its head- 
quarters at Helena, had, among others, been much reduced for this pur- 
pose, and the Rebel Generals Holmes, Price, and Marmaduke, having 
ascertained this, acted promptly on their information. Prentiss's army 
numbered, including several regiments of raw troops, and two or three 
colored regiments who had not been under fire, a little more than 
four thousand men. The gunboat Tyler was also in port, and able and 
willing to render assistance. The combined Rebel force under Holmes, 
Price, and Marmaduke, amounted to thirty-seven regiments, or about 
fifteen thousand men, and they were all seasoned troops, though some of 
those under Marmaduke's command had done more retreating than 
fighting. Confident of success, the Rebels made their attack about day- 
light, and though losing terribly by the fire of the Union sharpshooters 
in the rifle-pits, and the continuous fire from the batteries, they succeeded, 
after a desperate struggle of nearly two hours, in taking a small fort 
mounting four guns, one of the outworks of the Union jDosition. Greatly 
elated at this measure of success, they were pressing forward in the hope 
of capturing the more important forts near the town, when the gunboat 
Tyler, having obtained their range, commenced dropping the huge shells 
from her Parrott guns into their ranks, and drove them back with terrific 
slaughter. Falling back out of range, they attempted to approach the 
town from the north, but Colonel Clayton, with the fifth Kansas and the 
first Indiana cavalry, charged upon them and routed them completely 
They then attempted to approach from the south, but here the gunboat 
rained its shells upon them. They endeavored to plant batteries to bom- 



588 TIIK CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

bard tlie town, but General Prentiss charged upon them repeatedly, and 
rendered their eftbrts ineffectual. At length, completely foiled at every 
point, having lo.st in killed and wounded over one tliousand, and in pris- 
oners a little more than eleven hundred, they abandoned the effort to cap- 
ture the town, and in their rage burned the contraband camp, as they 
retreated. The Union loss in killed, wounded, and missing was two 
hundred and thirty. The Eebel forces remained in the vicinity for a day 
or two, but finding that the Union troops were reinforced, and that five 
gunboats were stationed tliere, they made the best of their way toward 
Little Rock, the capital of the State. 

With this defeat of the Rebels in their final attack in any considerable 
force upon the posts of the Union army upon the Mississippi river, we 
close our narrative of the events of the war to the present time. It 
has reached one of the periods of comparative inaction, though not of 
complete cessation of hostilities, which, on several previous occasions, have 
followed great battles. It remains for us to pass in rapid review the pro- 
gress which had been made during the eleven months whose history \ve 
have been attempting to detail. 

Some of the preceding chapters have been devoted to the recTord 
of disasters to the Union army, or, at least, but half-succes-ses. The 
utter failure of the peninsular campaign, terminating in the igno- 
minious retreat to the James river, and the subsequent transference 
of the remains of that noble army to Alexandria and Fredericksburg, 
wera followed by the sad and painful scenes of the battles before 
Washington, where the gallant but unfortunate General Pope strug- 
gling for three weeks to cover the retreat of the army of the Potomac 
from tlie Peninsula, found himself constantl}' confronted by a supe- 
rior force, and pushed back by the irresistible weight of numbers, 
yet fighting with a resolute determination at every step. At last, by the 
insubordination and covert hostility of some of the generals of the army 
of the Potomac, the reinforcements promised to him delayed, or, if brought 
forward, retained in idleness on some plea or another, forage and supplies 
withheld, his men worn out with fatigue, hunger, and want of sleep, he is 
compelled to fall back upon the defences around Washington, and the 
sound of the enemy's cannon was heard thundering at the gates of the 
capital. 

Emboldened by his success, the Rebel commander regarded the capture 
of Washington and Baltimore as merely a question of time, and pressed 
rapidly northward to commence a war of invasion upon the Northern 
States. The Union army, dispirited and demoralized, he argued, could 
afford no serious opposition to his victorious legions, and Maryland, which 
the Rebels had always claimed as their own, would not only aQ'ord ample 
supplies, but her sons would gladly embrace the opportunity of enlisting 
in the Confederate army. These rose-colored visions were doomed to dis- 



REVIEW OF TDE PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 589 

appointment. Maryland had awakened from Tier early dream of secession. 
With the gaunt, woe-worn and filthy Rebel soldier before them, the dainty 
secessionists of Maryland felt little inclination to share its hardships, and 
though Lee had strictly prohibited all plunder in Maryland, still the wel- 
come he had expected was wanting, and the State remained unflinchingly 
Union. 

The opinion he had formed in regard to the condition of the Union 
forces proved equally in error. At the blast of the trumpet, calling them 
to a new conflict to beat back the invader, who now, for the first time, 
was penetrating to the homes and hearths of the loyal States, the grim 
soldier again shouldered his musket, and rushed to the field, forgetful of 
his weariness and hardships. ' The troop's which, on Wednesday, haggard, 
dispirited, and hungry, dragged, with weary steps, their way into the de- 
fences of Arlington Heights, on Friday of the same week were marching 
promptly, and elate with hope, northward to encounter the enemy on new 
battle-fields. Then came the hard-fought battle of South Mountain, a 
Union victory, the disgraceful surrender of Harper's Ferry, and the bloody 
but indecisive battle of Antietam, where thousands of brave hearts shed 
their life blood for a nation's redemption. The retreat of the discomfited 
Rebel chieftain, thankful that his punishment was no more severe, the 
leisurely and inefficient pursuit, and the final removal from command of 
the general, whose magnificent promises had come so far short of perform- 
ance, were the events of the autumn months in the army of the Potomac. 

At the West, matters were not in a much better state. General Buell, 
who, though possessing some of the qualifications of an able commander, 
was a martinet in discipline, and never acquired the love or attachment of 
his troop.s, had marched his men, in September, across Tennessee and Ken- 
tucky in that wearisome chase after General Bragg, never overtaking him, 
and always just too late to prevent some heavy loss which the Rebel 
General had inflicted. Early in October, when Bragg deemed it desirable 
to return by the way he came, sending before him his trains laden with 
the rich plunder of the Blue Grass region, Buell again pursued him leis- 
urely, and finally suffered one of his army corps to be attacked and fight 
an indecisive action at Perryville, in which the Union forces were re- 
pulsed, if not defeated, and Bragg reaped all the advantages of a victory, 
preventing and delaying effective pursuit. Falling back again to Louis- 
ville, Buell was removed from command, and the brave and able Rose- 
crans, who had so recently distinguished himself at Corinth, put in his 
place. There was, however, much to be done before the "Army of the 
Cumberland," as it was now called, was ready to take the field. It was in 
need of almost every thing. The long and severe marches of the pre- 
vious two months had worn out the clothing and shoes of the old troops; 
the raw recruits, who formed about half the army, were badly equipped, 
undisciplined, and in many instances commanded by inefficient officers. 



590 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The cavalry arm of tlie service could hardly be said to exist ; it must be 
reorganized and almost created anew. The communications with Nash- 
ville, the proper headquarters of the army, were so completely destroyed, 
that some weeks were required to restore the single line of railroad, over 
\ichich, in default of a high stage of water in the river, supplies must be 
brought. Everywhere the master's hand was needed, and everywhere it 
was felt. In these works of preparation the months of November and 
December were spent, and it was in the closing week of the year that 
General Rosecrans felt that he was ready to move forward. Then came 
the three days at Stone river ; the first, with its disastrous rout of the 
Union troops on the right wing ; the second and third, with their retrieval 
of the disaster, and their terrible slaughter of Breckinridge's (Kebel) corps ; 
the evacuation of Murfreesboro followed, and on the third day of the 
new year the song and shout of victory went up from the army of the 
Cumberland. In the other military departments, the Union armies had 
but held tlieir own. North Carolina, as well as the Department of the 
South, had been depleted of so large a portion of her forces, to reinforce 
the army of the Potomac, that any considerable aggressive movement was 
impossible; and though small expeditions were occasionally sent to break 
up Rebel depots of supplies, or cut railroad communications, nothing 
further could be attempted, without too great risk. In the Department of 
the Gi'lf, tlie stern but patriotic rule of General Butler had awed and sub- 
dued the secessionists for the time, and had kept the small portion of 
Louisiana which was included within the Union lines, quiet. More than 
once, however, the enemy had made threatening demonstrations upon the 
outposts of the department. At Baton Rouge, on the 5th of August 
they had attacked the Union troops, and only been repulsed after a hard 
fought battle, and as yet the country of the Attakapas was wholly in their 
possession, with its labyrinths of bayous and its connections with the 
Mississippi river. Farther north, but little progress was made during the 
autumn. The enemy were indeed defeated at luka, and routed, after 
terrible slaughter at Corinth and the Ilatchie, but Vicksburg yet frowned 
baughtilj) on its assailants, and barred the passage of commerce down the 
Mississippi. Helena was held by a Union garrison, but the interior of 
Arkansas was firmly grasped by the Rebels. lu the west of that State, 
the brave army of the frontier, inured to the hardships of war by their 
previous experience in the border ruffian contests, defeated the Rebels 
over and over again, but, like the heaving of the stone of Sisyphus, the 
toilsome labor was but accomplished when it was necessary to do it anew. 
Missouri was still haras-sed by guerrilla bands, villanous outlaws, whose 
only vocation was to murder and rob. The fair young State of Minnesota 
made the heavens vocal with her cries of distress and anguish, for the 
eight hundred of her sons and daughters massacred by the ferocity of the 
Indian tribes, who had seized the opportunity of war to attempt the ex- 



1 



REVIEW OP THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 591 

pulsion of the white population from Western Minnesota. The fearful 
conflict was but short, and the Indians were many of them slain or brought 
to justice; but fair villages had been destroyed, and prairie homes made 
desolate in great numbers, and the mothers everywhere in the State pressed 
their babes more closely to their breasts as they thought of the peril, 
perhaps not yet wholly overpast, of the visitation of the murderous and 
blood-thirsty savage. 

The principal cities of the States bordering on the Ohio, Cincinnati, 
Louisville, and New Albany, had been threatened by the Eebel armies, 
and the arms-bearing population of Ohio and Indiana had been called out 
to repel the apprehended invasion ; and though this danger had for the 
time been averted, there was as yet no certainty that it would not 
return. 

As the winter approached, the army of the Potomac, under its new 
commander, prepared for another trial of strength with the enemy, and on 
the 13th of December, the fearfully -disastrous battle of Fredericksburg 
was fought. The Union forces were repulsed with very heavy losses, and 
though not routed or demoralized, they were for the time defeated. In 
Arkansas, in the latter part of November and early in December, the 
battles of Cane Hill and Prairie Grove, in which the Union arms were de- 
cidedly successful, alleviated to some extent the gloom which was settling 
upon the minds of the people at the misfortunes of our armies. But ex- 
cept these successes, and that of the army of the .Cumberland at Stone 
river, the advent of the new year brought little to cheer or encourage- 
General Sherman had assailed Vioksburg, and been repulsed with severe 
loss ; the garrison and fleet at Galveston had been attacked, the Harriet 
Lane captured, and the "Westfield destroyed, while the gallant Eenshaw, 
Wainwright, and Lea, had given their lives to the cause of their country. 

There was one ground of hope and encouragement, however, which 
made the loyal and true hearted look forward, with more confidence, to 
the year that was to come. The new year brought the promised procla- 
mation of emancipation ! Hitherto the armies of the Union had been 
fighting not only the entire Rebel force, but that force strengthened by 
the labor of the slave, who, though really the friend of the Union, was 
thus made the powerful ally of the Eebel Government. The Rebels could, 
with the slaves to till their soil, provide for the support of their families, 
and perform the severer labors of the camp and fortification, bring a pro- 
portionably larger force into the field than the North, without seriously 
perilling their future. To cut of this resource, and thus more nearly 
equalize the relative position of the two contestants, was a military neces- 
sitv, and apart from any humane or moral considerations, its adoption was 
indispensable to the success of the Union cause. In this instance, too, hu- 
manity, morality, and religion were all on the side of the movement. 
Slavery had been the spring and cause of the Rebellion ; the determiua- 



592 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tion of the southern leaflcrs to extend its area and increase its power, had 
been their governing motive in plunging into the war. The intelligent 
people of the North believed slavery an evil and curse, before the}' had 
seen this manifestation of its wicked designs, and as they saw more and 
more of its atrocities during the progress of the war, its inhumanity to 
the slave, its violation of all the principles of morality, virtue, and honor, 
and its degrading influence upon tlie white population, both the slave- 
holding and non-slaveholding, they were ready to bail with joy a i)rocla- 
mation which brought freedom to the slave. 

Growing out of this proclamation, as a necessary corollary, was the de- 
termination to arm as large a portion of these new freedmen as possible, 
to defend the liberty they had received. This measure, though exciting 
some opposition at first, soon became generally popular, and the freedmen 
did much to render it so, by their bravery and good conduct in several 
battles in which they were engaged. Before midsummer of 18(53, more 
than thirty thousand troops of African descent had been enrolled in the 
Union army. 

Thus it happened, that with the opening of the new year, a more cheer- 
ful feeling prevailed throughout the loyal States ; and though some 
disasters occurred to the Union arms, these were far more than counter- 
balanced by the great and extraordinary successes which crowned the 
effort of the armies to overthrow the Rebellion. The Department of the 
Gulf was among the first to feel the impulse of the rising wave of Union 
triumphs. General Banks, who had succeeded General Butler in the 
command of the department, sent an expedition in January into the 
Attakapas country, and destroyed a huge Rebel gunboat, and drove the 
Rebels from Berwick and Brashear City, and two months later cleared the 
whole region of the Bayou Teche, as far as Opelousas and Alexandria, of 
their presence, destroying their fortresses, capturing their transports, and 
burning their gunboats and iron-clads. In Arkansas, Generals Blunt and 
Herron held the northwestern counties against the raiders, guerrillas, and 
bushwackers, who had so often sought to bring them into subjection. In 
Western Missouri, the fleet-footed Marmaduke, who sought the destruction 
of the stores deposited at Springfield, Missouri, for the supply of the army 
of the frontier, found his plans thwarted, and was compelled to make one 
of those masterly retreats for which he had already become famous, down 
the White river to Batesville. An expedition, under command of Gen- 
eral McClernand, accomi)anied by gunboats, captured Arkansas Post, 
Arkansas, on the 10th of January, and ascending the White river, took 
possession of other important points. Those sturdy sea-kings, Admirals 
Farragut and Porter, if they had not yet free navigation of the Mississippi, 
yet managed between them to patrol the lower portions of it very thor- 
oughly, now raining their iron hail upon the batteries which frowned 
upon its banks, and anon sending some swift gunboat or ram past the de- 



REVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR. 693 

fences of Vicksburg, "Warrenton, or Port Hudson, or a;? in the case of 
Admiral Farracjut at Port Hudson, and later of Admiral Porter at Vicks- 
burg, running by with a whole squadron. That this was not done with- 
out some damage and loss the shattered wrecks of the frigate Mississippi 
and the gunboat Lancaster gave sad evidence; but notwithsanding these 
losses and others of less importance, their objects were gained — the afflu- 
ents of the Mississippi explored, every Rebel gunboat or transport in their 
waters destroyed, and all the depots of supplies for the Rebel armies 
seized or burned. In the Department of the South there was activityand 
zeal, though no remarkable successes. Fort McAllister, near Savannah, 
was assaulted, but not captured — the Nashville, a Rebel iron-clad, de- 
stroyed, and Charleston, the birthplace of the Rebellion, besieged, and 
Fort Sumter bombarded by the monitors and the other iron-clads. The 
fort was not captured or silenced, but the substantial impregnability of 
the monitors was demonstrated, and the problem settled that the Rebel 
defences there could be successfully assailed. la the Department of North 
Carolina, the Rebels, in their efforts to capture "Washington, North Caro- 
lina, were thwarted, and their forces, which had laid siege to Suffolk. 
Virginia, were defeated. 

The array of the Potomac, which in January had again changed gener- 
als, and was now commanded by General Hooker, who had exerted him- 
self to the utmost to perfect its discipline, to increase its mobility, and to 
make it in every respect the finest army the world had ever seen, was 
destined to another reverse, not so overwhelming and terrible as that of 
Fredericksburg, still one which, for a time, cast a gloom over the country. 
General Hooker attempted to turn Lee's flank, by a movement on the 
right, crossing the Rappahannock at a considerable distance above Fred- 
ericksburg, with the greater part of his force, while making a feint of 
crossing below — and actually sending one corps to cross and attack the 
heights where Burnside had been repulsed, while the remainder of his 
army were assailing Lee's left wing in the vicinity of Chancellorsville. 
The plan was well devised, but the failure of the eleventh corps (General 
Howard's) to stand their ground when attacked, and the necessary change 
of lines which followed, so deranged his plans as to give his adroit and 
able adversary an advantage which he was not slow to improve. Fred- 
ericksburg was taken, but lost again within twenty-four hours, and the 
Union commander was forced to recross the Rappahannock to avoid being 
cut off from his supplies. The loss by the Rebels of their best general, 
" Stonewall " Jackson, made the victory a dear one to them, and their killed 
and wounded in the the three days' fighting considerably outnumbered 
Hooker's losses. The skilfully conducted cavalry expeditions of Generala 
Stoneman and Kilpatrick, in connection with this battle, were important. 
not only as showing that the Union cavalry had become superior to that 
of the Rebels in this kind of expeditions, but in crippling the natural re- 
38 



694 THE CIVIL WAll IX TUE UNITED STATES. 

Bources of Lee's army, and rendering it a matter of necessity for that 
commander to move northward to obtain supplies. 

The remainder of May was occupied with cavalry movements, some of 
them of considerable importance, and when, early in June, Lee commenced 
moving his army northward, Hooker, keeping the nearer circle, drove 
him beyond the Bull Run mountains, harassed him with his cavalry, de 
layed his movements, and repelled him from any near approach to either 
Washington or Baltimore. Thus thwarted in his main object, Lee moved 
forward into Pennsj^vania, in the hope, doubtless, of reaching its com- 
mercial metropolis, but his movement had been too long delayed, and he 
found himself compelled to fight at Gettysburg, near the southern border 
of the State. Here, on the 1st, 2d, and 3d of July, the most sangui- 
nary battle of the war, and one of the most sanguinary of modern times, 
■was fought. General Meade, who had succeeded General Hooker in the 
command of the Union army^ only two days before the battle, manifested 
rare skill and ability in the handling of his troops, and the battle, which, on 
the first day, resulted in a partial success of the Rebels, was at its close a 
most triumphant victory for the Union army. The Rebels were pursued 
as far as Williamsport, but by a serious error of judgment were sullered 
to escape and cross the Potomac without fighting seriously. 

At the West, General Grant, who was in command of the army of the 
Tennessee, after attempting in a variety of ways to turn the flank of the 
enemy at Vicksburg and compel the evacuation of that Rebel stronghold, 
finding his plans partially or entirely unsuccessful, formed the bold project 
of marching his troops down the west side of the Mississippi, sending the 
gunboats and transports past the ten miles of continuous batteries around 
the bend at Vioksburg, and, landing at some point below, marching upon 
the city from the rear, and investing it. He found himself compelled to run 
not only the Vicksburg and Warrenton batteries, but those of Grand, 
Gulf also, ader a five hours' bombardment of them, and landing at Bruins- 
burg, marched northeast, fighting a battle at Port Gibson, compelling the 
evacuation of Grand Gulf, whicli he made his base, fighting again at Ray- 
mond, at Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, which he captured and nearly 
destroyed, at Champion Hill, and at Black river railroad bridge, and 
finally sat down before Vicksburg, eighteen days after his landing at 
Bruinsburg. He made two attempts to carry the city by assault, but be- 
ing repulsed, commenced its siege, which terminated in its surrender on 
tlie 4:th of July, its entire garrison of over thirty-one thousand marching 
out as prisoners of war. No grander or more successful military achieve- 
ment is recorded on the pages of history. The boldness, energy, skill, 
and perseverance of General Grant, in this great enterprise, entitle him 
to rank among the first military commanders of the century. 

The siege of Port Hudson, conducted by General Banks, simultaneously 
with that of Vicksburg, and its successful issue on the 9th of July also 



EEVIEW OF THE PROGRESS OP THE WAR. 595 

deserves to be reckoned among the remarkable acbievements of tbe 
present war. Though defended by a smaller garrison, and in itself a 
town of much less size than Vicksburg, its defences were even more for- 
midable than those of that stronghold. It was twice assaulted by- 
General Banks' army, and each time with the utmost vigor and determi- 
nation, but without eliect. "When it finally surrendered, the waters of 
the Father of Rivers, which since 1861 had been closed to peaceful com- 
merce, once more floated argosies laden with the products of the prairie 
States to the great southern metropolis, New Orleans. 

The loss of these two fortresses and the consequent opening of the 
Mississippi to the Union, was the severest blow which had thus far been 
inflicted upon the Rebellion. The trans-Mississippi region, which had, 
up to that time, furnished it with cattle, and to some extent with grain 
also, was thenceforth cut off, and the Confederacy practically sundered. 
The State of Mississippi, the home of the Rebel President, and, next to 
South Carolina, the foremost of all the States of the South in the Rebel- 
lion, lay, by these victories, prostrate in the victor's hands ; organized 
resistance in that State was henceforth fruitless; and it is but justice to 
the citizens of Mississippi to say that but few of them were disposed to 
attempt farther resistance. Louisiana and Arkansas, it was evident, 
must soon follow, and Tennessee was almost wholly in Union hands 
already. Mr. Jefferson Davis had seen the inevitable consequences of the 
loss of these strongholds so clearly that he had strained every nerve to 
collect a sufficient force, under the command of General Johnston, to 
raise the siege of Vicksburg, visiting Alabama, Mississippi, and Bast 
Tennessee in person, and appealing to the people of these States to rally 
for the purpose. His efforts proved futile, and his chagrin at his failure 
was not disguised. From that hour the conscription was pressed with a 
severity far beyond any former precedent, and the supplies required for 
his armies seized without regard to the circumstances in which those from 
whom they were taken were left. Sterner and sterner grew the discipline 
of the army, and more deadly the vengeance on deserters, whose numbers, 
nevertheless, increased with each day. The depreciation of the Confed- 
erate treasury notes (the currency of the seceded States) which followed 
these Union victories was very great, the exchange for gold being fifteen 
or sixteen dollars for one, and for the United States legal tender notes 
eleven or twelve for one. 

Without rehearsing the less important skirmishes or battles, whose 
influence on the great questions at issue was only indirect, it cannot but 
be evident to the reader that during the eleven months ending July 15th, 
1863, there had been great progress made in putting down the Rebellion. 
There had been no step backward on the part of the United States Gov- 
ernment. Even the apparently disastrous battles resulted in no perma- 
nent loss of territory or prestige. At least two hundred thousand square 



596 THE CIYIIi WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

miles, which, in August, 1862, were under Confederate sway, were, in 
July, 1863, redeemed for the stars and stripes. The navigation of the 
Mississippi was no longer obstructed by hostile fortresses and gaping 
cannon. The blockade had grown fearfully close, and the Rebel 
promises to pay were little better than waste paper. Well might the 
President of the United States proclaim a day of national thanksgiving 
to Him who had so signally blessed the nation in its struggle for the 
preservation of the freedom bequeathed to them by their fathers, for the 
victories which his hand had wrought. 

The war was not ended, indeed, nor the power of the Rebels fully 
broken : the desperation of their leaders and the bravery of the defenders 
of the Union were yet to be attested on other bloody battle-fields, but 
everywhere were seen the evidences that their cause was failing, and 
those who in other countries had hitherto been their strenuous and per- 
sistent advocates were forced to admit that their fortunes seemed to be on 
the wane, and that their ultimate success was doubtful. The oppressed 
Unionists of the South, and the slaves, who had begun to comprehend 
that the war concerned their future condition, breathed more freely, as 
they sent up in secret, their thanksgiving to God that the end drew nigh. 



OVERTHROW OF TliE REBEL FOWER IN ARKANSAS. 597 



CnAPTER L. 

THE ARMY OP THE POTOMAC AT REST — THE OVERTHROW OP THE REBEL POWER IN ARKANSAS 
— THE GUERRILLAS AND BUSHWHACKERS OP ARKANSAS AND THE INDIAN TERRITORY — 

QUANTREL AND HIS BAND — THE SACKING OF LAWRENCE ATTEMPT TO MURDER GENERAL 

BLUNT — CABELL, MARMADUKB, SUELBT, AND COFFEY, MAKE A RAID INTO MISSOURI, AND 
ARE DEFEATED AND ROUTED — MORGAN'S RAID INTO KENTUCKY, INDIANA, AND OHIO— HIS 
CAPTURE AND IMPRISONMENT — HIS ESCAPE — SKETCH OF HIS LIFE — HIS DEATH — THE RIOTS 
OF THE SUMMER OF 18G3 — THE GREAT RIOT IN NEW YORK — ITS CAUSF.S AND OBJECTS — 
THE REIGN OP TERROR — THE MOB SUBDUED — THE LOSS OP LIFE AND PROPERTY BY IT. 

After the Rebel army had crossed the Potomac, and made its way to 
its old quarters on the Eappahannock, followed as far as the northern 
bank of the Rapidan by the Union army, there ensued a season of quiet, 
while the two armies were recruiting in numbers, and being reorganized 
for another and more desperate conflict. The quiet was not wholly un- 
broken, though there were no engagements, except some slight cavalry 
skirmishes, until about the middle of October. The battles of the later 
autumn we shall describe further on. Meantime, we will turn our eyes 
westward, and observe what progress the war is making there. 

After the surrender of Vicksburg, the Government deemed it desirable 
to drive the Rebels out of Arkansas, and assist the Union inhabitants to 
recover the control of the State, which had been snatched from them by 
a fraudulent vote. For this purpose General Steele was ordered to move 
from Helena with a considerable force toward Duvall's Bluff on the 
White river, where he was to be joined by General Davidson, who was 
moving south from Missouri by way of Crowley's Ridge, west of the 
St. Erancis river. The juncture of the two columns was effected, and 
having established a hospital and depot of supplies at Duvall's Bluff, 
General Steele moved forward from that point on the 1st of August, 1863, 
against the Rebel army, which was then lying near the line of the Bayou 
Metoe, and pushed it back to Little Rock, pi;rsuing it closely, skirmishing 
frequently and successfully. Having reached the Arkansas river, he 
crossed it below Little Rock, and with a part of his force marched upon 
Arkadelphia, the base and depot of supplies of the Rebel army. General 
Holmes, who commanded the Rebel forces in Arkansas, sent Marmaduke 
with his cavalry to drive back the Union column ; but the Union troops 
facing about and assaulting him, Marmaduke, as usual, fled with all his 
men, and Holmes, fearing the effect of Steele's flanking movement, de- 
stroyed what property he could at Little Rock, and after a slight resistance 
retreated toward Arkadelphia, in great haste. General Steele entered 
Little Rock on the 10th of September, having captured over one thousand 



698 THE CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

prisoners, and large quantities of stores, which Holmes in his haste had 
been unable to destroy. His own loss was less than one hundred. Uis 
cavalry and an infantry column continued to push the Rebel army, and 
harass them as they retreated southwestward. Marmaduke, with three 
thousand troops, separated from the main Rebel army, and attacked the 
Union garrison at Pine Bluff, on the Lower Arkansas. The garrison 
consisted of only five hundred and fifty men, but they were under the 
command of Colonel Clayton, who had more than once defeated Marma- 
duke, even at larger odds than this. The battle continued for five hours, 
Marmaduke showing more than usual pluck, but finally flying, with a 
loss of two hundred and fifty of his men. On the same day, October 
25th, the Union army entered Arkadelphia, the broken remnants of the 
Rebel army retreating across Red river. The whole of the State, except 
two small districts, one in the southwest, the other in the northwest of the 
State, was now restored to the Federal authority. 

From the beginning of the war the northwestern portion of Arkansas, 
and the Indian Territory adjacent, had been the haunt of an irregular 
Rebel force of outlaws, bushwhackers, guerrillas, horse thieves, and mur- 
derers, the associates and successors of the border ruffians of the old 
Kansas days. These villains were best suited when they could make 
foravs into the peaceful villages or farm-houses of the border, and rob, 
murder, and ravish defenceless citizens. Sometimes, they would join the 
Rebel armies, and fight under the Rebel generals of the region for a few 
days, but they soon tired of this, and returned anew to the work of 
plunder and bloodshed. To the disgrace of the Rebel authorities, it must 
be said that most of the villains bore commissions from the Rebel War 
Department. 

Oue of the most daring and villainous outrages of which these outlaws 
were guilty was the attack upon the city of Lawrence, Kansas, on the 
21st of August, 1863. One of the guerrilla leaders, a noted thief and an 
escaped convict, who had a.ssumed the name of Quantrel, with about eight 
hundred of his men, entered Lawrence in the early morning, murdered 
one hundred and twenty-five of its citizens in cold blood, plundered its 
dwellings and stables, and burned the greater part of the business portion 
of the city, destroying property valued at upwards of two millions of dol- 
lars. General James 11. Lane, at the head of the few mounted troops 
which could be raised, (Quantrel having stolen all the more valuable 
horsf's.) pursued and overtook the rear-guard of his troops, and succeeded 
in killing nearly one hundred of his men, but the remainder escaped. 
1 General James G. Blunt, of Kansas, who had been for nearly two years 
in command of the army of the frontier, was a terror to these bands of 
marauders, whom he never failed to visit with severe punishment, when- 
ever he could reach them, and they had sworn to be revenged on him 
personally, if possible. In July he had attacked Cooper and Stand- 



REBEL FORAY INTO MISSOURI. 599 

watie, the Rebel and Indian commanders of these outlaws in the Indian 
Territory, and as usual, had defeated and routed a force much larger than 
his own. Quantrel had been in this battle, and had resolved to capture 
and murder Blunt. On the 5th of October, he ascertained that the General 
was on his way from Fort Smith to Fort Scott, in Kansas, with an escort 
of only one hundred men, and accordingly dressing three hundred of his 
ruffians in Union uniforms, which he had stolen, he approached General 
Blunt and his escort when they were but a few miles from Fort Scott. 
Having come within pistol range of the escort, the disguised guerrillas 
commenced firing, and the escort, surprised, broke, and seventy-eight of 
them, including Major Curtis, a son of General Curtis, were captured and 
murdered after surrendering. General Blunt, collecting fifteen of his 
men, charged upon the guerrillas, and they, filled with their old terror, 
retreated until he found an opportunity of moving southward, to a point a 
mile or two distant, where Lieutenant-Colonel Pond's regiment were sta- 
tioned. Quantrel himself supposed he had killed General Blunt, and 
there was great rejoicing in the Rebel States over his death. 

The Rebel commanders of these bands of outlaws, Cabell, Marmaduke, 
Shelby, and Coffey, having been thus driven by the Union armies to the 
very borders of Arkansas, and being satisfied of their inability to regain 
possession of the State again, resolved to collect their forces and m.ake a 
grand foray into Missouri, where, they believed, they could plunder and 
murder unarmed citizens with greater impunity than in Arkansas. 

They accordingly gathered six or seven thousand guerrillas, Indians, 
bushwackers and the like, and Cabell and Marmaduke started from the 
Choctaw settlements in the Indian Territory, about the first of October, 
crossed the Arkansas river east of Fort Smith, and Marmaduke remaining 
at Fayetteville, Arkansas, with a part of the force as a reserve, Cabell and 
Shelby went on with the remainder to Crooked Prairie, Missouri, were 
they were joined bj' General Coffey with a considerable additional force of 
similar materials, and moved thence toward the interior of the State, 
plundering and murdering, unchecked. They reached Booneville, on the 
Missouri river, but being closely pursued, attempted to double on their 
trail, but on reaching Merrill's crossing of Salt Fork found themselves 
confronted by the Missouri State militia, under General E. B. Brown, 
who fought them for several hours, on the evening of the 12th of Oc- 
tober and having routed them, dispatched Lieutenant-Colonel Lazear, 
with nine cundred men, to intercept them at Marshall, while he followed 
them with the remainder of his command. General Brown's and Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Lazear's forces together did not number over sixteen hundred, 
but they were more than a match for twice their numbers of the cowardly 
ruHians whom they fought, and hemming them in between them they 
punished them without mercy, killing or severely wounding one hundred 
and fifty, taking several hundred prisoners, capturing two gnns, and 



600 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATIC. 

nearly the whole of their train ; and when the remnant left — disorderly 
dirty, and nearly starved — reached Fayetteville, not even Marmaduko 
could rally or reorganize them. 

The Rebel guerrilla chief John Morgan, who had, by his daring raid 
into Kentucky, gained a remarkable notoriety as a partisan fighter, or 
rather plunderer, for he always avoided fighting where he could, remained 
quiet during the winter and spring of 1863 ; but early in the summer, 
under orders it is said from Richmond, and with the design of creating a 
diversion to prevent the northwestern States from sending troops to Penn- 
sylvania to thwart Loe's operations, he made preparations for an extensive 
raid into Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio. General Rosecrans ascertained 
bis purposes through his scouts, and notified General Buruside, who then 
commanded the Department of the Ohio, of his intentions. He moved 
on the 2-ith of June, with somewhat more than thirty-five hundred 
mounted men, and a battery of artillery. His men were carefully selected 
from Bragg's cavalry and his own brigade. He assembled his force first 
on the banks of the Cumberland near Jamestown, and, after resting for 
several days, made a feint of attacking Tompkinsville, on the opposite shore 
of the Cumberland in Kentucky, and this drew the Union forces, which 
were watching him, to that point. He then set his men to constructing 
flat-boats secretly, and moving with great rapidity, crossed the river at 
Burksville, nearly thirty miles higher up the Cumberland, on the night of 
the 1st of July, and by noon of the 2d was on his way toward Columbia, 
Kentucky. Owing to the heavy condition of the roads he did not reacii 
there till noon of the 3d, and had a rencounter with a small body of Union 
troops near the town, whom he speedily repulsed. The Union troops 
from Jamestown who had followed him, on ascertaining the number of 
his troops, fell back and notified Colonel Wolford, who commanded their 
brigade, who sent a courier to General Carter, the commanding oflScer at 
Somerset, who ordered three brigades to be sent in pursuit. By this delay, 
Morgan gained two days on his pursuers. Moving to Green river on the 
3d of July, Morgan attempted to cross on the morning of the 4th, but 
found a lete-de-jMnt on the opposite end of the bridge, together with other 
earthworks, defended by two hundred men of the twenty-fifth Michigan 
volunteers, commanded by Colonel Moore. Morgan sent out a flag of 
truce demanding an instant surrender. Colonel Moore immediately 
replied, " If it was any other day, I might consider the summons, but the 
4th of July is a bad day to talk about surrender, and I must, therefore, 
decline." Morgan thereupon sent two regiments to storm the works, but 
after charging upon it repeatedly, they found the fire of its defenders too 
galling to be endured, and withdrew, with a loss of thirty killed, many 
wounded, and one hundred prisoners. Finding himself foiled, Morgan 
now withdrew, and crossing at a ford farther up, reached New Market the 
same evening, and moved the next morning on Lebanon. Here was 



RAID OF MORGAN INTO INDIANA. 601 

a garrison of four hundred men, without fortifications. Morgan sum- 
moned them to surrender, but their commander, Colonel Hanson, re- 
fused, and sheltering his men in the depot and adjacent buildings, defended 
the town for seven hours, when Morgan, in a rage, burned the town, and 
the buildings in which Colonel Hanson and his men were stationed having 
caught fire, they at last surrendered. Morgan drove them on foot before 
his cavalry, to Springfield, passing over the ten miles in an hour and a 
half, and shooting those who were too much exhausted to keep up the pace. 
Having paroled the prisoners, he kept on with his force to Bardstown, and 
there was resisted, for several hours, by a company of twenty of the 
fourth United States cavalry, who, occupying a strong stable, fought him, 
and held him at bay. He now found his pursuers gaining on him, and 
moved rapidly on Shepherdsville, on Salt river, and thence to Lawrence- 
ville and Brandenburg, forty miles below Louisville, and seized the 
steamer McCombe, and by hoisting signals of distress, attracted the steamer 
Alice Dean to the south side of the river, and captured her also. After 
plundering these boats, he used them to cross the river with his troops. 
The ferrying over his troops occupied him for two days, and on the 8th, 
two of the Ohio river gunboats came down the river and opened upon 
him, but as he replied briskly with his rifled pieces, and they, unfortu- 
nately, it was said, had not ammunition suited to their guns, they soon 
withdrew. Having crossed with his troops, Morgan burned the Alice 
Dean, but after much solicitation consented to spare the McCombe. 

General Hobson, who commanded the Union force in pursuit, pressed 
on with great speed, though his horses were much jaded, but only reached 
Brandensb'urg in time to see the Alice Dean in flames, and Morgan's 
troops trotting up the bluffs on the opposite side of the river. He pro- 
cured other steamers, however, promptly, and by three A. M. of the 10th 
had his troops all landed on the Indiana side of the river. A party of 
General Judah's division of cavalry, which had hitherto been stationed in 
southern Kentucky, joined in the pursuit, coming to Louisville by railroad 
and embarking there for some point above on the Ohio, where they might 
confront Morgan if he attempted a raid into Ohio. 

Morgan, meantime, marched immediately upon Corydon, where he met 
with some resistance from a body of about two hundred home guards, but 
soon overcame them, and killed a number, plundered the town, burned 
some of the houses, and compelled the owners of factories to ransom them 
by the payment of a heavy sura of money. On the morning of the 10th, 
he reached and pillaged Salem, Indiana, and thence proceeded to Vienna, 
on the Jeffersonville railroad, where he burned a railroad bridge, and 
bivouacked for the night. On the evening of the 11th, he reached Vernon, 
where Colonel Lowe was stationed with twelve hundred militia. Morgan 
summoned him to surrender, but he replied, " Come and take me." Mor- 
gan then ordered him to remove the women and children, as he intended 



602 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to bombard the town ; they were removed, but under cover of night 
Morgan and his troopers left, after injuring the railroad as much as pos- 
sible. From Vernon, he proceeded to Dupont's station, and to Versailles, 
burning and plundering all along his route. lie then moved to Harrison 
on the Ohio State line, plundering stores, houses, and stables, all along 
his route, stealing clothing, jewelry, horses, carriages, &c. &c., and burning 
barns, and stacks of grain and hay. He nearly remounted his force in 
this part of his route, and thus made it very difiicult for his pursuers, on 
their jaded horses, to overtake him. The Ohio and Indiana militia liad 
been called out, but the raiders spent but four days in Indiana, and were 
out of the State before the militia could arrive in the vicinity. Clncin. 
nati was thought to be the object of ^forgan in Ohio, and the Stale 
militia hastened thither for its defence, but Morgan was too shrewd to run 
the risk of a battle with a largely superior force, and though he passed in 
the course of his raid within three miles of the city, he made no attempt 
to enter it. On the 13th of July the Rebels left Harrison, burning the 
bridge over the Whitewater river, and crossed the Great Miami by the 
Miamitown, New Baltimore, and Coleraine bridges, each of which they 
burned, and encamped at night ten miles northeast of Cincinnati. The 
next morning they passed through Glendale and Springfield, crossed the 
Cincinnati, Hamilton, and Dayton railroad, without doing it much injury, 
plundered all the houses and stables on their route, threatened Camps 
Donnison and Shady, but were driven off by the convalescents who were 
stationed in the rifle-pits for the protection of the camps, burned fifty army 
wagons near camp Shady, and in the vicinity of IMiamivillej obstructed 
the track of the Little Miami railway, threw a train off, burned the cars, 
captured and paroled two hundred recruits, and passing through Batavia 
reached Williamsburg at three P. M. on the l-ith. 

After resting for an hour or two, they went on to Sardinia, burning two 
bridges behind them, and encamped there. 

General Hobson, in command of the pursuing force, had pushed forward 
as rapidly as possible, but his horses were jaded, and at Sardinia he was 
twelve miles behind the Rebels. The military authorities at Cincinnati 
had sent General Judah's cavalry up the river in steamboats, with orders 
to land at such a point as would enable them to prevent Morgan from 
moving southward, and bodies of militia were directed to move down 
upon him from the north, while the military committees in the counties 
in his route were ordered to obstruct the roads, and thus delay his progress, 
that his pursuers might more readily come up with him. The gunboats 
were also directed to patrol tlie river, and foil all his efforts to cross. 

Morgan now began to find that his farther progress iu Ohio would be 
diflicult, and looked anxiously about him for some way of escape across 
[he river into Kentucky, where he might plunder without much fear 
of defeat or capture. He had, on the 14th, sent his brother, Colonel Dick 




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OPERATIONS OP MORGANS RAIDERS. 603 

Morgan, from "Williamsburg toward the Ohio river, to discover a route 
by which he might safely reach the Kentucky shore, but the colonel had 
found bodies of militia guarding every ford, and the gunboats patrolling 
the river, and had rejoined the main body of the Eebels, near Jackson- 
ville, Adams county, with the report that escape in that vicinity was im- 
practicable. . 

Meantime, Morgan pushed on, as the only thing he could do, passing 
through, and plundering Winchester, Jackson, Wheatridge, and Jack- 
sonville, and moved toward Jasper, on the Scioto. Six miles west of this 
town the road had been obstructed, and the axemen were still at work east 
of this point, and would have entirely arrested his progress, had he not 
caused a telegraph operator in his band to send, by means of a pocket 
instrument, despatches to Chillicothe, and the other towns along the route, 
to the effect that Morgan was approaching the Marietta and Cincinnati 
railroad. By the ruse the axemen were called off to obstruct the road 
above. 

He did not enter Jasper till the 16th, where, after two or three hours of 
plundering and burning, he moved on toward Piketon, where he pillaged 
stores and dwellings, murdered several citizens, and insulted the women 
of the place. Finding that General Hobson was close upon him, he left 
Piketon in the evening, burned the bridges over the Scioto, and pressed on 
to Jackson, Jackson county, which he reached about eleven p. m. Here he 
destroyed the office, types, and presses of the Jachson Standard, a Republi- 
can paper, at the instance, it was said, of some traitorous citizens of the 
place. General Hobson, who came up the next morning, retaliated for this, 
by destroying, in turn, the office and presses of the Jackson Eiyress, 
the paper of the peace Democrats, who had aided and encouraged Morgan. 

Early on the morning of the 17th, Morgan left Jackson, and learning 
that there were twelve hundred government horses at Berlin, six miles 
northeast of Jackson, guarded only by militia, he turned his course thither 
and after plundering for a time, moved up to attack the militia, who were 
about twenty-five hundred in number, under the command of Colonel 
Eunkle. That officer had selected a good position, and though his troops 
were raw, and he had no artillery, he had resolved to fight Morgan till 
General Hobson could come up. Morgan attacked them, but was repulsed 
with a loss of about a dozen killed and wounded, and withdrew, moving 
toward -Pomeroy in two colums, one going by way of Wilkesville, the 
other through Yinton. The Rebels here found their progress obstructed 
for two hours by barricades near the little town of Lindsville, and when 
at last they had passed there and approached Pomeroy, all the roads were 
blocked up, and defended by home guards. The lines were indeed fast 
closing around them, as the Union troops were approaching from all points 
of the compass, and the gunboats on the Ohio rendered it almost impossi- 
ble to cross that river. The river was, however, their only hope, and 



604 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

taming away from Pomcroy they reached Chester with great difficulty, in 
consequence of the frequent barricades, and pushed on to Buffington ford, 
eight miles above Pomeroy, and opposite Buffington island, which point 
their advance reached about three A. M. on the 19th of July, and immediately 
began to make preparations for crossing, while the main body came up 
and bivouacked in some corn-fields on the river bottom. At four A. M. 
they commenced crossing, aided by a dense fog, and about fifty succeeded 
in reaching the Kentucky shore, although they were fired upon and a 
number wounded by the Kentucky home guard. 

Meanwhile, General Judah had come on from Pomeroy, and rode down 
the blufi" with a small body of troops into the river bottom, the fog ob- 
scuring the Eebels from view. They discovered his approach first and 
fired, throwing the Union advance into some disorder. They soon rallied, 
however, and the fog rising, their artillery was brought up, and opened 
upon the enemy, while the cavalry charged upon the Eebels, and drove 
them back. General Hobson's advance came up at the same moment, and 
attacked the Rebels in rear with great fury, and a body of infantry which 
had been landed below, moved up along the bottom lands, and the gun- 
boat Moose and the transport Alleghany had reached Buffington island, 
and were directing their guns upon the Rebel force. Morgan had now 
only the alternative of surrender or flight along the river bank. About 
eight hundred of the Rebels, including Dick Morgan's, Basil Duke's, and 
Smith's, commands, surrendered. Morgan, with the remainder of his band, 
fled in confusion up the river, leaving behind them all their plunder, con- 
sisting of carriages, horses, mules, dry goods in very large quantities, 
jewelry, hats, boots, shoes, -women's and children's dresses, kid gloves^ 
laces, carbines, shot-guns, rifles, pistols, sabres, &c. &c. Most of these 
articles were carried off by the militia and citizens, and very little was 
recovered by its original owners. 

Morgan having with him about two thousand men, reached Belleville 
ford, fourteen miles above Buffington island, about dark, and attempted at 
once to cross, but the river was too deep, and over fifty of Ids men and 
their horses were drowned. Nearly three hundred finally succeeded in 
reaching the Virginia shore, and with great suffering, reached, after some 
days, the Rebel lines in southwestern Virginia. But while these were 
struggling in the water, the gunboats came up, and opening upon those 
still on the bank, drove them back ; and Morgan, with the remainder, 
reduced by these losses, and by capture and desertion, struck westward to 
narrisonville, and thence southward toward the river again. Near 
Cheshire, some miles below Pomeroy, on Monday afternoon, July 20th, 
General Shackleford, who commanded one brigade of Hobson's division, 
brouglit them to a stand, and after fighting for a short time, Morgan sent 
a flag of truce offering an unconditional surrender, but while the parley 
was in progress, the wily guerrilla slipped off with about eight hundred 



PURSUIT AND CAPTURE OP MORGAN. 605 

of his men, leaving Colonel Coleman with about four hundred to sur- 
render. About two hundred and fifty men were picked up during the 
day in Meigs and Vinton counties. At daybreak on the 21st, Shackleford 
started again, with six hundred picked men, in pursuit. Arrangements 
had also been made by sending troops by railroad, and by light draft 
steamers up the river, to guard all the fords of the river, and to head 
them off from the north. Eetreating at full speed from Cheshire, Morgan 
readied Ervington, in Gallia county, twenty miles west of Gallipolis, on 
the moruing of the 21st, and halting to feed, saw a force of two hundred 
and fifty militia under Major Sonntag approaching. He immediately sent 
five men with a flag of truce, demanding that the Major should surrender, 
assuring him that he had several thousand men with him. The Major 
immediately complied, and Morgan thus obtained a supply of arms and 
seventeen rounds of ammunition. Paroling the militia, he moved forward 
toward Berlin, and came upon another body of militia of about the same 
number, whose commander, a Major Slain, also surrendered upon his de- 
mand. He then passed through Zaliska, near McArthurstown, and Nel- 
sonville, and reached Deaverstown in the evening. On the morning of 
the 23d, he was again early in the saddle, crossed the Muskingum at 
Eagleport, skirmished with a militia regiment, but soon escaped from 
them, passed around another body of militia near Cumberland, and though 
sixty of his men deserted, he kept on to Senecaville. At five A. M. of 
the 24:th, he crossed the Ohio Central railroad at Campbell's station, 
burned the railroad bridge and station buildings, robbed the safe of ten 
thousand dollars, and kept on to Washington on the national road, where, 
having burned three bridges behind him, he determined to rest, but Gen- 
eral Shackleford entered the town within three hours, and he escaped with 
dif&culty, passing through Winchester, Antrim, Londonderry, Smyrna, 
and Moorefield, burning the bridges behind him. Thence he moved toward 
New Athens, but finding a considerable force there, turned and made for 
Cadiz, in Harrison county, where he arrived at eight A. M. on the 25th' 
From this point, he again attempted to cross the Ohio near Warrenton» 
but it was not fordable. Turning northward again, he passed through 
Alexandria and Centreville, where he encountered another considerable 
force, which, after firing a few shots, he managed to elude, and proceeded 
north to Eichmond, twelve miles distant, where he hoped to be able to rest 
for a few hours, but finding Major Way was pushing him closely with his 
cavalry, he moved on toward New Lisbon, in the hope of reaching Smith's 
ferry, nearly opposite Wellsville. Major Way hung upon his rear, and 
skirmished with him nearly all night, and at last, at eight o'clock A. M. 
on the 26th, succeeded in forcing him into a fight, and after a sharp action 
of an hour, routed his forces completely, with a loss of two hundred in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners. Having secured his captives. Major Way 
kept on with the pursuit, the Eebels straining every nerve to reach 



606 THE CIVIL AVAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

Smith's ferry. Meauwhile Major Rae, who commanded the otlier battalion 
of cavalry sent from Columbus, had pushed forward with all haste toward 
Smith's ferry, to prevent their escape. By dint of hard riding, and use of 
cross-roads, he reached there a few minutes first, and drew up his force 
for action. Morgan soon came up, and with most consummate impudence, 
demanded that Major Eae should instantly surrender. Major Rae replied 
that he would immediately charge upon them unless they threw down 
their arms and surrendered unconditionally. Morgan tried to secure 
better terms, but failing to do so, surrendered, though claiming that he 
was entitled to a parole, on the ground that he had before meeting with 
Major Rae, surrendered to a militia captain, but the claim was too prepos- 
terous to be allowed, and Morgan being brought before General Burnside^ 
was by him consigned to the Ohio State Penitentiary, until the Rebel 
Government should treat Colonel Streight and his officers as prisoners of 
war. On the 27th of November, 1863, Morgan, with six of his staff, suc- 
ceeded in digging their way out, and making their escape from the Peni- 
tentiary through a sewer. Some of the number were retaken, but the 
guerrilla chief made the best of his way to Tennessee, and soon raised 
another band of guerrillas, 

Major-General John II. Morgan, the Rebel leader of this daring though 
unsuccessful raid, was born near Lexington, Ky, in 1827. Ilis family 
were not wealthy, though belonging to a respectable class. He was the 
eldest of six brothers, five of whom were, in one capacity or another, 
connected with the Rebel army. John served in the Mexican war, at 
first as a private, but was promoted from the ranks to a second lieuten- 
antcy. On his return he engaged in manufacturing jeans, linseys and 
bagging for the southern market. A dashing, free-and-easy man in his 
manners, he was somewhat popular, but had the reputation of being a 
libertine, and a man of intrigue. Soon after the commencement of the 
war he resolved to take up arms on the side of the South, and raised a 
company in the autumn of 18G1, and marched to Bowling Green, where 
he asked to be allowed to serve as a partisan ranger. As this request 
was not formally granted, he withdrew with his men a short distance 
from the Rebel camp, and engaged in forays and raids on his own 
account. His men having increased to a full regiment, he was com- 
missioned colonel, but followed the same course as before, though oper- 
ating to some extent under the direction of the Rebel army commanders. 
The destruction of railroads and bridges, plundering cars, houses, and vil- 
lages, with occasional acts of murder and outrage, were the style of his 
jierformanccs. Occasionally, his natural good nature and friendship for 
old acquaintances led him to do a humane or romantic act, for he affected 
the Robin Hood style of plundering ; but generally, he showed no mercy. 
He was several times in imminent danger of capture, but the fleetness of 
his horse, or his own agility and muscular power saved him. In 1862 



THE EIOTS OF THE SUMMER OP 1863. 607 

he made repeated forays into Kentucky, plundering the principal towns 
of the Blue Grass region, and though seldom risking a battle when he found 
a force nearly the size of his own, he managed to have matters very much 
to his liking, and carried off his plunder with impunity. He also made 
extensive raids within the Union lines in Tennessee, cutting Buell's com- 
munications with Louisville, obstructing the railroads, burning bridges, 
&c. In June 1863, as we have seen, he started upon the disastrous raid 
we have described, in which, though he destroyed a vast amount of 
property, and killed many unoffending citizens, the only results to the 
Rebels were the annihilation of nearly thirty-five hundred of Bragg's 
best cavalry, picked men, and the imprisonment of himself and his ofl&cers 
in the Penitentiaiy. After his escape he again entered upon a partisan 
career, visiting and plundering Central Kentucky and Tennessee. On 
the Sd of September, 186i, he advanced with a small force upon Green- 
ville, East Tennessee, and halted for the night at the residence of a Mrs. 
AVilliams. The daughter-in-law of this lady, in the evening, rode to the 
Union General Gillem's camp, sixteen miles distant, and informed him of 
Morgan's whereabouts, and troops were at once sent to surround and 
capture him. In the attemjjt to make his escape, Morgan was shot dead 
by a private soldier. 

The northern sympathizers with the Rebellion, demagogues who 
believed that they could attain notoriety, place and fame by their oppo- 
sition to the Government, had been, during the months of May and June, 
endeavoring to stir up the lowest classes of the population of the large 
cities to an armed aud bloody rebellion against the constituted authorities, 
"While this had been attempted unsuccessfully in Philadelphia, Boston, 
Troy, and other cities, the emissaries of the Rebels had been specially 
active in New York city, as having the largest number of low, vicious, 
and ignorant inhabitants, fit material for demagogues to work upon, in 
its limits. The motives urged for an outbreak were two ; first, the draft, 
which, by its commutation provision of three hundred dollars, it was falsely 
alleged discriminated against the poor; and second, a pretended influx 
of the negroes in consequence of the emancipation proclamation, and the 
consequent appeal to the Irish to rally and prevent the negroes from de- 
priving them of work. Neither of these was the real motive of the 
leaders and promoters of the riot. The commutation feature of the con- 
scription act was an advantage to the poor man, as was afterward apparent, 
when, on its repeal, the price of substitutes rose from three hundred to 
one thousand or twelve hundred dollars. There had been no influx ol 
negroes since the proclamation of emancipation ; indeed there were 
probably fewer colored people in the city of New York in July, 1863, 
than in July, 1860. The real motive of the riots was to create a diversion 
in Lee's favor, and by the destruction of property and life in New 
York city and elsewhere, to compel the Government to call off its troops 



fi08 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

from making war upon the Eebel chiefs, to protect the property and 
homos of citizens of New York. It had been the intention of the movers 
in the matter, to bring on the riot earlier ; the 1st, and afterward the 
4th of July, had been named, and letters written in Europe at that 
time referred to it as probably then in progress. The Secessionists in 
Paris and London were jubilant at the thought that the great commercial 
metropolis was being given up to pillage, arson, plunder, and rapine. On 
the 4th of July, prominent disloyalists addressed large bodies of men 
in New York city, and sought to rouse their passions to evil deeds. 
But the news of the great victory over Lee at Gettysburg was coming in, 
and it roused such a burst of patriotic feeling, that the leaders felt that 
they must delay. They could not delay long, however. "With an alacrity 
which at the time surprised many of the Union citizens, but which was 
afterward remembered as evidently a part of the nefarious plot, the 
chief magistrate of the State, and others in his counsel, had sent from 
New York and Brooklyn every fully organized regiment of militia, under 
the plea of rendering prompt aid to Pennsylvania in her hour of need. 
These would soon return, and the riot must be hastened, in order to avoid 
a collision with them. Accordingly, the commencement of the draft was 
fixed upon as the time for rising ; and the general features of the plot, the 
property to be destroyed, &c., were communicated by the leaders to their 
subordinate leaders in the mob, and by them to the masses. On Friday 
night, July 10th, Governor Seymour sent his adjutant-general to Wash- 
ington, to urge upon the President the suspension of the pending draft, 
on the alleged ground that its enforcement would inevitably produce 
a riot. Having done this, the governor took no measures to guard 
against the outbreak which he had pronounced inevitable, but left the 
State, and did not return till Tuesday. The draft commenced on Saturday, 
and during that day, July 11th, and the next, there were no demonstra- 
tions of mob violence, but on Monday morning, the attempt to complete 
the draft in the ninth Congressional district, where it had been com- 
menced on Saturday, was made the occasion of the outbreak. Meetings of 
the prominent rioters had been held on Sunday ; and, at an early hour 
on Monday morning, organized parties of men, mainly, though not ex- 
clusively, of Irish birth, went from yard to yard, and from one workshop 
and manufactory to another, to compel the workmen to desist from their 
labor, and join the processions which were moving toward the enrollment 
offices. One of the deputy marshals in the ninth district was beaten and 
left for dead, and the furniture of the room destroyed. The building in 
which the enrollment office was situated, as well as the whole block, was 
burned, and the Superintendent of Police set upon by the mob, and nearly 
killed. Other buildings in which there were enrollment offices, or which 
were known or supposed to be the residences of prominent Republicans, 
were fired, and their inhabitants robbed, beaten, or cruelly maltreated. The 



THE GREAT EIOT IN NEW YOEK. 609 

mob went in this way from street to street, shouting their huzzahs for 
Jefferson Davis, the Southern Confederacy, General Lee, Fernando Wood, 
and others whom they supposed to be hostile to the United States Gov- 
einment. The authorities were at first panic-stricken. Only the police had 
manifested at first much presence of mind or resolution in endeavoring 
to put down the mob, and their superintendent and several other officers, 
had been nearly killed. The mayor was naturally timid, and though 
well disposed, had neither the courage nor the power to resist and subdue 
such a formidable riot. He could not call out a pos&e comitaius large 
enough for its suppression, and he contented himself with half measures ; 
The major-general of the militia had but very few troops at call, and 
those but such as had seen no service ; and he was like the mayor, 
nervous, hesitating, and alarmed ; the commander of the United States 
Military Department of the East, Major-General "Wool, was in feeble 
health, and mentally unfit for such a responsibility, and had at his com- 
mand but a mere handful of troops. For a time, then, it seemed that 
the mob would have its own way, and would inaugurate a reign of terror. 
They went to work with a system which showed that their rising was no 
momentary impulse, but a carefully planned plot. The railroad tracks 
were torn up, the telegraph wires cut, and they moved from one piece 
of mischief to another, at the direction of their leaders, with deliberation. 
The New York Tribune and the New Yorh Times were both obnoxious to 
them, and the attempt was made to destroy both of&ces, and it would 
have been successful in the case of the former, but for the interposition 
of a small body of police. But while prominent Union men and their 
dwellings and offices were marked for destruction, the hapless negroes 
were the objects of their special malignity. If a negro man or woman 
was seen upon the street, they were instantly hunted down, beaten, 
stamped upon, hung to the lamp-post, or thrown into the river ; their 
dwellings plundered, torn down, or burned, and helpless women and 
children beaten and murdered. The colored orphan asylum, a large and 
fine structure on Fifth Avenue, occupied by seven or eight hundred 
colored children, wa.s, in accordance with their previously avowed deter- 
mination, plundered and burned to the ground, and but brief time 
allowed to the teachers and children for escape. On Tuesday the reign 
of terror continued ; a hotel, a block of buildings on Broadway, and 
numerous private residences, were burned, and thirty or forty persons 
murdered. The poor negroes were still pursued with the most relentless 
hostility, and men and women, mainly Irish and of the lowest classes, vented 
all the malignity of their natures upon that helpless, quiet, and unoffending 
race, who, as a class, had been for years the most peaceful and orderly in- 
habitants of the city. In the afternoon of Tuesday, the Governor of the 
State came into the city, and made a speech to the rioters, appealing to 
them as " his friends," to be quiet, and do no more mischief. This prov 
39 



610 THE Civil WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ing in vain, he soon after issued a proclamation, declaring that the riot 
must be stopped, and promising if they would disperse, to have r-e con- 
stitutionality of the conscription act tested in the courts. This produced 
as little effect as his speech, the mob having got beyond his control. He 
finally issued a second proclamation, declaring the city in a state of insur- 
rection, and warning the citizens against resisting the officers of the law. 
General Harvey Brown, who had command of the forts in the harbor under 
General Wool, marched a small force of regular troops into the city during 
the day, and they had two or three collisions with the mob, and dispersed 
them from several points. The ostensible leader of the mob, a Virginian, 
and an openly avowed Rebel, meantime led them on from one crime to 
another. On Wednesday morning, several of the militia regiments, and 
among them the favorite Seventh, returned, and immediately undertook the 
work of eft'ectually putting down the mob. The ringleaders were arrested, 
and in the several collisions which occurred several hundred of the 
rioters were killed or severely wounded, and the remainder began to 
seek concealment or flight. During the day, however, they murdered, 
under circumstances of peculiar atrocity, Colonel O'Brien, an Irish officer 
who had volunteered to aid in putting down the riot. On Thursday, 
Archbishop Hughes caused a placard to be posted throughout the city, 
addressed " to the men of New York, who are now called in many of 
the papers, rioters," inviting them to his house, where he would address 
them. Very few of the rioters came, but a considerable crowd assembled, 
whom the Archbishop, in a shrewd speech, advised against resistance to 
the authorities. But the mob was now effectually subdued. Over one 
thousand had been killed or severely wounded by the military and 
police, and many others arrested, and the remainder made their escape 
to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and the eastern cities and towns, where they 
either volunteered, or offered themselves as substitutes for those who 
were drafted, and became the opprobrium and disgrace of the army for 
the next year. About twenty-five of tho police were killed, and perhaps 
one hundred wounded, and about thirty negroes were murdered, and 
sixty or seventy injured. Property to the amount of nearly two millions 
of doUa'^' was destroyed. 



CAPTURE OF THE REBEL lEON-CLAD ATLANTA. fill 



CHAPTEE LI. 

DEPARTMENT OP THE SODTH — CAPTURE OF THE ATLANTA — GENERAL GILLMORE SUCCEEDS 
HUNTER, AND DAHLGREN, DU PONT OILLMORe'S STRATEGIC PLAN REASONS FOR BELIEV- 
ING IT AN ERROR — FOLLY ISLAND GILLMORE's BATTERIES THERE — CAPTURE OF THE 

SOUTHERN PORTION OF MORRIS ISLAND FEINTS IN OTHER DIRECTIONS — THE FIRST AS- 
SAULT ON WAGNER — REPULSE — ERECTION OP BATTERIES — BOMBARDMENT AND SECOND 

ASSAULT — A COSTLY FAILURE — THE SIEGE PRESSED OTHER BATTERIES ERECTED — THE 

" SWAMP angel" located — BOMBARDMENT OF FORT SUMTER — ITS SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION 

GILLMORE DEMANDS THE SURRENDER OF FORT SUMTER AND THE FORTS ON MORRIS ISLAND, 

AND THREATENS TO BOMBARD CHARLESTON IN CASE OF REFUSAL — BEAUREGARD REPLIES 
HAUGHTILY AND INSOLENTLY — GILLMORe's REJOINDER — THE APPROACHES TO FORT WAGNER 
COMPLETED — THE GARRISONS OF FORT WAONER AND BATTERY GREGO EVACUATE THOSE 
WORKS — OILLMORe's DESPATCH ANNOUNCING THE CAPTURE — OTHER EVENTS IN THE DE- 
PARTMENT — SKETCH OF GENERAL GILLMORE — SKETCH OF ADMIRAL DAHLGREN. 

The Department of the South again demands our attention. Though 
the army stationed there was not large, yet it made for itself, in the sum- 
mer of 1863, a lasting record for patience, endurance under the most try- 
ing circumstances, and that unflinching courage which is not appalled by 
the imminent perils of the deadly breach, or the terrors of the assault. 
No army of the Republic has a nobler or more gallant history, and none, 
through greater perils, has won more brilliant victories, or sustained with 
equal honor and firmnecs, inevitable repulses. The sudden death of Eear- 
Admiral Foote, while preparing to take command of the South Atlantic 
blockading squadron, led to the appointment of Eear- Admiral John A. 
Dahlgren to the command of the squadron; while General Hunter was 
superseded by Brigadier-General Q. A. Gillmore, who had distinguished 
himself by the reduction of Fort Pulaski, the preceding winter. 

Before these changes took place, or rather while they were pending, a 
naval conflict took place within the limits of the department, which re- 
sulted in the surrender to the Union commander of a Eebel armored 
vessel of great power, and from whose strength and fleetness they had ex- 
pected extraordinary results. The Fingal, an iron merchant steamer, 
built in Glasgow, had run the blockade in December 1861, and entered 
the port of Savannah. The vigilant watchfulness of the blockading squad- 
ron had prevented her escape, and she had been finally sold to the Rebel 
Government at a low figure, and fitted up as an armored ship, the contri- 
butions of the Eebel women of Savannah, it was said, furnishing the 
means for the conversion. The work of covering her with armor, and 
effecting such changes as were necessary in her build, armament, and ap- 
pliances, progressed slowly in a city like Savannah, but poorly supplied 
either with skilled machinists or the necessary material for the work, but 



^1% THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

in the spring of 1863 every thing was completed, and the Rebels vaunted 
loudly of what they would accomplish with this wonderful iron-clad ship. 
The blockading squadron were to be driven from the waters of the Geoi 
gia coast, the iron-clads captured and sent back to Savannah to amuse the 
women and children, and then, the Atlanta (for that was the new name be- 
stowed upon the armored ship) would visit the great cities of the North, 
and either bombard them, or exact a prince's ransom for its forbearance. 
It encountered difficulties, however, from the very day of its launch. Its 
draught was too great for the shallow river, and after long digging and 
improving the navigation, it was found necessary to unload its cannon and 
stores, and send it down to Warsaw Sound light, putting in its cargo 
again when it had reached deeper water. At length all was ready ; stores, 
instruments, &c., for a voyage of several months had been put on board, 
and accompanied by steamers crowded with male and female spectators, 
who were to witness her prowess, the Atlanta came down the sound. 
Admiral Du Pont had sent the Weehawken and the Nahant, two monitors 
to Warsaw Sound to await her coming, and Captain John Rodgers, of the 
Weehawken, having descried her approach near the mouth of Wilming- 
ton river, ordered his ship to be cleared for action, and commenced steam- 
ing toward her, the Nahant following, as soon as she discovered her 
approach. The Atlanta commenced firing at the Nahant, then a mile 
and a half distant, but did not reach her; while the Weehawken reserved 
her fire till she was within three hundred yards of the enemy, when, at 
5.15 A. M., she discharged her first shot. She fired but five times (the 
Atlanta having grounded at the very commencement of the action), but 
four out of the five told ; the first, a fifteen inch shot, breaking through 
the Atlanta's armor, prostrating about forty men by the concussion, and 
wounding a number by the splinters; the second breaking her plates; 
the third knocking off the top of the pilot-house, wounding two pilots, 
and .stunning the men at the wheel, and the fourth striking and breaking 
a port-shutter, and scattering the fragments among the men. In fifteen 
minutes after the commencement of the action, the Atlanta hauled down 
her colors and hoisted the white flag, and the steamboats which had ac- 
companied her, made all speed back to Savannah, bearing very different 
intelligence from that which they had expected to carry to the citizens 
of that city. The vessel proved a valuable prize, and after some repairs, 
and such changes as were necessary to improve her ventilation, she 'was 
put upon the North Atlantic blockading squadron, where she did good 
service, though less efficient for the work required of an iron-clad than 
the monitors, her armament being six and four tenths and seven inch 
guns, instead of eleven and fifteen inch. 

The assumption of the command of the department by General Gill- 
more, and of the South Atlantic blockading squadron by Rear- Admiral 
Dahlgren, was the signal for new efforts for the reduction of Fort Sumter 



GILLMORE'S PLAN FOE THE CAPTUKE OP CHARLESTON. 613 

and Charleston. Attempts had previously been made by land from James 
island, and from the railroad below Charleston, but these had proved un- 
successful ; as had the attempts to force a passage up the harbor with the 
iron-clads. 

General Gillmore, examining the situation with the eye of a skilful 
military engineer, believed that the most feasible point of approach was 
by way of Morris island, and that by erecting batteries on that island he 
could not only destroy Fort Sumter, but with his long ranged rifled can- 
non reach Charleston itself. 

With the knowledge we now have of the actual position and strength 
of the Eebel forces at that time guarding Charleston, there is strong 
ground for the presumption that this decision of the Union general was 
wrong, and that his true method of approach would have been by way of 
James island. The garrison of Charleston, and its forts at this time, con- 
sisted of only about five thousand men. It was under the command of 
General G. T. Beauregard, a Eebel officer of decided ability, fully Gill- 
more's equal as an engineer, but regarded with hostility and suspicion by 
Jefi:'erson Davis, with whom he had often difi'ered in opinion. He had 
repeatedly asked for reinforcements, but had been as often refused, Mr. 
Davis believing that Charleston was in no danger from the assaults of the 
northern troops, and declining to send more troops there, to be detained 
from other, and as he deemed, more important points. Compelled thus to 
make the most of the mere handful of troops at his command, General 
Beauregard had assigned twelve hundred of them to the defence of the 
islands, and of these, less than six hundred were on James island. The 
number might have been increased on the emergency of an attack to fif- 
teen hundred or two thousand, but General Gillmore had at this time 
from eight thousand to ten thousand soldiers at his command, and the 
Eebel works on James island were the weakest of those around Charles- 
ton ; while by a little effort, the channel of Stono river could have been 
cleared sufficiently for the lighter draught iron-clads and gunboats to have 
ascended and aided in the attack. The Eebel works on James island 
once captured, Charleston was at the mercy of the Union commander, and 
could not have been held for a day ; and the forts in the harbor, the city 
once captured, could not have held out ten days, and thus Sumter might 
have been saved, and the two assaults on Wagner prevented. It is not, 
however, the office of the historian to decide what might have been, but 
rather, to narrate what actually did occur. Had General Gillmore known 
the exact condition of affairs in Charleston, it would, no doubt, have 
modified his plans ; but without that knowledge, his plan had the merit 
of ingenuity and engineering ability, and, except the route by James 
island, was the only one offering much chance of success. The map 
gives a good idea of the position of this and the adjacent islands, and 
their relations to Charleston and its harbor defences. The Union troops 



614 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

had, in April, taken possession of Folly island, a long, narrow sand-spit, 
forming the outer barrier to the southeast of the group of low marshy 
islands lying south and southwest of the harbor. This island was di- 
vided from James island by a wide marsh and a crooked bayou, called 
Folly river, and from Morris island, by Lighthouse inlet. On this island 
a lookout, one hundred and forty-five feet in height, had been erected, 
from which, with a good glass, a view of all the defences of Charleston 
could be had, and their strength estimated. We have already (pp. 483-4) 
described these defences as they existed in April. There had been added 
to these, since that time, some temporary works of no great strength, on 
the south end of Morris island, while Fort Wagner and the Cummings 
Point battery (better known as Fort Gregg) had been greatly strength- 
ened. The new general, after a careful and thorough examination of the 
position and comparative strength of the fortifications of the Eebel harbor 
and stronghold, decided upon these four points, viz.: 1st. To effect a lodg- 
ment on the southern portion of Morris island. 2d. To carry Wagner by 
assault, if possible ; if not to besiege and reduce it, and thus obtain pos- 
session of all the Rebel works on Morris island. 3d. From the positions 
thus gained, to reduce Fort Sumter. 4th. This accomplished, the war 
vessels in the harbor were to remove tlie obstructions, and running by 
the fort and batteries on Sullivan's island, approach and bombard the 
city. In the end, this programme was somewhat modified by circum- 
stances, but its general features were carried out, so far aa they depended 
upon the army and its general. 

To effect a lodgment on Morris island without heavy loss, secrecy was 
essential, and it was most carefully maintained. Horses, wagons, shovels, 
gabions, and fascines, were sent up from Hilton Head ; and having fixed 
upon the locality for the erection of two lines of .siege batteries, whose 
existence should be concealed from the enemy by woods until they were 
ready to open upon the Rebel batteries on tTie south end of Morris island. 
General Gillmore directed a road, entirely covered from view in its whole 
extent by the dense forest, to be cut, and brushwood laid upon it for a 
depth of two feet, and this covered with earth, to prevent the noise of 
cart-wheels and cannon-trucks as they passed over it. The wheels of the 
wagons were greased, and provided with leather washers, to prevent their 
creaking ; the horses of the loaded teams were led, and the teams unloaded 
witli the greatest care. Five hundred men worked diligently at the 
batteries by night, and one hundred more plied the spade by day. The 
Rebels were aware that something was being done on Folly island, but 
what, they could not make out, and on the 9th of July, General Ripley, 
who commanded the works on Morris island, after carefully examining 
the island from his lookout, announced to his aids that the Yankees had 
no batteries on Folly island, and that the next day he should send a force 
of three hundred men to cross the inlet and drive their pickets from the 



THE ATTACK UPOK MORRIS ISLAND. 615 

island. Oa the ninth of July, just seventeen days from the time of com- 
mencement, the two lines of siege batteries, one twelve hundred yards, 
and the other twenty-two hundred yards from the Rebel batteries, were 
completed. They mounted forty-seven guns and mortars, and formed an 
angle of thirty degrees with the Eebel line of fire. 

On the morning of the 10th of July, General Gillmore was ready to 
open fire from these batteries; but he had previously arranged with 
Admiral Dahlgren the details for a combined attack on the Rebel worka 
on the south end of Morris island, which he supposed to be much 
stronger than they really were. His batteries were to open upon the Rebel 
works, and fire as rapidly as possible, the iron-clad fleet meantime to take 
position in the main ship channel off Morris island, and enfilade the 
Rebel batteries, and General Strong's brigade to go up Folly river in 
launches, and secreting themselves behind the woods which skirt Light- 
house inlet on the left, await the opportunity to land on Morris island, 
and carry the works by assault. In order to make assurance doubly 
sure. General Terry, with his division, was ordered to proceed in trans- 
ports up Stono river, which separates James from John island, and land- 
ing on James island, threaten a vigorous attack upon Charleston. 

Every part of the programme was successfully carried out, and had the 
gallant Terry known how panic-stricken the inhabitants of Charleston 
were at his approach, he might have gone beyond his orders and captured 
the city at once, in place of merely demonstrating against it. The 
astonishment of the Rebels on Morris island, as, under the vigorous blows 
of two hundred axemen, the trees in front of the Folly island batteries 
fell and exposed to view the two lines of formidable batteries within easy 
range of their works, may be imagined, but not described ; and when these 
batteries opened upon them, they soon began to fly in terror toward Wagner 
and Gregg, on the northern end of the island, even before Strong, landing 
his troops, came charging down upon their batteries. Before noon, three 
fourths of the island, including all that portion which was more than 
eight hundred yards from Fort Wagner, was in possession of the Union 
troops. By the erection of some temporary defensive works, General 
Gillmore secured the ground already gained, and, after consultation 
with Admiral Dahlgren, ordered a combined assault on Fort Wagner at 
daybreak the next morning. The assault was led by General George C. 
Strong, a young officer of great merit and bravery, who was mortally 
■wounded in the second assault with his brigade, while the Nahant (iron-clad 
monitor) was endeavoring to silence the fire of the fort. The storming 
party, with great energy and resolution, dashed through the terrible fire 
of the fort at a double-quickstep, and one regiment reached the fort, and 
mounting the parapet, battled with the garrison desperately ; but the 
supports could not come up, and they were compelled to fall back and 
abandon the assault. The number of killed, wounded, and missing, in 



eie THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

this action and that of the preceding day, did not exceed one hundred and 
fifty. 

General Gillmore having satisfied himself that Wagner was a stronger 
work than had been supposed, now determined to bombard it until its 
guns were silenced, and then assault again, with an overwhelming force. 
He accordingly commenced the erection of siege batteries, at distances of 
from eight to twelve hundred yards from Fort Wagner. The work was 
mostly done at night; but Fort Johnson, on James island. Fort Gregg, at 
Cummings Point, and Fort Sumter, opened upon the lines where the 
battery was erecting with a slow fire, which was very annoying, and Fort 
Wagner would have joined in, had not General Gillmore stationed his 
sharpshooters where they could pick oS" every gunner who dared to show 
himself at the guns, which were pointed inland. After seven days, or 
rather nights, of severe toil, the batteries were completed and the maga- 
zines filled, ready for the bombardment. The fleet, including the New 
Ironsides, the great iron-clad which had previously been unable to pass 
the bar, was now inside, and ready to join with the monitors in the action. 
Orders were issued to commence the bombardment on the morning of the 
18th of July, and after a concentrated fire of twelve hours by the gun- 
boats and ironclads on the sea front, and the powerful batteries on the 
laud side, to assault the fort at eventide. 

Mr. Robert S. Davis, an eye-witness of the whole conflict, thus graphi- 
cally describes the scenes which followed : 

"At half-past seven o'clock, Sumter opens with her morning salute, and 
throws a shell, which explodes near our batteries; and Wagner, seeing 
our gunboats take their position in the channel, sends forth a welcome, to 
which the gunboats immediately reply, delivering their fire in succession 
as they move around in a circle. This is the beginning of the bombard- 
ment; and the gunboats, having from their previous practice acquired the 
accurate range, threw their shells at Wagner with effect, bursting many 
over the fort, on the parapet and sides, and in the moat. Soon our land- 
batteries open on Wagner, and disclose their whereabouts and calibre. 
Sumter, Wagner and Gregg now reply vigorously, and the cannonading 
becomes fearful. The report of Sumter's guns is very heavy, confirming 
the rumor that the Rebels are using in that fort fine English powder, and 
double charges at th.at. At noon, the gunboats withdraw, and the iron- 
clads move up the channel, and take position about a mile and a half 
from Wagner. With battle-flags flying, they redouble in thundering 
tones the sound of the cannonade. The New Ironsides is enveloped in 
the smoke of her terrific broadsides; the monitors belch forth fire and 
smoke from their turrets like small volcanoes, and the land batteries 
keep up an incessant fire. 

' Our fleet and batteries fire with wotiderful precision and effect ; and 
8uch a continuous and heavy fire is poured into Wagner, that it seema 



THE ASSAULT UPON FORT WAGNER. 617 

impossible for any garrison to withstand it. Shells and solid shot fall 
thick and fast, in front-fire from the batteries and cross-fire from the fleet, 
the whole day long. Large holes are made in the parapet, and there is 
hardly a spot, either within or around that fort, that has not been hit. The 
bursting shells send cart loads of sand high into the air, the parapet is 
ragged and torn by the iron hail, and the smoke of the bombardment 
rests on it like a pall. Yet Wagner withstands it all, and her gunners 
fire with singular regularity at the fleet. Their flag is three times shot 
away, and as often some daring Rebel leaps upon the parapet and again 
unfurls it to the breeze. 

"All day long is "Wagner thus bombarded, and in the evening our 
troops are formed upon the beach for the grand assault. They are 
arranged in two columns, the supports and reserves commanded respect- 
ively by Colonel Putnam and General Stevenson. The storming column, 
under General Strong, has already formed behind our battery line, and 
awaits the coming of its companions — the supports and reserves. With 
colors flying and brave hearts beating, the regiments await in column by 
company the order ' forward.' Now the cannonade redoubles its fury ; 
our iron-clads and batteries roar with lurid flames, and the enemy, as if 
penetrating our designs, more stubbornly replies. As the twilight 
deepens, the flash of the guns becomes more vivid, and the shells of tlie 
Rebel forts describe, with their fuses, fiery circles, traversing the heavens 
in all directions; our batteries are one line of fire, the monitors floating 
volcanoes, and the Ironsides gleams with continual broadsides; Wagner 
is enveloped in a sheet of fire and smoke ; yet steadily she fires her guns 
which point seaward, and when we think her silenced, the fiery volume 
rushes from her embrasure, and a solid shot ricocheting by the fleet, tells 
us of men whom our fire can neither terrify nor silence. Sumter, 
Johnson, and Gregg gleam from their distant parapets ; their shells burst 
over our batteries, but from them God protects the brave men who faith- 
fully work our guns. 

" It is now seven o'clock. The troops move slowly up the beach, and 
are soon lost to view in the gathering darkness. They are now beyond 
the battery line, and have joined the assaulting column under Strong. 
Seymour is with them, having a general command over all, while Gillmore 
and his staff choose a position for observation, which, while it gives a 
good view of operations, is by no means the safest locality on the island. 
The Rebels have seen the preparations for the assault, and know that our 
troops are approaching the fort. Their forts are silent, our batteries and 
fleet have ceased firing, and a strange stillness succeeds the fearful roar 
of the day's action. What a moment of suspense is this, as we await the 
gleam of musketry, the whistling grape and canister which will soon 
greet our daring columns ! 

"Hark I the storming column is already charging along a narrow sti'ip 



618 THE CIVIL WAU IN THE UNITED STATES. 

of land which leads up to the ditch of the fort. Sumter, Gregg, and 
Johnson, break their ominous silence, and pour a hurricane of shells 
among the dense columns. Now, "Wagner, reinforced, flashes with mus- 
ketry, and from her embrasures and parapet, hiss the death-dealing grape 
and canister. But our men are undaunted. In the dark, and before a 
fort of which they know nothing, they press on, and shout a fierce de- 
fiance. In the midst of this whirlwind of death, they cross the ditch 
rush up the parapet, and strive like heroes to gain the interior of the fort. 
AVho fight more valiantly than the fifty-fourth Massachusetts — colored — 
as they struggle in the midst of this darkness and death to vindicate tbeir 
race? They lead the advance, and follow, without faltering, the bravo 
Shaw, as he ascends the wall of the fort. The parapet is reached, and 
their lines melt away before the terrible fire of the enemy ; but they fight 
on, though the voice of their colonel is heard no more, and their officers 
have fallen in the death-struggle. Their color sergeant is severely 
wounded in the thigh, but falling upon his knees, he plants the flag upon 
the parapet, and lying down, holds the staff firmly in his hands. Noble 
Carney 1 A half an hour the conflict has been raging, yet the storming 
column has been unable to capture the fort. The supporting column 
comes up, and the battle rages more fiercely. What a work of death is 
here ! The eastern angle of the fort is gained, and held by three hundred 
brave souls against the onsets of a superior enemy for over two hours. 
Who shall tell the history of these hours, with their deeds of valor, more 
heroic than the thought of man can compass ? It will never be written ; 
for the brave and good perished unseen, and the gathering darkness of 
death and night covered the wounds of heroes. Only three hundred men 
gain the interior of the fort! Where is the remainder of the Union 
troops whom but a few moments ago we saw marching up the beach so 
proudly ? Many of them are lying dead and dying on the parapet and in 
tlie ditch. See in the light of the hostile cannon, the mass of the wounded 
and slain strewed a hundred yards around ; and in yon darkness, sneak 
to the rear the cowards who have deserted their flag and comrades. 

"But the fight goes on; and against fate, men struggle for victory. 
Alas that such valor should come to naught! Officers and men alike are 
swept down in the merciless fire of the enemy's cannon; or, pierced by 
the unseen bullet, they call in wild agony upon God, and are no mora. 
Strong and Seymour are wounded ; the gallant Shaw is dead ; Putnam 
has foUen, sword in hand, among the slain ; and other officers, without 
number, fall in and around the fort, while striving to animate their com- 
rades to follow them. But the Rebels have made too fierce a resistance. 
As our columns were moving up to assault, Wagner was reinforced from 
Cummings Point; the garrison, which we thought had been killed by the 
day's bombardment, came forth uninjured from their massive bomb-proof, 
and poured a destructive fire of musketry and cannon upon our men, so 



FAILURE OF THE ATTACK UPON FORT WAGNER. ei9 



Bure of victory. Again, our troops 
had to charge a distance of fifteen 
hundred yards, before they reached 
the fort, and that too, under the 
concentrated fire of the enemy's 
fortifications. Death and terror 
have decimated our ranks, and fate 
has decreed that the valiant men 
who have fallen, are sacrificed in 
vain. The reserves are not ordered 
up ; it would be folly to longer con- 
tinue the struggle. The assault is 
repulsed. The small band of heroes 
who have fought so long and so 
earnestly to drive the Rebels from 
the fort, retire from Wagner, and 
pass out of range over the heaps of 
their dead comrades. Three long 
hours have they fought, and fought 
in vain ; Wagner cannot be taken 
by assault. 

"As our forces retire, Sergeant 
Carney, who had kept the colors of 
his regiment flying upon the para- 
pet of Wagner during the entire 
conflict, is seen creeping along on 
one knee, still holding up the flag, 
and only yielding his sacred trust 
upon finding an ofBcer of his regi- 
ment. As he enters the field- 
hospital, where his wounded com- 
rades are being brought in, they 
cheer him and the colors. Though 
nearly exhausted with the loss of 
blood, he says, 'Boys, the old flag 
never touched the ground.' " 

The losses on the Union side in 
this sanguinary assault, in killed, 
wounded, and missing, were fifteen 
hundred and thirty. 

But though foiled in his expectation of carrying this immensely strong 
earthwork by assault. General Gillmore was not discouraged. He ordered 
immediately the line of the batteries to be advanced, and new ones con- 
structed, mounting in all thirty-seven guns of the largest calibre, all or 




o 25a sao 

mrf/is-soNse-MY. 



e20 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

nearly all rifled, including one, two, and three hundred pound Parrotta, 
and two verj large Whitworth guns. These batteries, which were only 
seven hundred and fifty yards from Fort Wagner, were defended by a 
chevaux-de-frise, an abatis, and a breastwork or entanglement of stron" 
wire, crossed in all directions, was stretched across the narrow beach from 
the sea shore to the edge of the marsh, a distance varying in width from 
twenty-five to two hundred and twenty-five yards, to prevent the Rebel 
garrison from charging upon their batteries. To the left of these batteries a 
firm corduroy road, two and a half miles in length, was constructed through 
the deep marsh, and by means of timber, piles, and ten thousand bags of 
sand, a mound erected, on which it planted a battery mounting the two hun- 
dred pound Parrott, subsequently known as the "Swamp Angel," and a 
sufficient magazine. Meantime, the siege of Wagner is vigorously prose- 
cuted, and parallel after parallel opened, till the fifth was but two hundred 
yards from the parapet of Fort Wagner, and thence along the narrow 
beach zig-zags were constructed, till the counterscarp of the fort was 
mined on the sea point. 

Twenty-nine days and nights of the severest trial were consumed in the 
erection of the formidable batteries to which we have alluded, which had 
for their object the reduction of Fort Sumter rather than Fort Wagner, 
and fifteen more in the completion of the approaches to Fort Wagner. 

The distance of the batteries on the first and second parallels from Fort 
Sumter, was two and two and a half miles ; and though the Rebel officers sus- 
pected that General Gillmore was constructing them to bombard Fort Sum- 
ter, and made a desperate resistance to those who were building them, tliey 
did not believe it possible that its walls could be breached at that distance. 
Still, in order to be perfectly prepared against any possible danger, they 
proceeded to strengthen the rear or gorge wall of the fortress, which was 
about six feet thick, of solid hard-burned brick, by piling a wall of sand- 
bags, fifteen feet thick and forty-five feet high, upon its exterior face, and 
a similar one upon its interior face. 

Having his batteries all ready, General Gillmore, on the evening of the 
16th of August, ordered seven shots fired, by way of experiment, against 
Fort Sumter. The first three fell short, but the remaining four struck 
either the wall or the parapet, and did some damage. On the morning 
of the 17th, the garrison of the fortress defiantly flung to the breeze extra 
flags (the stars and bars) and formed temporary casemates of cotton-balea 
to protect the artillerists who were to handle the barbette guns. The 
New Ironsides and four of the monitors commenced a vigorous bombard- 
ment of Fort Wagner, and soon drove its garrison into their bomb-proofs 
for safety ; and the batteries and two monitors commenced their bombard- 
ment of Fort Sumter, the batteries giving their undivided attention to 
the rear wall. Fort Sumter replied to the batteries, and Forts Moultiie 
and Gregg to the iron-clads. The shot and shell from the batteries and 



GILLMORB'S DEMAND ON GENERAL BEAUREGARD. 



621 



Fort Sumter necessarily passed over Fort Wagner, and added greatly to 
the discomfort of its garrison. The bombardment of the fort was main- 
tained through the day, and produced a marked effect upon Fort Sumter , 
the sand-bags were cleared from the wall for a considerable space, and the 
brick wall exposed. During the night a slow fire was kept up, and in the 
morning the bombardment was renewed with the same severity as on the 
previous day, and before nightfall the wall was breached. The bombard- 
ment was steadily maintained for seven days, and at the end of that time 
the fort was in ruins, the lower casemates entirely blocked up with debris, 
the barbette guns toppled down, and either sunk in the water or buried 
in the ruins, only two or three guns left in the casemates on the further 
side, and its whole outline completely broken up ; presenting the appear- 
ance indicated in the accompanying sketch, copied from that made by 
Colonel Turner, chief of General Gillmore's artillery. 




On the 21st of August, General Gillraore addressed the following note 
to General Beauregard, the Rebel commander in Charleston : 

" Headquarters Department of the South, Morris Island. S. C, 

"August 2lst, 1863. 

"To General G. T. Beauregard, 

"Commanding Confederate Forces, Charleston, S. C. 
" General : — I have the honor to demand of you the immediate evacua- 
tion of Morris island and Fort Sumter by the Confederate forces. The 
present condition of Fort Sumter, and the rapid and progressive destruc- 
tion which it is undergoing from my batteries, seem to render its complete 
demolition, within a few hours, a matter of certainty. All my heaviest 
guns have not yet opened. Should you refuse compliance with this demand, 
or should I receive no reply thereto within four hours after it is delivered 
into the hands of your subordinate, at Fort Wagner, for transmission, I 
shall open fire on the city of Charleston from batteries already established 
within easy and effective range of the heart of the city. 

" I am, general, very respectfully, your obedient servant. 

"Q. A. GiLLMORE, Brigadier- General Commanding. ^^ 



(f29 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

By an oversight, this note was at first transmitted without the signa- 
ture of the commanding general ; and before an answer was received, 
twelve shells from the " Swamp Angel" battery had been thrown into 
Charleston, a distance of four and a half miles, greatly to the astonish- 
ment of the Rebel commander, and the citizens generally, none of whom 
had believed it possible that a shot from one of his batteries could reach 
the city. The next day General Beauregard replied as follows : 

" HEADqUABTERS DEPARTMENT OF SoUTH CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA, 

" Charleston, S. C, August 22rf, 18C3. 

"SiB: — Last night, at fifteen minutes before eleven o'clock, during my 
absence on a reconnoissance of my fortifications, a communication was 
received at these headquarters, dated ' Headquarters Department of the 
South, Morris island, S. C, August 21st, 1863,' demanding 'the imme- 
diate evacuation of Morris island and Fort Sumter by the Confederate 
forces,' on the alleged grounds ' that the present condition of Fort Sum- 
ter, and the rapid and progressive destruction which it is undergoing from 
my batteries, seem to render its demolition, within a few hours, a matter 
of certainty ;' and that if this demand were ' not complied with, or no 
reply thereto received within four hours after it is delivered into the hands 
of your (my) subordinate commander at Fort Wagner, for transmission,' 
a fire would be opened ' on the city of Charleston from batteries already 
established within easy and effective range of the heart of the city.' 
This communication to my address, was without signature, and wa.s, of 
course, returned. 

"About half-past one o'clock, one of your batteries did actually open 
fire, and threw a number of heavy shells, into the city, the inhabitants of 
which were, of course, asleep and unwarned. 

"About nine o'clock this morning, the communication alluded to above 
was returned to these headquarters, bearing your recognized official 
signature, and it can now be noticed as your deliberate, official act. 

"Among nations not barbarous, the usages of war prescribe, that when 
a city is about to be attacked, timely notice shall be given by the attack- 
ing commander, in order that non-combatants may have an opportunity 
for withdrawing beyond its limits. Generally the time allowed is from 
one to three days ; this is time for the withdrawal, in good faith, of at 
least the women and children. You, sir, give only four hours, knowing 
that your notice, under existing circumstances, could not reach me in less 
than two hours, and that not less than the same time would be required 
for an answer to be conveyed from this city to Battery Wagner. With 
this knowledge, you threaten to open fire on the city, not to oblige its 
surrender, but to force me to evacuate these works, which you, assisted 
by a great naval force, have been attacking in vain for more than forty 
days. Batteries Wagner and Gregg, and Fort Sumter, are nearly due 
north fnm your batteries on Morris island, and in distance therefrom 



BEAUREGARD'S REPLY TO GENERAL GILLMORE. 623 

Tarying from half a mile to two and a quarter miles. The city, on the 
other hand, is to the northwest, and quite five miles distant from the bat- 
tery opened against it this morning. 

"It would appear, sir, that despairing of reducing these works, you now 
resort to the novel measure of turning your guns against the old men, the 
women and children, and the hospitals of a sleeping city, an act of inex- 
cusable barbarity from your own confessed point of sight, inasmuch as 
you allege that the complete demolition of Fort Sumter, within a few 
hours, by your guns, seems to you ' a matter of certainty.' 

" Your omission to attach your signature to such a grave paper must 
show the recklessness of the course upon which you have adventured ; 
while the facts that you knowingly fixed a limit for receiving an answer 
to your demand, which made it almost beyond the possibility of receiving 
any reply within that time, and that you actually did open fire, and threw 
a number of the most destructive missiles ever used in war, into the midst 
of a city, to them unawares, and filled with sleeping women and children, 
will give you a ' bad eminence' in history, even in the history of this war. 

" I am only surprised, sir, at the limits you have set to your demands. 
If, in order to attain the abandonment of Morris island and Fort Sumter, 
you feel authorized to fire on this city, why did you not also include the 
works on Sullivan's and James islands ; nay, even the city of Charleston, 
in the same demand? 

" Since you have felt warranted in inaugurating this method of reducing 
batteries in your immediate front, which were found otherwise impregna- 
ble, and a mode of warfare which I confidently declare to be atrocious, 
and unworthy of any soldier, I now solemnly warn you, that if you fire 
again on the city from your Morris island batteries, without giving a 
somewhat more reasonable time to remove non-combatants, I shall feel 
impelled to employ such stringent means of retaliation as may be available 
during the continuance of this attack. 

" Finally, I reply, that neither the works on Morris island nor Fort 
Sumter will be evacuated on the demand you have been pleased to make. 
Already, however, I am taking measures to remove all non-combatants, 
who are now fully aware of, and alive to, what they may expect at your 
hands. 

"Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" G. T. Beauregard, General Commanding." 
To this General Gillmore made the following rejoinder: 

"Department of the South, Headquarters in the Field, 
" Morris Island, S. C, 9 p. m., August 22d, 1863. 
•'G. T. Beauregard, Commanding Confederate States forces, Charleston, S. d 
"Sir: — I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of your communica- 
tion of this date, complaining that one of my batteries had opened upon 



824 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the city of Charleston, and thrown a number of heavy rifled shells into 
the city, the inhabitants of which, of course, were asleep and unarmed. 

" My letter to you demanding the surrender of Fort Sumter and Morris 
island, and threatening, in default thereof, to open fire upon Charleston, 
was delivered near Fort Wagner at 11.15 o'clock A. M., of the 21st inst., 
and should have arrived at your headquarters in time to have permitted 
your answer to reach me within the limit assigned, namely, four hours, 

"The fact that you were absent from your headquarters at the time of 
its arrival, may be regarded as an unfortunate circumstance for the city 
of Charleston, but it is one for which I clearly am not responsible. This 
letter bore date at my headquarters, and was officially delivered by an 
officer of my staff. The inadvertent omission of my signature, doubtless 
aSbrds grounds for special pleading ; but it is not the argument of a com- 
mander solicitous only for the safety of sleeping women and children and 
unarmed men. Your threats of retaliation for acts of mine, which you do 
not allege to be in violation of the usages of civilized warfare, except as 
regards the length of time allowed as notice of my intention, are passed 
by without comment. I will, however, call your attention to the well- 
established principle, that the commander of a place attacked, but not in- 
vested, having its avenues of escape open and practicable, has no right to 
a notice of an intention of bombardment, other than that which is given 
by the threatening attitude of his adversary. Even had not this letter 
been written, the city of Charleston has had, according to your own com- 
putation, forty days' notice of her danger. During that time my attack 
upon her defences has steadily progressed. 

"The ultimate object of that attack has at no time been doubtful. If, 
under the circumstances, the life of a single non-combatant is exposed to 
peril by the bombardment of the city, the responsibility rests with those 
who have first failed to remove the non-combatants, or to secure the 
safety of the city, after having held control of all its approaches for a 
period of nearly two years and a half, in the presence of a threatening 
force, and who afterward refused to accept the terms upon which the 
bombardment might have been postponed. From various sources, official 
and otherwise, I am led to believe that most of the women and children of 
Charleston were long since removed from that city. But upon your assur- 
ance that the city is still full of them, I shall suspend the bombardment 
until eleven o'clock p. m. to-morrow, thus giving you two days from the 
time you acknowledge to have received my communication of the 21st inst. 
" Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"Q. A. GiLLMORE, Brigadier- Oeneral Commanding" 

The delay thus granted was conceded, not to General Beauregard's 
haughty and insolent demand, but to the courteous request of the Spanish 
and British consuls, and at the end of that time the bombardment was 
resumed in a leisurely manner, but with decided effect, on the lower 



\ 



GILLMORE'S DESPATCH TO GENERAL HALLECK. 625 

portion of the city. Meantime, thougli Beauregard had refused to sur- 
render the forts on Morris island, General Gillmore was determined to 
compel their surrender. The approaches were pushed forward with all 
diligence ; and though for the last eleven days the losses to the sappers and 
miners were very heavy, and they became at times dejected and dis- 
couraged, the commanding general did not for an instant give way to 
discouragement, but renewed his efforts to hasten the completion of the 
great work, and at the same time to protect his men. He moved all his 
light mortars to the front, and kept them playing upon the fort, enlarged 
the positions of his sharpshooters, obtained the co-operation of the New 
Ironsides, by day, used powerful calcium lights to blind the enemy by 
night, opened fire with as many of the heavy guns in his rear as he could 
without danger to his men in the trenches, and thus kept the garrison for 
the most part in their bomb-proofs, which he sought to breach through a 
breach in the walls of the fort. Very early in the morning of the 5th of 
September, he commenced a severe bombardment of the fort, which he 
maintained steadily for forty -two hours, in order to enable his rien to com- 
plete their work. 

On the night of the 6th of September the work was completed, and 
every thing was ready for an assault at nine o'clock the next morning, 
which would have inevitably carried the fort, and captured the garrison, 
when Colonel Keitt, who commanded the fort, seeing the hopelessness of 
his position, evacuated both Fort Wagner and Battery Gregg on the 
night of the 6th, and seventy -five of the garrison were captured in endeav- 
oring to escape. General Gillmore announced this gratifying success to 
the general-in-chief in the following despatch: 

"Department of the South, Headquarters in the Field, 

"September "ith, 1863 
" Major-General H. W. Halleck, General-in- Chief. 

" General : — I have the honor to report that Fort Wagner and Battery 
Gregg are ours. Last night our sappers mined the counterscarp of Fort 
Wagner, on the sea-point, unmasking all its guns, and an order was issued 
to carry the place by assault, at nine o'clock this morning, that being the 
hour of low tide. 

" About ten o'clock last night, the enemy commenced evacuating thp 
island, and all but seventy-five of them made their escape from Cumming3 
Point, in small boats. 

" Captured despatches show that Fort Wagner was commanded by Colo- 
nel Keitt, of South Carolina, and garrisoned by one thousand four hundred 
effective men, and Battery Gregg by between one hundred and two hun- 
dred men. Fort Wagner is a work of the most formidable kind. Its 
bomb-proof shelter, capable of containing one thousand eight hundred 
men, remains intact, after the most terrific bombardment to which any 
work was ever subjected. We have captured nineteen pieces of artillery, 
40 



626 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and a large supply of excellent ammunition. The city and harbor of 
Charleston are now completely covered by my guns. I have the honor to 
be, General, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

" Q. A. GiLLMOKK, Brigadier- General Commanding." 

General Quincy Adams Gillmore, the energetic officer who had thus 
reduced three of the most formidable forts in the possession of the Rebels 
on the coast, was born at Black River, Lorain county, Ohio, in 1825. He 
graduated at West Point, first in his class, in 1849, and was assigned to 
the corps of engineers, becoming first lieutenant in 1856, and captain in 
1861. From 18i9 to 1852 he was employed on the fortifications of 
Hampton Roads, Virginia, and was then, for four years, assistant instructor 
of practical engineering at West Point, during the last year of which period 
he was also quartermaster and treasurer of the Military Academy. From 
1856 to 1861 he was employed in New York city in purchasing and for- 
warding supplies for fortifications. In October, 1861, he was appointed 
chief engineer of the expedition against the southern coast under General 
Thomas W. Sherman. He superintended the construction of the fortifica- 
tions at Hilton Head, and planned and carried out the operations for the 
capture of Fort Pulaski, an account of which he published in 1863. He 
was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers, April 28th, 1862, and 
after serving for a little time in South Carolina, was assigned in Septem- 
ber, 1862, to the command of the district of Western Virginia, in the 
army of the Ohio, and subsequently, to a division in the army of Ken- 
tucky. On the 30th of March, 1863, he defeated Pegram, near Somerset, 
Kentucky. On the 12th of June, 1863, he was appointed to the com- 
mand of the Department of the South, and accomplished the results 
which we have described above. His siege of Charleston he has described 
in a very elaborate work, published in January, 1865. In May,- 1864, 
he was ordered with the tenth corps to the army of the James, and made 
one or two attacks upon Petersburg, which proved unsuccessful, and was 
engaged in other operations in that vicinity. Sent again to the Depart- 
ment of the South, in February, 1865, he was in command there at the 
evacuation of Charleston, and occupied it at once with his troops. He is 
now, September, 1865, commander of the Department of South Carolina. 
The forts on Morris island being now in the possession of the Union 
forces, and Fort Sumter so thoroughly reduced that it could ofier no 
effectual resistance to the passage of a naval force, the fourth item in 
General Gillmore's plan was apparently ready for execution, viz., the 
passage of Admiral Dahlgren's squadron up the harbor to bombard the 
city. It was found, however, that the batteries, redoubts, and forts, were 
80 formidable, and the obstructions by piles, wire entahglements, and torpe- 
does, so dangerous, that the admiral was unwilling, and perhaps wisely 
so, to risk his valuable ships where the peril was so greatly dispropor- 



SKETCH OF ADMIRAL DAHLGREN. GSf 

tioned to the result to be attained. General Gillraore was therefore obliged 
to content himself with a bombardment of the city, and rendered the lower 
portion of it nearly untenable. On the 7th of September, an expedition 
was fitted out from the fleet, consisting of about four hundred men, sailors 
and marines, to make a night assault on Fort Sumter, and if possible 
capture its garrison. It proved a failure, three of the boats being sunk, 
a considerable number of the men killed or wounded, and one hundred 
and tliirty taken prisoners. On the 5th of October, the Ecbels made an 
attempt to explode a torpedo utider the New Ironsides, but failed, and the 
commander and inventor of the torpedo boat was picked up by the crew 
of the Ironsides. The Weehawken (monitor) which had captured the 
Atlanta, was sunk in Charleston harbor on the 6th of December, in a 
storm of some severity, by the leaving open of her hatches, and perhaps 
the improper stowing of her ammunition. 

Rear- Admiral John A. Dahlgren, who was in command of the South 
Atlantic blockading squadron from July 6th, 1863, to March, 1865, is a' 
native of Pennsylvania, born about the year 1810, and entered the United 
States naval service as midshipman on the 1st of February, 1826; was 
promoted to be a lieutenant in March, 1837, a commander in Septem 
tember, 1855, a captain in 1861, and a rear-admiral, February 7th, 1863| 
He was detached in 1846, for special service in the ordnance department, 
having given for years special attention to this subject, and for a number 
of years subsequent to 18i7, he was engaged in important experiments in 
relation to the form, size, and materials of guns and projectiles. He is the 
inventor of a shell gun of high reputation, which bears his name, of a 
very efficient armament for boats, (bronze howitzers,) and light field car- 
riages of iron for these howitzers. He has published several works on 
ordnance, between 1850 and 1856. Although but eight and and a half 
years of his thirty-eight years of service in the navy had been spent afloat, 
yet on his desire for active service, the Government made him commander 
of the South Atlantic blockading squadron, believing that his skill in 
ordnance matters, and his strong faith in the monitor iron-clads, would 
lead him to undertake the work they desired, of capturing Charleston by 
means of armed ships. This hope was destined todisappoinment, though, 
perhaps, from no fault or timidity on the part of Admiral Dahlgren. The 
Rebel officers stationed at Charleston acknowledge that they desired the 
navy to make the attempt, as they were confident that with the appliances 
they had at command, they could have destroyed the entire fleet before- 
they had reached the vicinity of the city. 

Charleston, though destined eventually to fall before the military skill 
of the Union commanders, was not yet ready for its downfall, and both 
General Gillmore and Admiral Dahlgren, after much gallant fighting, and 
a record of the highest honor, were compelled to acknowledge that the 
capture of the Rebel city was not within their power. 



«S8 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF THE CUMBERLAND — ARMT OF THE CUMBERLAND IN MOTION — THl 
STRENGTH AND POSITION OF THE TWO ARMIES — TOPOORAPHT OF THE COUNTRY OF MIDDLE 

TENNESSEE GENERAL ROSECRANS' TACTICS — THE MOVEMENT BY THE LEFT FLANK — ITS 

COMPLETE SUCCESS — MANCHESTER, DECUERD, COWAN, 8HELBTVILLE, AND TULLAHOMA 
TAKEN — BRAOG's ARMY DRIVEN EASTWARD TO UNIVERSITY, AND SWEDEN'S COVE, AND 
THENCE TO CHATTANOOGA — THE RAILROADS PUT IN ORDER — TOPOORAPHT OP THE REGION 
AROUND CHATTANOOGA — THE MOVEMENT OP THE UNION ARMT TOWARD CHATTANOOGA 
— ROSECRANS DETERMINES TO OUTFLANK BRAGO's POSITION — ROUTE OF THE SEVERAL 
CORPS — PERIL OF MCCOOK's CORPS^THE CONCENTRATION OF TROOPS AT MCLAMORe's 
COVE — PREPARATIONS FOR BATTLE — THE FIRST DAY OP THE BATTLE OF CHICKAMAUOA 
— THE SECOND DAY — THE LINE BROKEN AND SEVEN BRIGADES CUT OFF GENERAL ROSE- 
CRANS AT CHATTANOOGA — GENERAL THOMAS FIGHTS TILL SUNSET AND REPULSES THE ENEMT 
— SKETCH OF GENERAL THOMAS — RESULTS OP THE BATTLE — MCCOOK AND CRITTENDEN RE- 
LIEVED AND THEIR CORPS CONSOLIDATED — GENERAL THOMAS SUCCEEDS GENERAL ROSE- 
CRANS — PERILOUS CONDITION OK THE ARMY — GENERAL GRANT PUT IN COMMAND OF THE 
GRAND MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI — REINFORCEMENTS ORDERED UP. 

Afteb the battle of Stone river, both the Union and the Rebel armies 
were left in a condition of exhaustion, from which, under the circum- 
stances, it required several months for them ip recover. The attention of 
the great military leaders was attracted in other directions ; to the east, 
where the bloody fields of Chancellorsville and Gettysburg were fought, 
and to the Mississippi, where Vicksburg and Port Hudson were undergoing 
a siege which would eventuate in the grandest success of the war thus far. 
No reinforcements could be spared by either side to the armies lying near 
Murfreesboro, and their operations were conflned to raids and expeditions, 
of some of which we have already given an account. The loss of Streigbt's 
cavalry weakened considerably General Eosecrans' cavalry force, and it 
required some months to bring this indispensable arm of the service up 
to the commander's necessities. The general-in-chief, and the Secretary 
of War, not thoroughly familiar with the very difficult topographical 
character of the country between Murfreesboro and Chattanooga and the 
necessity of a very strong cavalry force to a successful advance, became 
impatient at General Rosecrans' delay, and their urgency, and the irritable 
tone of their letters, provoked a corresponding irritation on the part of 
General Rosecrans, who was fully informed both of the character of the 
country, and the position and strength of his adversary. 

Having at last, by commendable diligence and energy, succeeded in bring- 
ing his army up to the best possible condition. General Rosecrans ordered 
a general advance on the 2-ith of June, and so arranged his movements as 
to compel Bragg to come out of his strong defences and give battle, or 
evacuate them and retreat upon Chattanooga. That city, a great railroad 



POSITION OP THE TWO ARMIES IN TElNNESSEE. 629 

centre, and commanding the passes of Lookout mountain and Mission 
Eidge, and being the gateway also to East Tennessee from the south, was 
Eosecrans' ultimate objective, and he had not ordered an advance until he 
saw the way clear to its capture and occupation ; not indeed, without 
some hard fighting, but as the result of a severe and protracted struggle. 

The two armies at this time varied but little in numbers, Eosecrans 
having probably a small superiority in infantry, and Bragg in cavalry. 
The region of Middle Tennessee, south of Murfreesboro, is broken and 
hilly, the land rising into high and infertile plateaus, which have a spongy 
soil, that under the influence of heavy rains becomes almost like quick- 
sand. These plateaus or barrens are approached by a few narrow, diflB- 
cult, rocky passes, which afford strong natural fortifications to the army 
holding possession of them. Two affluents of the Tennessee, Duck and Elk 
rivers, cross these rocky barrens from east to west, in nearly parallel 
lines, about twenty-five miles apart, and both flow through deep channels, 
with high, rocky, and precipitous banks. 

The Union army lay in the immediate vicinity of Murfreesboro, with 
its reserves toward Nashville ; the Eebel array occupied a strong position 
north of Duck river, the infantry extending from Shelbyville to War- 
trace, while their cavalry covered both the right and left wings, extending 
from Wartrace to ?ircMinnsville, and on the left from Shelbyville to 
Columbia and Spring Hill. Their immediate base was Tullahoma, situated 
about midway between Duck and Elk rivers, a strongly fortified position, 
where Bragg had his headquarters. Liberty and Hoover's gaps, two of the 
passes through the mountains to which we have already alluded, were 
held by them with strong detachments. Through these two gaps passed 
the only macadamized roads leading southward from Murfreesboro, and 
the only other roads having a southerly direction, were rough dirt roads, 
difficult of passage, and after heavy rains, nearly, or quite impassable by 
heavy wagons or artillery trains. The Eebels also held possession of the 
railroad from Tullahoma to Murfreesboro and McMinnsville. General 
Eosecrans' design was to compel his adversary to evacuate these positions 
by a movement on the left flank, while he demonstrated at the same time 
on the right. The movement was wisely planned, and was completely 
successful. Granger's small corps, and Sheridan's division of McCook's, 
moved to Salem and Middleton, ami thus threatened Shelbyville directly, 
while Johnson's and Davis's divisions of the same corps, passed down the 
Wartrace road to Liberty gap, which, after a brief action, they captured 
and held. Meanwhile, Thomas's and Crittenden's corps were moving down 
on the left, having Manchester, Decherd, and Cowan, for their objectives. 
Thomas's corps moved on the Manchester road, directly to Hoover's gap, 
a strongly fortified pass, and having beyond it a formidable defile two 
miles in length, known as Mott's Hollow, and after a gallant struggle, suc- 
ceeded in driving the enemy out of both, and on the 27th of June pushed 



630 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UXirKD STATES. 

on to Manchester. Most of Crittenden's corps, and part of McCook's, 
arrived at Manchester on the 28th and 29th of June, while General Eose- 
crans had sent forward a cavalry and an infantry brigade to destroy the 
railroad bridge over the Elk river at Estill Spring, and tear up the rail 
road from Decherd to Cowan, to check and embarrass their retreat. They 
did not succeed in destroying the bridge, but broke up the railroad for a 
little distance. 

The Union cavalry on the right, supported by Granger's corps, had not 
only demonstrated against Shelbyville, but finding the opposition weaker 
than they expected, after a brief action, drove the enemy to and through 
that place, and captured a large supply of stores and ammunition, and 
several guns. 

On the 30th of June, General Eosecrans had completed his arrange 
ments for attacking Tullahoraa in front and rear, and issued orders to as- 
sault it the next morning, but during the night Bragg evacuated it with 
his army. Occupying the place at once, Negley's and Eousseau's divisions 
of Thomas's corps were sent forward to harass the enemy, and engage 
them at Bethpage bridge. After a short skirmish, the Eebels withdrew 
behind their intrenchments, south of Elk river. The Union troops were 
constantly in motion for the next two days, and gave the enemy no op- 
portunity to destroy the railroad, or to burn the bridges thoroughly. 
They at last succeeded in driving them from the railroad completely, and 
as they took to the broken country eastward toward University and 
Sweden's cove, where further pursuit was exceedingly difficult, they re- 
luctantly abandoned it. During this whole period of nine days, the rain 
had been constant and drenching, and it continued for eight days 
longer. The effect on these barrens was to turn the roads into quick- 
sands, and for several days the supply and ammunition trains were com- 
pletely stalled in the mud. Bragg made his way, as best he could, with 
his defeated and dispirited troops, to Chattanooga, burning the bridges 
behind him, and commenced fortifying his position, and throwing up de- 
fensive works along the Tennessee, at every fonl above and below Chat- 
tanooga, for fifty or sixty miles. The losses of the army of the Cumber- 
land in this flanking movement, were eighty-five killed and wounded, and 
thirteen missing. The Rebel losses in killed and wounded have never 
been published, but the Union troops captured sixteen hundred and thirty- 
four prisoners, eight cannon, many hundred small arms, and large quan- 
tities of quartermasters' and commissary stores. 

General Eosecrans deemed it necessary, in order to facilitate the bring- 
ing forward his supplies, and move his troops with rapidity, to repnir 
thoroughly the railroad from Nashville and Murfreesboro to Stevenson, 
Alabama, the point of junction of the Nashville and Chattanooga with 
the Memphis and Charleston railroad, a place which, for the time, he 
could use to advantage as a secondary base. This point was thirty -seven 



TOPOGRAPHY OF THE REGION AROUND CHATTANOOGA. 631 

miles "W. SW. of Chattanooga. He also caused the Memphis and Charles- 
ton railroad to be repaired as far as Bridgeport, where it crosses the Ten- 
nessee river, and the Tracy city branch, by which he conveyed supplies 
to Crittenden's corps. 

Before proceeding farther with our narrative of the march of the army 
of the Cumberland toward Chattanooga, let us glance at the topographical 
character of the region upon which they had entered ; a region whose 
alternations of hill and valley were so peculiar, that without a description, 
the movements of the Union and Eebel forces would be absolutely in- 
comprehensible. 

The Appalachian mountain system, of which the White mountains in 
New England, and the Alleghanies in the middle States, form portions, 
extends through East Tennessee into Alabama and Georgia, its western 
chain taking the general name of the Cumberland mountains, while the 
eastern, which bears in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North and South 
Carolina, the name of the Blue Eidge, or the Smoky mountains, spreads 
in Georgia, into six or eight parallel ranges of varying height, but mostly 
with precipitous ascent. 

The Cumberland mountains consist of two ridges : the Cumberland 
mountains proper, and Walden Eidge. The former, sloping gradually, 
though in broken bluffs, westward toward Middle Tennessee, presents on 
its southeastern face, a rapid and precipitous descent to the narrow valley 
of the Sequatchie. This stream, for more than sixty miles, has riven a pas- 
sage through the longitudinal axis of the mountain. Walden Eidge, which 
stretches between the Sequatchie and the Tennessee, is a bold and high 
ridge, descending by lofty and precipitous banks to either river. It has in 
its whole extent of more thaii sixty miles, but two gaps through which a 
wagon-road can be made, viz: Dunlap's pass, extending to Foe's Tavern, 
and Thurman's pass, to a point opposite Chattanooga. Below the mouth 
of the Sequatchie, the hills and bhiffs on the northern side of the Tennes- 
see do not approach nearer than witliin two or three miles oj the river ; 
but on the southern side, the ranges, which, as we have said, seem to 
belong rather to the Blue Eidge or Smoky mountain chain, abut, with 
their towering bluffs, directly on the river, leaving no space for the pas- 
sage of road or railroad, except by cutting into the side of the bluff. The 
Sand mountain range, the westernmost of these, whose northern spur 
bears the name of Eaccoon mountain, hugs closely this left, or southern 
bank of the Tennessee, for a hundred miles. Separated from it by the 
valley of Lookout creek, the lofty Lookout mountain rears its head far 
above its fellows, and, in a clear day, the vista which spreads for a hun- 
dred miles in all directions from this king of the Georgian mountains, 
is by turns sublime and beautiful. Its height is over three thousand feet, 
and a spur from its bold bluff drives the Tennessee northward for several 
miles, and compresses its waters into a narrow channel against the hills 



632 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

on the northern shore ; while the main bluff meets the returning curve of 
the stream, and frowns with its dark shadows upon its rapid current. The 
Nashville and Chattanooga railroad has cut its way along the side of the 
steep bluff, through the hard rock, where, with difficulty, it has secured a 
roadway along the precipitous slope of the giant mountain. Eastward of 
Lookout, comes Mission Ridge, separated from it by the beautiful valley 
of Chattanooga creek. Less lofty than Lookout, its sides are also less pre- 
cipitous, though at some points steep and frowning. Beyond, the West 
Chickamauga creek, or river, makes a somewhat wider valley, shut in at 
its southern extremity by mountains, and known to the inhabitants as 
McLaraore's cove; a complete cul-de-sac, accessible from the south, east, 
or west, only by mountain passes. The eastern wall of the cove is formed 
by Pigeon mountain, higher, and with more precipitous sides, than Mis- 
sion Eidge. The Chattooga river, an affluent of the Coosa, and its valley, 
divides this from Taylor's Ridge, a rough, rocky range, with a single 
practicable gap, through which passes the turnpike from Lafayette to 
Rome. East of this, are a confused group of mountain spurs, known as 
Sand mountain, John's mountain. Pocket mountain, and Chattoogata, or 
Rocky-Faced Ridge ; the latter forming the western bank of the Oostan- 
aula river. The Nashville and Chattanooga, the Chattanooga and Knox- 
ville, or East Tennessee, and the Chattanooga and Atlanta railroads, curve 
in and out around the bluffs from these ridges, keeping as near as possible 
to the banks of the Tennessee, till the last but one has been passed, and 
then, suddenly striking southward, the Chattanooga and Atlanta road 
forces its way through the Chattoogata, or Rocky-Faced Ridge, by a diffi- 
cult mountain pass, known as Buzzard Roost gap. We have been thus 
minute in our description of the topography of this region, because the 
want of a thorough knowledge of it led to the undeserved censure of one 
of our best generals, and because, in all the movements which followed 
for a year, the features of the country greatly modified the action of both 
armies. 

With the fords and ferries of the Tennessee river guarded by Bragg's 
troops, and the mountain passes, which gave access to the valleys by 
which it was approached, all watched from the summit of Lookout, and 
firmly held, if there were indications that they were threatened, it was 
evident that the capture of Chattanooga by the Union troops, upon which 
Rosecrans had set his heart, would be a work of great difficulty ; yet 
without its possession. East Tennessee, which Burnside was now moving 
to secure, could not be held, and the patient and long-suffering loyalists 
of Knoxville, and the mountains and valleys of East Tennessee, must 
still submit to the cruelties and murders of the dominant Rebels. Chat- 
tanooga, too, was the key to the possession of northern Alabama and 
Georgia, and through it lay the route to the further division of the Rebel 
Confederacy, already sundered by the opening of the Mississippi. 



MCTEMENT OP THE ARMY TOWARD CHATTANOOGA. 633 

Yet it was evident to the clear intellect of General Rosecrans, that a 
direct attack upon the stronghold would only result in a terrible slaugh- 
ter of his troops, while the chance of success would be very problematical. 
He resolved to attempt to compel its evacuation, by a movement by the 
right flank, which should put Bragg's communications in peril. Such a 
movement was hardly less perilous than the direct attack, and success, 
while it would stamp its projector as one of the ablest generals of the 
time, was rather to be hoped for than expected. To accomplish his pur- 
pose of seriously endangering Bragg's communications, it was necessary 
to cross the lofty Lookout mountain range, and there were but three 
passes, in a distance of sixty miles, where wagon trains and cannon could 
cross, and neither of these passes was in supporting distance of the other. 
It was desirable, too, to demonstrate directly against Chattanooga from 
the north bank of the Tennessee, and to make a feint of crossing the river 
at points abov§ the city, in order to distract the attention of the enemy 
from the movements below. If he should succeed by this bold movement 
in compelling the evacuation of Chattanooga, it was not to be expected 
that Bragg would suffer the Union troops to enjoy, without a struggle, 
their possession of the stronghold ; and he might, especially if largely 
reinforced (as there were reports that he was to be), fall upon one or 
another of the separated corps, and defeating them in detail, regain his 
coveted possession, after inflicting upon Rosecrans the loss of his army. 
These were important considerations, and they were carefully weighed by 
the Union general, who, however, did not relinquish his determination to 
encounter the great risk, for the sake of the prize to be won. 

All necessary preparations having been made, Crittenden's corps was 
ordered to move in three columns; Van Cfeve's division to Pikeville, 
Palmer's to Dunlap, and Wood's to Thurman's, and uniting in the Se 
quatchie valley, to descend to Jasper, and thence to cross the river at the 
mouth of Battle creek and Shellmount. Three brigades of cavalry and 
one of infantry, were sent up the east side of the Sequatchie valley, to 
cross Walden Ridge to Poe's Tavern, and from Anderson, (opposite Thur- 
man's,) to the Tennessee river opposite Chattanooga, and reconnoitre the 
northern bank of the Tennessee from Igo's ferry to Chattanooga. 

General Thomas's corps moved in two columns — Reynolds's and Bran- 
nan's divisions, from University, by way of Battle creek, to take up a 
concealed position near its mouth ; while Negley and Baird, marching from 
Tantellon, near the Tunnel, took position along the railroad from Ander- 
son to Stevenson. 

McCook's corps moved in three columns — Johnson's division by Salem 
and Larkin's fort to Bellefont ; Davis's division by Mount Top to Crow 
creek, to halt near Stevenson ; and Sheridan's farther west to Maysville, 
and thence by the Memphis and Charleston railroad to Bellefont, to join 
Johnson. On the 20th of August, all these movements had been com- 



634 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

pleted; and ou the 21st, Wagner's and Wilder's cavalry brigades ot 
Crittenden's corps made a recounoissance along the north bank of the 
Tennessee opposite Chattanooga, and shelled the city, to the great con ■ 
sternation of the inhabitants and of Bragg's troops. 

The Union armj^ having been brought safely to the Tennessee, General 
Rosecrans made preparations to cross — a matter of considerable difficulty 
and hazard, as from their signal position on the top of Lookout mountain, 
the Rebels could observe all his movements, and keep their garrisons at 
tiie fords and ferries on the alert. The movement of the cavalry brigades 
at Chattanooga and above, had, however, so far deceived the enemy that 
they watched closely the upper Tenneseee, but paid no attention to what 
was passing below. General Rosecrans crossed his army at four points — 
by a pontoon bridge at Caperton's ferry near Stevenson, by a pontoon and 
trestlework bridge at Bridgeport, by boats and rafts at Shellmount, and 
at Alley's ferry, at the mouth of Battle creek. The whole army was 
across by the 3d or 4th of September ; and having gained the soutliern 
side, Crittenden's corps marched to Wauhatchie, and their advance-guard 
passed over the point of Lookout mountain and threatened Chattanooga, 
while the main body kept up their communication temporarily with 
General Thomas's corps, which had at first taken up a position at Trenton, 
and sent an advance to secure Frick's, Cooper's, and Stevens's gaps in 
Lookout mountain, the only practicable passes into McLamore's cove. 
His corps soon after passed by these gaps into the cove, and occupied the 
head or southern portion of it. McCook's corps had moved down to 
Valley Head, except Sheridan's division, which was still at Trenton, but 
was under orders to follow the remainder of the corps to Valley Head or 
Alpine; and on his arrival General McCook had directions to send a re- 
connoitering force to Broomtown and Summerville, in the Broomtown 
valley, between Pigeon mountain and Taylor's ridge. By this movement 
he would not only threaten Rome, but be able to ascertain where the 
Rebel force was concentrated, and what reinforcements were approaching 
it. The recounoissance ordered, demonstrated that General Bragg had 
not retreated upon Rome (ho had evacuated Chattanooga and gone south- 
ward on the 8th of September), but was concentrating his forces upon 
Pigeon mountain, above Lafayette, where Johnson and probably Buckner 
had already joined him, and that Longstreet's corps, from the army of 
Virginia, had readied Atlanta about the 1st of September, and were march- 
ing forward with all haste to reinforce him still further. These reinforce- 
ments would make Bragg's force about double that of Rosecrans, and he 
was now between McCook's corps and the other three corps of the Union 
army, though, being on the other side of Pigeon mountain, he could not 
yet take advantage of bis position. Crittenden's advance had, meantime, 
entered Chattanooga on the evening of the 9th of September, and the 
remainder of the corps, with its trains, passed around the nose of Lookout 



PKEPARATIONS FOR THE IMPENDING BATTLE. 635 

mountain on the lOth, and camped for the night at Eossville. General 
Thomas had crossed Lookout mountain with his corps, and taken position 
in McLamore's cove, and was busily engaged in reconnoitering Bragg'a 
position. Crittenden, leaving but one brigade in Chattanooga, was ordered 
to push on vigorously to Einggold and Dalton, and send a reconnoissauce 
to Gordon's mills and open communication with General Thomas. Two 
of Thomas's divisions, Negley's and Baird's, had passed through Frick's 
gap to Pond Spring, and beyond, on the Lafayette road, and there found 
the enemy in large force. After a short skirmish they fell back into and 
through Frick's gap, to protect their trains. General Halleck had tele- 
graphed General Eosecrans that Bragg was to be reinforced by Buckner, 
■Johnson, and Longstreet, and it now appeared that they were all near at 
hand, or had already formed a junction with him, and that his with- 
drawal from Chattanooga had only been made with the intent to secure a 
better position for fighting the battle which should again give him pos- 
session of that stronghold. General Eosecrans found that the most prompt 
action was necessary to bring his army together in season to confront his 
enemy, whose force under the best circumstances would be double his 
own. His energy was equal to the emergency. Crittenden was ordered 
up to form a closer connection with Thomas, and McCook was directed 
to make a forced march by the shortest practicable route to McLamore's 
cove, lest Bragg's forces should be thrust between him and the remainder 
of the Union army. McCook was fifty-seven miles south of Thomas's 
camp, by the nearest road practicable for wagons — that from Alpine 
through Doherty's gap into McLamore's cove — but of the existence or 
good condition of this road he was not informed ; and having sent his 
train under sufficient escort into Lookout valley, he marched back through 
Valley Head on the night of the 13th of September, and thence up Look- 
out valley to Stevens's gap, which he crossed into McLamore's cove, 
arriving on the 17th, and taking position on the right of General Thomas. 
The delay of nearly two days consequent upon this mistake in regard to 
the roads, had aflbrded opportunity for Longstreet to come up within 
supporting distance of Bragg's army, and had so far hindered General 
Eosecrans' arrangements for the battle that he was unable to secure the 
best position for a defensive conflict, such as under the circumstances he 
must fight. On \e night of the 18th, and the early morning of the 19th 
of September, tne final preparations for the impending battle were made. 
The small corps of Gordon Granger were stationed as reserves at the 
extreme left, near Eossville, with orders to guard the two roads leading 
to Chattanooga, which it was the evident aim of the Eebels to seize. 
About three miles further south commenced the actual line of battle, 
Brannan's division of Thomas's corps occupying the extreme left; next 
in order was Baird's division of the same corps ; then Johnson's division 
of McCook's corps, which had been sent to support this part of Thomas's 



636 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

line ; next to Johnson, came Palmer's division of Crittenden's corps ; and 
joining Palmer, Van Cleve's division of the same corps ; then came Eey- 
Dolds' division of Thomas's corps, and Wood's division of Crittenden's 
corps, which covered the Gordon's mills ford ; while Wilder's cavalry 
brigade guarded the right wing. Four rniles below, at Crawfish springs, 
Negley's division of Thomas's corps was engaged in observing Owen's 
ford, over the Chickamauga, while a Rebel division on the opposite side 
of the Chickamauga was endeavoring to cross, to get at the right flank of 
the Union army. In reserve, west of Gordon's mills, were Davis's and 
Sheridan's divisions of McCook's corps; and immediately behind them, 
at the widow Glenn's house, were General Rosecrans's headquarters. 

The battle commenced about ten a.m. of the 19th, two brigades of 
Brannan's division, on the extreme left, reconnoitering and attacking the 
Rebel force which was endeavoring to force a passage by way of the 
Lafayette road toward Chattanooga. These two brigades attacked so 
vigorously as to drive the Rebels back nearly half a mile, when a very 
strong column advanced to their support. This column, which General 
Eosecrans believed to have been composed of part of Longstreet's corps, 
fell in heavy mass upon the Union left, and forced back the remainder 
of Brannan's division, and threw Baird's division, which came up to its 
support, into disorder. Johnson's fine division of McCook's corps now 
came up, and striking the Rebel column in flank with great fury, drove 
it back more than half a mile, until the superior numbers of the enemy 
enabled them to overlap his right, which was in danger of being turned, 
when Palmer, coming in on his right, which was, in the ardor of pursuit, 
considerably advanced beyond the main army, threw his division with 
such force against the Rebels as again to drive back their advancing 
columns. But the immense numbers of the Rebels which now swarmed 
up, showed their great superiority in troops to the Union army ; con- 
stantly extending toward the right, they overlapped Palmer's flank, and 
when Van Cleve's division came up, overlapped that also, and forced it 
back, as they did Reynold.s, who came to his assistance. Davis's division 
now advanced most opportunely, and drove the enemy back, but under 
the immense pressure of fresh Rebel troops, he too was gradually being 
pressed back, when Wood's division came up, and again turned the tide 
of battle the other way. At three p. M., General Rosecrans finding his 
line hardly pressed, ordered up Sheridan's division, one of the finest in 
the army, and which till then had been in reserve, to support Wood and 
Davis. It came up on the double-quick, and drove the Rebels back with 
such slaughter that they did not again attempt to advance on the right. 

Meanwhile, the centre (Van Cleve's and Reynolds' divisions) was being 
driven, and the battle was approaching General Rosecrans' headqnarter.s. 
Anticipating this, the general had ordered General Negley's division to 
move up from Crawford Springs toward the headquarters, and at half- 




4 



THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE AT CHATTANOOGA. 631 

paijt four lie reported with his division, and was sent to support Van 
Clave, whom the Eebels had succeeded in dislodging from his position, 
and attacking the enemy with great vigor, he forced them steadily back, 
till nightfall. General Brannan had also been sent by General Thomas, 
at General Eosecrans' request, to support General Reynolds. 

The result of the day's fighting was indecisive ; both sides had taken 
prisoners; each in turn had driven the other and been driven themselves; 
the Union forces had found themselves at all points confronted by greatly 
superior numbers, and these not raw recruits, but veteran warriors ; but 
the preponderance of success, if there was any, was in their favor ; the 
enemy had been forced back from all the ground they had gained, and in 
the evening were farther east than in the morning. Every brigade but 
two, aside from Granger's reserves, had been in the fight, and all had 
acted well. The morrow, however, it was foreseen, must bring still severer 
fighting, and a more desperate struggle for the possession of the prize for 
which both were contending. A council was held in the evening, and a 
new order of battle decided upon for the following day, which was 
announced to the division and brigade commanders at one o'clock in the 
morning. 

General Eosecrans, by this new disposition of his troops, had shortened 
his line more than a mile. His troops, instead of being posted, as they were 
the day before, on the line of the Lafayette road, were stationed on a road 
leading in a southwest direction from the Lafayette to the Rossville road, 
the left wing overlapping the Lafayette road, the extremity of the right 
wing refused, and covering the position at widow Glenn's house, and resting 
in a strong position on Mission Ridge, the gap in which was covered by the 
army. Davis's and Van Cleve's divisions were wholly, and Brannan's par- 
tially, in reserve. General Rosecrans' headquarters were on the Rossville 
road, in an elevated position, near the gap. He had abandoned the position 
at Gordon's mills, but the pass through Mission Eidge, and the road from 
Lafayette tc Chattanooga, were all-important, and must be held at all 
hazards, and while his numbers were so much inferior to those of the 
enemy, the effectual holding of these would occupy his entire force. 

The new position was thus much stronger than the one of the previous 
day, and but for the misfortune which subsequently occurred, the enemy, 
in spite of their superior numbers, would undoubtedly have been badly 
defeated. 

The battle of the 20th commenced at half-past eight A. M., the effort 
of the enemy being, as on the previous day, to turn the left flank of the 
Union army, and then gain access to the Lafayette and Chattanooga road. 
Thomas, who was in command at the left, was hard pressed from the start, 
and General Rosecrans directed him to hold on, assuring him that he 
should be reinforced if necessary, by the entire army. One of Negley's 
brigades, which was on the right, was first ordered up to join the other 



G38 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

hiigades of his division at tbe left, but for some cause, there was delay 
and hesitation in obeying the order, which produced some trouble. The 
two reserve divisions, Van Cleve's and Davis's, were next sent to Thomas's 
support, and took position near Wood's division. Still, though fighting 
with great desperation, the Rebels invariably attacking, and being as in- 
variably repulsed, the battle went on without any serious advantage to 
either side, till about one o'clock p. M. The loss of the enemy had, up to 
this time, been greatly heavier than that of the Union troops, the latter 
being at some points protected by slight breastworks, and at others, lying 
down and loading, and only rising to deliver their fire when the Rebels 
came up. Brannan's division, which at first had been in reserve, had 
been brought into action, and its commander had formed it en echelon, to 
enable it the better to resist the Rebel attacks. To a superficial observer, 
riding along the lines, this formation gave the division the appearance of 
being partly out of line, and one of General Thomas's aids so reported it 
to General Rosecrans. Supposing this to be the fact, General Rosecrans 
ordered "Wood to close up on Reynolds, and Davis on Wood, while the 
remainder of McCook's corps were held in readiness to go to the support 
of the left. Unfortunately, though naturally enough, General Wood un- 
derstood this order to mean that he should march past Brannan's division, 
to close up on Reynolds, and in the attempt to do this, he left a gap in the 
line of battle, into which the Rebels instantly worked, striking Davis in 
flank and rear, as well as in front, and throwing his whole division into 
disorder. The same attack shattered the right brigade of Wood's division, 
before it had passed beyond the surging tide. The right of Brannan's 
division was thrown back, and two of his batteries, then moving toward a 
new position, were taken in flank, and driven through two brigades of 
Van Cleve's division, which was at the time moving toward the left, and 
that division was thrown into complete confusion, from which it never 
recovered till it reached Rossville. While the enemy poured in through 
this breach, a long line of Rebels, stretching beyond Sheridan's right, was 
advancing; Laibold's brigade (of Sheridan's division) shared the fate of 
Davis. The other two brigades of that division, at that time moving 
toward the left, under orders to support General Thomas, made, under 
tlieir gallant leader, a fierce charge against the enemy's advancing column 
but were thrown into disorder, by the attack of his line upon their flank^ 
and were compelled to fall back. They rallied again on the Dry valley 
road, and repulsed the enemy, but were again compelled to yield to over- 
powering numbers, and retired westward of the Dry valley, and by a 
circuitous route reached Rossville, from whence they advanced by the 
Lafayette road to support the left, reaching General Thomas's lines about 
midnight. Seven brigades, or about one fourth of the entire Union force, 
were thus swept away by this misfortune, and though the loss in killed 
and wounded was not very heavy, and that in prisoners less so than 



PROGRESS OF THE BATTLE AT CHATTANOOGA. 639 

■would have been expected, they were efFectually cut off from rendering 
any further aid to the remainder of the troops during that day. Among 
those thus swept away, were, without fault of their own, and greatly to 
their chagrin, Major-Generals Eosecrans, McCook, and Crittenden. Each 
made decided and repeated efforts to rejoin the main body but in vain, and 
at last fell back toward Eossville, whence General Eosecrans sent his 
chief of staff. General Garfield, to ascertain how General Thomas was 
succeeding in holding at bay the greatly superior force of the enemy, 
and himself, with Generals McCook and Crittenden, went on to Chatta- 
nooga, to secure the trains and put the city in a state of defence, if, as 
he feared, the army should be driven to retreat thither. 

The Eebels, after pursuing the seven routed brigades for a mile or 
more into Dry valley, returned to drive General Thomas from the main 
road, of which they must avail themselves if they would recapture Chatta- 
nooga. Thomas's position was still a strong one, and the rough and 
temporary breastworks thrown up in front of Eeynolds' and Palmer's 
divisions, greatly increased its strength. From these breastworks, as the 
Eebels returned to the charge, they were swept down in great numbers 
by the grape and canister poured upon them incessantly by the Union 
batteries. Through the efforts and bravery of Vandeveer's brigade, of 
Brannan's division, they were driven back, and Baird and Johnson, with 
one brigade of Palmer's division, restored the line. From two o'clock till 
sunset, a fierce battle raged along the Union lines. General Thomas, 
though confronted by a force numbering at least five to his two, stood 
grim and defiant, resisting the repeated assaults upon his lines with a 
vigilance and persistency never surpassed. The enemy at last pressed so 
strongly on his whole line , that he fell back further into the jaws of the 
gap, and setting his back against the mountains, the "Eock of Chicka- 
mauga," as he has been appropriately named, held the foe at bay for 
hours. At length, near sunset, an overwhelming force of the enemy suc- 
ceeded in passing around the left, through a low gap in the ridge, and 
would in a few minutes more have reached the flank of Brannan's position, 
and turning it, perhaps have routed the greatly wearied Union troops. 
At this critical moment, two brigades of Steedman's division, from 
Granger's reserves, led by General Steedman in person, rushed upon the 
advancing column of the enemy in a headlong charge. The shook was 
terrible; and for a time, as the conflicting foes met in hand-to-hand fight, 
success swayed from side to side ; a few minutes more, and the enemy 
rolled back, repulsed with such slaughter that they dared not make the 
attempt again. A thousand of Steedman's brave troops fell, killed or 
wounded, in that brief half hour's struggle ; but the Uoion troops held the 
gap. Again, however, did Longstreet's corps assay to force a passage 
through the main gap, by breaking the lines of Thomas's force in the 
centre. Two large divisions from that corps, determined upon capturing 



640 THE CIVIL WAR IN TIIK UNITED STATES. 

it came up to the assault, and charged to within a few yards of the Union 
battery of six pieces, which had been planted in the very throat of the 
gorge. They came too far to return. The grape and canister of the 
battery, delivered at such short range, mowed them down like grain 
before the reaper's sickle. The survivors fell back, but after sunset 
rushed forward once more, when the Union troops, having exhausted 
their ammunition, rushed on them with the bayonet, and after a contest 
of extraordinary severity, in which more bayonet wounds were given and 
received than in any battle of modern times, they gave way, and did not 
again return. In a final movement of a similar character on the ri"ht. 
the Union troops captured over five hundred Rebel prisoners. The 
enemy now fell back, leaving the field of battle in the possession of 
General Thomas; but finding that the ammunition, food, and water neces- 
sary for his men were exhausted, the general withdrew with his troops 
about midnight to Rossville, where they arrived in good order, and took 
post toward morning, and offered the enemy battle during the whole of 
the next day, repulsing his reconnoissance. On the night of the 21st, he 
withdrew from Rossville to Chattanooga, which was now in such a stale 
of defence as not to fear the assaults of the enemy. 

Major-General George H. Thomas, whose resolution and unflinching 
tenacity of purpose thus saved the Union army from defeat, and saved 
the day when all seemed lost, is a native of Virginia, born July 31, 1816, 
in Southampton count}', of wealthy and respectable parents, of Welsh and 
Iluguenot stock. lie commenced the study of law, but at the ige of 
twenty, through the influence of family friends, received an appointment 
as cadet in the Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 
1840, twelfth in a class of forty-five, and was appointed second lieutenant 
in the third artillery. After serving eighteen months in the Florida war, 
he was ordered to the New Orleans barracks, in January, 1842, and in 
June of the same year, to Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbor. In Decern, 
ber 1843, be was transferred to Fort McHcnry, Baltimore, and May 17th, 
1843, promoted to a first lieutenantcy. Id the spring of 1844, he was 
again ordered to Fort Moultrie. He was ordered to Corpus Christi, Texas, 
in July, 1845, and was one of the garrison of Fort Brown when it was 
besieged by the Mexicans. He subsequently took part in the battle of 
Monterey, and for his gallantry there, was breveted captain ; and in the 
battle of Buena Vista, for which he received the brevet of major. In 
August, 1848, he returned to Texas, and was, for six months, in charge 
of a commissary depot at Brazos Santiago. In June, 1849, he rejoined 
bis company at Fort Adams, Newport, R. I., and in July was put in com- 
mand of company C, and sent to Florida. There he remained till Decem- 
ber, 1850, and for the next few months was in command at Fort Indepen- 
dence, Boston harbor, whence he was assigned to duty in March, 1851, at 
West Point, as instructor of artillery and cavalry. In December, 1853, 



SKETCH OF MAJOK-GENERAL THOMAS. 



641 



he was promoted to a full captaincy. In 1854 lie was assigned to duty 
at Fort Yuma, California, and in 1855, was appointed junior major of the 
second cavalry. After a residence of about six months at Jefferson bar- 
racks, Mo., Major Thomas was ordered to Texas, where he was on duty 
from May, 1856, to November, 1860, and three years of the time, in com- 
mand of his regiment. He made extensive explorations of the country 
on the headwaters of the Canadian and Eed rivers, and had several sharp 
brushes with the Indians. After a short leave of absence, the second in 
more than twenty years, he was ordered, in April 1861, to Carlisle bar- 
racks. Pa., to remount his regiment, the second cavalry, which had been 
dismounted and ordered out of Texas by the traitor Twiggs. On the 
25th of April, he was promoted to a lieutenant-colonelcy, and on the 5th 
of May, appointed colonel of the fifth U. S. cavalry. In the same month, 
he was assigned to the command of a brigade in General Patterson's army, 
and after that general was mustered out, served in the same capacity 
under General Banks. On the 17th of August, 1861, he was appointed a 
brigadier-general of volunteers, and on the 26th of the same month, or- 
dered to report to Brigadier-General Eobert Anderson, commanding the 
Department of the Cumberland. On his arrival at Louisville, September 
6th, he was assigned to the command of camp Dick Robinson, in southern 
Kentucky, and at once commenced organizing his troops, and soon estab- 
lished camp Wild Cat, thirty miles SE., wiiere, on the 26th of October, 
the battle of Wild Cat was fought by General Schoepf. He then made 
preparations to advance into East Tennessee, but General Buell, who was 
now in command, ordered him to Lebanon, Ky., to prepare for an active 
campaign. Early in January, he fought the battle of Mill Spring, in which 
the Rebels were defeated, and Zollicoffer killed. This was the first of a 
series of successes in that region, which greatly encouraged the Unionists. 
After this battle, he again prepared to enter East Tennessee, but was again 
recalled to Lebanon, Ky., by General Buell, and ordered to march thence 
with all speed to Munfordsville, where Buell was then concentratinn- his 
forces for an attack on Bowling Green. Before he could reach there, 
however, he was met by another order to go on to Louisville, and take 
steamers to move his division to Nashville, which, after the fall of Fort 
Donelson, had fallen into the hands of the Union army. On his arrival 
at Nashville, his division was constituted, by General Buell, the reserve 
of the army of the Cumberland, and did not reach Pittsburg Landing until 
three days after the battle of Shiloh. On the 25th of April, 1862, he was 
appointed and confirmed major-general of volunteers, and on the first of 
May, his division was transferred, by General Halleck, to the army of the 
Tennessee ; but, forty days later, he was retransferred to the army of the 
Ohio, and ordered to concentrate his command at Decherd, Tenn. He 
took part in the campaign which followed in the pursuit of Bragg, and 
was second in command in the army of the Ohio, both before and after the 
41 



642 



THE CIYIL WAR I.N THE UNITED STATES. 



battle of Perry ville. He was offered the command of the army of the 
Ohio, by the Government, when Buell reaolied Louisville, but declined. 
When General Rosecrans took command of the army of the Cumberland, 
(the new name given to the army of the Ohio) General Thomas was 
placed in command of the centre, (the fourteenth army corps,) consisting 
then of five divisions. He took part in the battle of Stone river, and it 
was his corps which stopped the victorious progress of Bragg's army, 
which had crushed and driven back Rosecrans' right wing; and his 
troops also, which visited with such terrible punishment, Breckinridge's 
audacious assault upon the left wing. We have seen how, against fearful 
odds, he maintained his position at Chickamauga, and we shall have occa- 
sion to see hereafter how, in command of the army of the Cumberland, his 
troops scaled the heights of Mission Ridge, and drove Bragg, utterly dis- 
comfited, over its farther slope, and across the mountains beyond ; how, at 
Dalton and Rcsaca, at Kingston and New Hope church, at Kenesaw 
mountain, at Peach Tree creek and Decatur, and at Jonesboro, he was 
the sheet-anchor of Sherman's army; and above all how, at Nashville, he 
crushed and crumpled Tlood's army, and finally drove it, a demoralized 
mob, in a flight of thirteen weary days of midwinter, across the Tennes- 
see. General Thomas did not command in person in any action subsequent 
to the 16th of December, 186-1; but his fine and admirably disciplined 
and equipped army was sent, at the call of the Government, to Wilming- 
ton, to Salisbury, and to central Alabama and Georgia, until the war was 
ended. Since the close of the war, he has commanded the military divi- 
sion of the Tennessee, embracing the Departments of the Tennessee, Ken- 
tucky, Georgia, and Alabama, with his headquarters at Nashville. After 
the battle of Chickamauga, he was promoted, October 27th, 1863, to the 
command of the army of the Cumberland, and at the same time made a 
brigadier-general in the regular army ; and in December, 1864, after the 
battle of Nashville, he was promoted to be a major-general in the regular 
army. 

The losses of the Union army in the battle of Chickamauga, were, 
killed, one thousand six hundred and forty-four ; wounded, nine thousand 
two hundred and sixty-two; missing, four thousand nine hundred and 
forty -five ; and in addition to this, a loss in the cavalry of about one thou- 
sand, making in all sixteen thousand eight hundred and fifty-one. They 
also lost thirty-six guns, twenty caissons, eight thousand four hundred and 
fifty small arms and five thousand eight hundred and thirty -four infantry 
accoutrements. The Rebel loss, in killed and wounded, was stated by 
General Bragg, as killed, two thousand two hundred and ninety-nine; 
wounded, fifteen thousand two hundred and eighty ; making an aggregate 
of seventeen thousand five hundred and seventy-nine; including four 
general officers killed, four severely and four slightly wounded. Besides 



PERILOUS CONDITION OF THE FEDERAL ARMY. 643 

these, they lost two thousand and three prisoners, taken by the Union 
army. 

After the battle, Generals McCook and Crittenden, the corps comman- 
ders who came into Chattanooga, were relieved of their commands, and 
their respective corps, the twentieth and twenty-first, consolidated into 
the fourth, and put under the command of General Gordon Granger. The 
conduct of these two generals was subsequently examined before a court 
of inquiry at Cincinnati, and they were acquitted of any intentional mis- 
conduct. General Crittenden subsequently resigned; General McCook 
was ordered to duty in the Trans-Mississippi department, but neither 
general participated in any subsequent important action. 

Chattanooga was too strong to be captured by General Bragg by as- 
sault, but for three months after the battle, there was a lack of supplies. 
In order to secure the Union position in the city itself. General Rose- 
crans considered it necessary to relinquish the outpost of Wauhatchie, near 
the point where the Nashville raih'oad passes the brow of Lookout moun- 
tain, and the enemy at once occupying this point, cut off communication 
both by river and railroad between General Rosecrans' army and its base, 
and compelled him to bring all his supplies by wagon trains, across the 
mountain, and down the Sequatchie valley, a distance of sixty miles, over 
the worst roads to be found. The Rebels had captured also a part of one 
of the trains belonging to the army, and thus still further reduced their 
supplies. In October it was found necessary to put the men upon half 
rations, and one third rations were talked of, while the animals were dying 
daily by scores, from the insufiBciency of forage. On the 27th of October, 
General Rosecrans was relieved of his command, and General Thomas 
succeeded him, while General Grant was appointed commander of the 
grand military division of the Mississippi, and made his headquarters at 
Chattanooga, to which point were now rapidly concentrating troops from 
all quarters, the army of the Tennessee, from Vicksburg, under General 
Sherman, two corps from the army of the Potomac, under General Hooker, 
and such other troops from other parts of the west as could be spared. 
General Burnside had, as we have said, captured Cumberland gap, and 
occupied Knoxville, and East Tennessee was again under the Union flag, 
and its long tried inhabitants peaceful and happy. 



eu THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LIII. 

BEETCH or GENERAL GRANT — HE 18 APPOINTED TO THE COMMAND OP THE MILITARY DIVISION 
OF THE MISSISSIPPI, AND ARRIVES AT CHATTANOOGA — THE CAPTURE OF BROWn's KERRY — 
MOVEMENTS OF HOOKER's COMMAND — BATTLE OF WADHATCHIF. — THE RESULTS GAINED — 
ATTEMPTS OF THE REBELS TO BREAK GRANT'S COMMnNICATIONS — BRAGG SENDS LONO- 
STREKT's CORPS TO BESIEGE KNOXVILLE — GENERAL GRANT'S INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL 

BDRNSIDE — FIGHTING AND RETREATING LON<!STREET ARRIVES BEFORE KNOXVILLE AND 

INVESTS IT — TOPOGRAPHY OF THE CHATTANOOGA VALLEY AND ITS SURROUNDINGS — BRAGO's 
MESSAGE — grant's PLAN FOR THE DEFEAT OF HIS ARMY — THE CAPTURE OF THE REBEL 
BATTERIES ON BALD KNOBS — SUERM AN's MOVEMENTS — THE PONTOON BRIDGES — THE BASTION 
TAKEN — hooker's ATTACK ON THE REBEL LEFT WINO ON LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN — THE SUR- 
PRISE — THE " BATTLE ABOVE THE CLOUDS" — THE FIGHTING ON THE EAST SIDE OF LOOKOUT 
—EVACUATION OK THEIR POSITIONS BV THE REBELS HJOKER FOLLOWS Til EM TO MISSION 

BIDGE — Sherman's persistent and repeated attacks upon fort bicknek — repulse 

OF HIS ATTACKING COLUMNS — THEIR OBJECT GAINED, IN DRAWING THE REBEL TROOPS 
FROM FORT BRAGG — THE ASSAULT ON THE CENTRE BY THE FOURTH CORPS — DIFFICULTIES 

OP THE ATTACK — CAPTURE OF THE CREST AND FORT BRAGG FLIGHT OF THE ENEMY — PDK- 

BUIT TO RINGGOLD — FIGHT AT RINGGOLD GAP — SHERMAN MAKCIiES TO KNOXVILLE AND 
RAISES THE SIEGE — BATTLE OF BKAN'S STATION — RESULTS OK THE CHATTANOOGA CAMPAIGN 

GENERAL ORANt's CONGRATULATORY OKDK.R — GENERAL UAI.LECK's ESTIMATE OF THE 

CAMPAIGN. 

In oue of the earlier cliapters of the present work, we have given some 
account of the western general who, from this time forward, was to attract 
the attention of the nation, and of intelligent observers of other nations, 
as the master mind of the Republic in its great struggle against slavery 
and despotism ; but as that sketch brought him no farther than to the 
demand of an " unconditional surrender" at Fort Donclson, it may be 
•well to trace his subsequent career during tlie war. We have spoken of 
Lim as tlie muster mind of the Republic, not for the brilliancy of his 
genius, the profundity of his learning, or the rapidity of his action, but 
because no character of our national history, with the possible exception 
of Washington, has ever manifested more thoroughly than he that thorough 
equipoise of the mental and moral faculties, which is the finest attribute 
of a truly great soul. In some particulars, others surpass him ; but none 
equal him in that admirable balauce, never disturbed, never requiring 
adjustment. To none other of our officers can be attributed that patient 
jjersistcnce which never gives up its object; and though a dozen or a 
hundred efibrts for its accomplisliment Iiave proved unavailing, is ready 
at once witli another, and if need be others still, lill the desired end is 
attained. Me knows no such word as fail. The rare unselfishness and 
reiicence of his disposition are also important and excellent traits in his 
character, and add to its attractiveness. Tiie campaign which began witii 
Forts Ilenry and Douelson, had its culmination at ShiloL. Kashvillo 



SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT-GENERAL GRANT. 645 

captured, the Tennessee ascended, Johnston driven from Middle Tennessee 
into Mississippi, there were but few of the generals of that period who 
would not have regarded the period as an auspicious one to rest awhile 
upon the laurels already gathered. Not so Grant. As rapidly as possible 
were the regiments organized or disciplined, and sent to the new camp, 
far up the Tennessee, within twenty miles of the formidable position held 
by Johnston. They were new recruits, many of them never under fire ; 
nay, hardly knowing the use of the musket ; but there was the material 
for making good troops in them. We will not go over that two days' 
struggle at Shiloh, the attack, the capture of a portion of the Union troops, 
and the forcing back of others, the apparent defeat, the sudden rallying 
and return to the battle, the hard fighting and decisive victory of the second 
day ; but this much we may say, that while Ulysses S. Grant was ably 
seconded by some of his lieutenants, and notably by General Sherman, 
the repulse of the enemy on the evening of the first day, and that stern 
fighting, which on the second day would have cau'jed the defeat of the 
enemy, even without Buell's reinforcements, was due to General Grant 
alone. Persistent then as ever, he would not accept defeat, but struggled 
on resolutely, till he had plucked victory out of seeming repulse. After 
the battle of Corinth, in October, 1862, his persistency led again to a 
pursuit of the enemy so unrelenting and successful that it formed a new 
epoch in the history of the war. In that long campaign before Vicksburg, 
when cue plan after another failed of success, and one resource after 
another proved futile, he exhibited the versatility of his genius and his 
fertility in resources, in being ready with one plan so soon as another had 
failed,' and at last in the route he took for accomplishing his purpose, in 
the daring which prompted him to cut loose from his base, and plunging 
into the heart of the enemy's country with the knowledge that two hostile 
armies, fighting on their own soil, were ready to meet him, and believed 
themselves able to destroy his army, and the consummate skill and general- 
ship with which he thwarted all their plans, and defeated their forces, he 
gave the most decisive proof of his abilities as a military chief. Tlie 
siege of the city, the various devices for rendering it untenable, the self- 
possession and generosity manifested at its surrender, and the swift pur- 
suit of Johnston and the other Eebel leaders in the vicinity, fully 
warranted the high encomiums of the general-in-chief. After the fall of 
Vicksburg, while on a visit to New Orleans, he was severely injured, but 
on his recovery was promoted by the Government, as we have seen, to the 
command of the grand military division of the Mississippi, embracing all 
the armies of the Mississippi valley, except the departments west of the 
great river. The appointment was wisely and worthily conferred, as we 
shall see in the present chapter. "With great strategic skill, he managed 
to wrest from Bragg's hands the territory and the power for which ha 
had been fighting so desperately for two and a half years, planted himself 



646 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

firmly at Chattanooga, and redeemed Tennessee once for all from the 
domination of the Rebels. Called to a still higher command, that of the 
entire armies of the nation, with the rank of lieutenant-general, we shall 
endeavor to show how resolutely, grandly, and persistently he undertook 
the work of finishing the Rebellion ; how, while his lieutenants in far 
distant fields were under his orders winning fame and achieving victories, 
he had set to himself the hardest task of all, and adhering to it with a 
tenacity which has no parallel in history, finally exhausted his adversary, 
and by compelling the overthrow of his citadels and the capitulation of 
his army, dealt its death-blow to a war which, in the vastness of its armies 
and its expenditure, the fierceness of the fighting, and the resolution and 
persistence of its combatants, has not been equalled in the history of the 
race. 

Ou reaching Chattanooga, on the 23d of October, General Grant found 
matters assuming a gloomy aspect. It was simply impossible to procure 
adequate supplies for a largo army by hauling them sixty mdes over the 
horrible roads across the Cumberland and Walden ridges — roads in which 
six miles a day was a greater distance than could be accomplished by a 
six-mule team, and that with a load of not over five hundred pounds. 
This state of things must be remedied at once. The plan adopted for 
this purpose by General Grant evinced alike his ability and his practical 
good sense. The Tennessee, like most of the w-estern river.?, is very 
crooked ; just below Chattanooga it makes two bends, one eight miles in 
circuit, and only one and a half miles across; the other, thirty miles in 
circuit, and but four or five miles across. If he could obtain possession 
of these two peninsulas, the wagon transportation could be reduced to ten 
miles, supplies being transmitted by railroad and river to Shellmount and 
Kelly's ferry. To accomplish this, he issued orders, on the 2Gth of 
October, to Hooker's command (eleventh and twelfth army corps), which 
had already reached Bridgeport, to move forward from that place through 
Shellmount to Lookout valley, and thence to Brown's ferry ; and while 
they were obeying this order, a force of fourteen hundred men from the 
army of the Cumberland, under the command of General Ilazen, wore 
detailed to descend the river, in fifty-six pontoon boats, to Brown's ferry, 
six miles below the peninsula, carrying with them the materials for build- 
ing a bridge across the Tennessee. The movement was successfully 
accomplished, though for three miles of the distance the river was guarded 
by Rebel pickets, yet the night being dark, they succeeded in passing 
them without alarm, and on their arrival at Brown's ferry, were rein- 
forced by other troops, who had come by land from Chattanooga, and by 
noon of the next day they had a strong and substantial bridge erected 
and protected by a tete-du-poni. From this ferry a good road extended to 
Kelly's ferry, five or six miles distant, and loaded wagons could corao 
from that point to Chattanooga in half a day, if the wagon-road could be 



THE BATTLE OP WAUHATCHIE. 64T 

protected from the enemy. To effect this was tlie purpose of the move- 
ment of Hooker's troops. Thej had marched promptly on receiving the 
order from General Grant, reached Shellmount the same evening, and 
advanced to Lookout valley the next morning, encountering some oppo- 
sition during the day from the enemy, who shelled them from Lookout 
mountain, but without much effect. On the night of the 27th, they en- 
camped in Lookout valley, and Geary's division, of the twelfth corps, 
which had pitched their camp at a distance of about one and a half 
miles from the remainder of the force, on the road to Wauhatchie, was 
attacked about two o'clock, on the morning of the 28th, by Longstreet, 
who hoped to surprise them and capture their train. General Geary, 
however, held his ground firmly, and other divisions coming to his 
assistance, Longstreet's forces were defeated with severe loss. Meanwhile, 
the eleventh corps captured and held the Eebel works on Moccasin Point, 
a spur of Eaccoon mountain, which extends across the broader portion of 
the larger of the two peninsulas formed by the bends of the Tennessee. 
This position not only commanded the Kelly's ferry road, but the passage 
from Lookout valley around the northern slope or brow of Lookout 
mountain, through which the railroad passes, and which was the only 
route by which the Rebel troops, stationed in the Lookout valley, or on 
the western slope of the mountain, could communicate with the remainder 
of Bragg's army, except by the long and difficult road by way of 
Trenton and Frick's gap, a distance of thirty miles or more. By this 
movement, then, Bragg's left wing was cut off from his main army, and 
the Union army secured free communication with their secondary basis, 
Stevenson and Bridgeport. Steamers commenced plying immediately 
between these points and Kelly's ferry, occasionally extending their trips 
to Chattanooga. General Grant availed himself of this reopening of his 
communications, to urge forward, with all possible despatch, supplies from 
Nashville and Louisville, and guarded the long line from Louisville to 
Chattanooga with great care. On the 7th of October, Wheeler, the Rebel 
cavalry general, who had attempted to cut the railroad line between 
Nashville and Stevenson, had been terribly punished by General Crook, 
losing nearly two thousand of his men ; and on the 3d of November, a 
small guerrilla force, under Cooper, which had attempted a similar feat, 
had been defeated with very severe loss by Major Fitzgibbon, at Law- 
renceburg. 

General Sherman, in command of the army of the Tennessee, had 
essayed to come by way of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, rebuild- 
ing it as he moved, but finding that he would be subjected to constant 
delays, he crossed the Tennessee, and marched by the north bank to 
Stevenson, and about the middle of November the head of his column 
reached Chattanooga, though the entire army did not arrive there till 
about the 2 2d of the month. 



C43 THE CiriL WAR TN THE UNITED STATES. 

During the next three or four weeks, the two opposing commandera 
watched each other narrowly ; Grant was not disposed to move till his 
old command, the army of the Tennessee, then on its way, should arrive, 
and he could accumulate supplies sufficient to make a campaign prudent; 
and Bragg, though having a sufficient force, shrunk from attempting to 
assault Chattanooga, knowing that its great strength would render an 
assault perilous and probably unsucceseful. 

About the 12th of.November, General Bragg made the egregious blun- 
der of sending Longstreet with twenty thousand men, more than one 
fourth of his entire effective force, to attempt the recapture of East 
Tennessee. General Grant was immediately informed of this, and saw in 
it an opportunity to defeat both Bragg and Longstreet. He therefore 
instructed General Burnside, who was then in command in East Tennes- 
see, to lure Longstreet on, fighting moderately at each successive outpost, 
resisting with just sufficient strenuousness to secure Longstreet's advance, 
though delaying that advance as far as he could, and at la.st, falling back 
on Knoxville, to hold the Rebel general there for a i)rotracted siege, 
when the army at Chattanooga would break his communications with 
Bragg, defeat that general, and then send a force to Knoxville sufficient 
to compel Longstreet to raise the siege. General Burnside performed his 
part of the plan with admirable skill, paying no heed to the denunciations 
of the newspapers, at what they called his ignominious retreat. On the 
14th of November, when Longstreet attempted to cross the Little Tennes- 
see, Burnside resisted him, and drove back his advance about a mile. He 
then retreated to Marysville, and the Rebels followed. After a slight 
skirmish, Burnside again fell back to Lenoir station, where he made a 
stand, as if intending to hold the place, and repulsed three attacks of the 
Rebels on the 15th of November. The next morning, he withdrew to 
Campbell's station, and there fought them from noon until evening, push- 
ing his trains meanwhile into Knoxville, and ordering all hands to labor 
on the defences of the city. After the battle at Campbell's station, Burn- 
side again fell back, and after one more battle, retired in good order 
within the fortifications of Knoxville, which had by this time made 
considerable progress. On the ISth of November, Longstreet commenced 
the investment of the city, and Burnside immediately advised General 
Grant of the fact, who thereupon proceeded to execute his own portion of 
the programme. 

To understand fully what this was, we must describe, in a few words, 
tlie topography of the region in the immediate vicinity of Chattanooga. 
In front of the town, looking southward, stretches a considerable plain 
known as the Chattanooga valley, broken, however by two bluffs or hills, 
called the Bald Knobs, or collectively as Orchard Knob. On the right, 
the steep and frowning cliffs, half palisade, of Lookout mountain, towered 
up above the clouds, with Rebel batteries high up on the western slope, 



BRAGG'S MESSAGE TO GENERAL GRANT. €49 

and barricades and rifle-pits at Summertown, while on the summit, in a 
clear day, two sixty-four pounders could be discerned. On Bald Knobs, 
were stationed two batteries of considerable strength, connected with 
Lookout mountain on the west and Mission Ridge on the east by a line 
of rifle-pits. Just east of Chattanooga the Tennessee river, which, at the 
city, flows from east to west, turns northward, and leaves a considerable 
open valley, beyond the northern termination of Mission Ridge, through 
which the railroads to Knoxville and Atlanta pass. The ridge proper 
terminates at Tunnel hill, but an isolated knob, or hill, separated by a 
deep valley from Tunnel hill, forms a continuation of it toward the mouth 
of the West Chickamauga river. Over this isolated hill, the Rebels had 
erected a bastion of no great strength ; but on the brow of Tunnel hill, 
was Fort Buckner, a very strong earth and timber work ; and about a 
mile and a half below, still on the summit of the ridge, was Fort Bragg, 
nearly or quite as strong ; while still farther south, and but a short distance 
above the old Chickamauga battle-ground, was a third formidable earth- 
work. Fort Breckenridge. Fort Bragg was connected with the batteries 
on Orchard Knob by a line of rifle-pits, and the three forts, Buckner, 
Bragg, and Breckinridge, were protected from approach by two lines of 
rifle-pits, running parallel with the axis of the ridge, one near its base, the 
other about half-way up the western slope. The whole position was one 
of extraordinary strength, the only weak point being the separation of 
the Rebel left wing from the remainder of their force on Lookout moun- 
tain. Bragg had probably about sixty-five thousand effective troops at 
this time, and he felt so confident of his ability to defeat Grant, notwith- 
standing he had sent so large a contingent to East Tennessee, that on the 
21st of November, he sent a flag of truce to Chattanooga with the follow- 
ing message: 

" Humanity would suggest the removal of all non-combatants from the 
city, as I am about to bombard it. 

"Braxton- Bragg, Lieutenant- General 

General Grant made no reply, either verbal or written, to this message; 
yet within four days, the Rebel general had received an answer, which 
though hardly satisfactory, was certainly intelligible. Grant's plan con- 
templated four distinct movements, yet each in some sense depending upon 
the others ; they were, first, the capture of the Rebel works on Orchard 
Knob, as the central point from which he could move in either direction; 
second, the driving of the Rebel left wing from Lookout mountain, cap- 
turing their artillery and rifle-pits, and the use of the same force to attack 
Fort Breckinridge in rear ; third, a persistent and resolute demonstration 
from the north, on the bastion and Fort Buckner, such as should draw 
the Rebel troops on the crest, around Fort Bragg, to the assistance and 
support of the garrison of Buckner ; and lastly, when, by this demonstra- 



USD THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

tion, Fort Bragg was essentially weakened, then to hurl upon it a corps 
of picked troops, and drive the Rebels over the eastern slope of the moun- 
tain. The strategical ability manifested in this plan was of the highest 
order, and its successful accomplishment added new laurels to the rising 
fame of the able commander of the division of the Mississippi. 

The preparations had been made for crossing the Tennessee and West 
Chickamauga river, near its mouth, by pontoons, in order to attack the 
bastion already mentioned and Fort Buckner, on the 22d and the morn- 
ing of the 23d, and Sherman's two corps, (army of the Tennessee,) except 
one division, were designated for the work, but finding that the Rebel 
army was in motion. General Grant deemed it best to make his attack, 
or rather a reconnoissance in force, upon the enemy's centre, first. On 
Monday, November 23d, Fort Wood, the only Union work south of 
Chattanooga, opened with its heavy guns upon the Rebel line, and 
General Wood's division marched at a quickstep upon the enemy's posi- 
tion, and after a brief but severe action, charged upon their rifle-pits, 
carried them with a rush, taking two thousand prisoners, and capturing 
the two batteries on Bald Knobs. While Wood was fortifying and 
strengthening the position thus suddenly wrested from the enemy, Sheri- 
dan's division was sent to his support, and the eleventh corps captured the 
rifle-pits on Citico creek, thus giving to the Union army the command of 
almost the entire upper Chattanooga valley, and enabling them to pour 
an enfilading fire into the Rebel rifle-pits and forts on Mission Ridge. 

Let us turn now for a moment to Sherman's movements. The North 
Chickamauga creek, a small but partially navigable stream, flows into 
the Tennessee river about seven miles above Cliattanooga; into this 
stream one hundred and sixteen pontoon boats were launched, having 
been brought thither by a concealed road from Chattanooga. Three 
miles down the Tennessee, and just below the mouth of the West Chick- 
amauga river, which enters the Tennessee from the south, a site had beea 
chosen for a pontoon bridge, and an isolated hill there furnished a position 
for a formidable tele dejwnt, while the bend of the river, and the proximity 
of the hills to the north shore, at tliis point, permitted the planting of 
batteries, wliich could sweep both sides of the river, if the intended cross- 
ing was discovered. At one A. Jt. of the 24th of November, General 
Sherman's force of picked men, about three thousand in number, entered 
their pontoon boats and moved swiftly down, hugging closely the right 
bank of the Tennessee for three miles; then crossed, and landed a small 
force above the West Chickamauga, and the remainder just below it. 
Having discharged their living freight, the boats were rowed to the other 
shore, whither the main body of Sherman's army had marched, and where 
the bridge material had been concealed. Two divisions, with artillery, 
were at once ferried over by the boats, and the steamer Dunbar, which 
had been sent up from Chattanooga for that purpose, and by noon, a pon- 



HOOKER'S ATTACK ON LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN. 651 

toon bridge across the Tennessee, fourteen hundred feet long, and another 
across the West Chickamauga, two hundred feet long, were completed, 
and strong tetes de pont were erected, covering both bridges. The main 
body then proceeded to attack the Rebel position in the bastion on the 
isolated hill, of which we have already spoken. This was carried without 
much difficulty, the Eebels retreating to Fort Buckner, on Tunnel hill. 
The same afternoon, General Sherman, by direction of General Grant, 
despatched a strong cavalry force across the pontoon bridge over the 
West Chickamauga to Cleveland, to destroy the railroad, and the Rebel 
government stores, and manufactories there. They were snccessful in 
this expedition, and thus prevented Bragg and Longstreet from communi- 
cating with each other. The bastion on the isolated hill, (or rather hills, 
for there were three, connected by slight depressions, and forming almost a 
semicircle around Tunnel hill), having been occupied, and fortified, Sher- 
man's work for the day was done. 

Let us now see what Hooker had been doing during the day. General 
Grant had assigned to him the difficult task of dislodging the Rebel left 
wing from Lookout mountain. The position on that mountain was of 
great value to the Union army, and must be captured at all hazards, but 
it was, also, as valuable to the Rebels, and would undoubtedly be defended 
with great obstinacy. 

The Rebels occupied the west side, or slope of Lookout mountain in 
very strong force, and also the front or spur of the mountain. As we 
have elsewhere intimated, the descent of Lookout mountain is not a reg- 
ular slope from its summit to its base. The upper portion of the moun- 
tain, after twenty-five or thirty feet of descent, is a perpendicular wall of 
basalt, like the palisades on the Hudson, for some hundreds of feet ; below 
this wall, the descent is sloping, but rough and rocky. There are but 
three passes by which this wall of palisades can be crossed, one near the 
front or spur of the mountain, known as the Summertown road, which 
winds in zig-zags up the east side of the mountain, ascending the palisades 
by a steep declivity, and a narrow, tortuous, and rocky road ; a second 
by a gap, twenty miles south, near Trenton, which was held with strong 
works by the Rebels ; the third, nearly sixty miles from the river, at 
Valley Head. General Hooker's intention was to seize the Summertown 
road, and by so doing, gain possession of the mountain. 

By eight o'clock, General Hooker's column, consisting of one division 
of Slocum's corps, one of Sherman's (fourteenth corps), and two brigades 
from the fourth corps, was moving up Lookout valley, and to the sur- 
prise of the enemy on the point of the mountain, it disappeared in the 
forest south of Wauhatchie, but supposing he was intending to attempt the 
ascent of the mountain by the pass twenty miles below, which they knew 
to be well fortified, they gave themselves no uneasiness in regard to his 
'movements. Soon after entering the forest, the Union commander filed 



652 THE CIVIL TVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

his troops to the left, and commenced the difficult task of ascending the 
mountain. Meeting with no opposition, except that of inanim.ite nature, 
he was able to reach the palisades in a short time. Ilere he faced the 
head of his column northward, forming them in line of battle, with their 
right resting against the palisades, and their left extending down the slope. 
A second line was formed from the two brigades of the fourth corps, and 
a third, which was held in reserve, from the division from the fourteenth 
corps. ThvLS arranged, the troops were ordered forward, with a heavy 
line of skirmishers thrown out, and marching along the slope of the 
mountain, soon came upon the rear of the enemy, who, entirely unprepared 
for such a movement, were taken completely by surprise. Before those 
at the foot of the hill could comprehend the situation of affairs, the Union 
skirmishers had penetrated far toward the point of the mountain, and now 
opened a heavy fire upon the enemy, who were trying to escape up the 
hill, while the Union troops assaulted them from above. At the same 
time, the Union batteries on Moccasin Point, and those of the Rebels on 
Lookout mountain, opened on each other, and the day being misty and 
threatening rain, the base of the mountain was soon enveloped in clouds 
of smoke and fog, and the battle which followed was, most of it, fought 
" above the clouds." 

The Rebels taken, thus in flank and rear, made but little organized resist- 
ance, but their skirmishers for a long time kept up a heavy but irregular firci 
from behind trees and jutting rocks. They were, however, finally forced 
back by the heavy skirmish line under General Hooker, and the Rebel 
force on the point of the mountain gradually gave way, and fell back in 
some disorder to the line of breastworks on the east slope of the moun- 
tain, at Carlin's house. The Union troops then swung around until their 
line was parallel to that of the enemy, and again advanced, but being met 
by organized and well directed resistance, recoiled, and hesitated for a 
little time. Meanwhile, the reserves and the second line were gleaning a 
large harvest of prisoners, the movement around the spur of the mountain 
having been so rapid that the Rebel troops stationed at the foot of the 
mountain, and along the river, had had no time to escape. Thirteen hun- 
dred and sixty prisoners were captured here in a few minutes, and most 
of them provc<l to have been paroled unexchanged prisoners from Vicks- 
burg, who, through the bad faith of the Rebel Government, had been 
declared exchanged, without an equivalent, and put into the ranks 
again. 

The enemy on the east side of the mountain were posted in strong 
and deep rifle-pits, and behind them, to the right of Carlin's house, were 
posted two pieces of artillery. ITad the Rebels had the force which had 
been taken prisoners a few minutes before to aid them in maintaining this 
line, they would have probably been able to hold their position against 
Hooker's whole force ; but after a careful reconnoissance, General Hooker 



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THE EEBELS DRIVEN PROM THEIR POSITION. 653 

became satisfied that their line was very thin, and that under a systematic 
assault they would be compelled to break it at some point, and at once 
ordered a resolute advance. As he had foreseen, the Eebels were com- 
pelled to contract their line across the field, and in doing so, left their 
right flank exposed. The struggle v/hich followed was heavy and severe J 
for an hour and a half, from two to half-past three P. M., the fighting was very 
close, and almost entirely between man and man. The advance of Hook- 
er's troops was stubbornly resisted, but a little before four o'clock P. M., the 
general ascertained that they had been compelled from the lack of numbers 
to contract their line on the left also, and that some of his troops had 
effected a lodgement near their rifle-pits. Ordering a charge of the whole 
line at double-quickstep upon their left flank, he soon had the satisfaction 
of seeing them fall back, abandoning their rifle-pits, artillery, and position, 
but still retaining their hold upon the important Summertown road. 
A])parently repenting of their retreat, the Rebels now hastily reformed, 
and charging upon the Union lines, sought to regain their position before 
the Union troops could occupy fully their former position, or turn the 
I'-aptured guns upon them. They rushed forward at first with great vigor, 
but were soon halted by the terrible fire which was poured in upon them. 
They attempted to push forward again, but met with a resolute resistance, 
which would have repulsed them speedily, but for the fact that Hooker's 
men had nearly expended their ammunition. General Hooker, anticipa- 
ting this, had sent twice for a further supply, but owing to the difficulty 
of transportation across the pontoon bridges in the rain, it had failed to 
come. Just at the opportune moment, however, when his men werebegin- 
ing to fall out of the line for want of ammunition, a fresh brigade from 
the fourteenth corps, two thousand strong, marched up the hill, and rush- 
ing at once to the attack, repulsed the enemy in ten minutes. The Rebels 
now fell back, but still kept possession of the Summertown road. 

It was now night, but not content with what he had already gained, 
General Hooker pushed forward in the darkness, and after an hour's fight- 
ing, succeeded in intrenching himself within three hundred yards of the 
enemy's works on the Summertown road. Here the second Ohio rci- 
meut. Colonel Anson McCook's, which was in the advance, was suddenly 
and furiously attacked by the Rebel sharpshooters, as they were throwing- 
up a line of breastworks, but repulsed their assailants, though not witli- 
out suffering heavy losses. In the morning, General Hooker found that 
the Eebels had abandoned their position on the Summertown road, and 
on the summit of the mountain, and had escaped to Mission Ridge. The 
Union troops took possession at once of these positions, and the main 
body then moved down tlie eastern slope, by the Hickajack trace — the 
route which General Jackson followed in his campaign against the 
Cherokees — and crossing the Chattanooga cieek valley, ascended Mission 
Ridge, at a point nearly opposite the battle-field of Chickamauga. From 



651 THE CIYIL WAE IN THE UNITED STATES. 

thence they moved northward to Rossville, and to the summit of Mission 
Eidge, coming upon the rear of Fort Breckinridge, the southernmost of 
the three Rebel works still held by the Rebels. 

While he was thus moving upon the left flank of the Rebel army on 
the morning of the 25th of November, General Sherman was movins; for- 
ward to his allotted work of making a strong and persistent demonstration 
upon Fort Buckner. Sherman knew, what the newspaper correspondents 
did not, that this demonstration upon the Rebel fort, though long, contin- 
uous, and bloody, was not expected or intended to be pushed to the point 
of capture ; that its only intent was to make so strong a feint, as to draw 
thither a large portion of the troops from Fort Bragg, and thus weaken 
that stronghold, which, though larger, was weaker than Buckner, so that 
it could be carried by assault. The capture of this central fort would 
inevitably be followed by the abandonment of the other two, which might 
not be the case if either of the terminal ones were captured. But Sher- 
man had learned fully the soldier's lesson of obedience, and though it 
might bring temporary reproach, he did not hesitate in his fealty to his 
chief. 

We have already alluded to the semicircular form of the hill, or cluster 
of hills, on which his troops were posted, and which enabled him to send 
his assaulting columns either up the eastern or western slope of Tunnel 
hill. In the valley which lay between his position and Tunnel hill, was 
a railroad station, near which the Rebels had planted a strong force. 
These, by an artillery attack, as well as by a feint of attacking them on 
the right, he drew out of their position, and compelled to fall back to the 
ibrt on the hill. The first attack on Fort Buckner was made by Corse's and 
Lightburn's brigades of the fifteenth army corps, upon the left or eastern 
slope of Tunnel hill, and these brigades succeeded in reaching the plateau at 
the top of the hill, but there met a most destructive fire from the fort, before 
which they rapidly recoiled and fled. The enemy attempted pursuit, but 
the Union batteries having the exact range, rained such a tempest of shell 
upon them, that they were compelled to fall back into the fort for shelter. 
Meanwhile, another brigade was ascending the western slope of the hill, 
driving the Rebels from the outworks into the fort, and pursuing them 
with a pitiless rain of musket-balls and sliells. The brigades on the 
eastern slope, having sheltered themselves below the crest, and Smith's 
brigade having been added to their ranks, and the eleventh corps 
(Iloward's) advanced to the base of the hill to support them, moved for- 
ward again to attack the fort, and this time approached slowly, and in 
good order, within a hundred yards of it, only to be again forced back by 
the terrible blast of fire from the fort, and this time with Generals Corse 
and Smith among the wounded. General Lightburn reformed them below 
the crest, and ordered them to lie down and await the attack of the enemy, 
should he venture to make one. Sherman's batteries, meanwhile, and 



SHERMAN'S ATTACK UPON PORT BUCKNER. 655 

Thomas's, from Fort Wood and Orchard Knob, were showering their shot 
and shell upon Forts Buckner and Bragg, with great rapidity and effect. 

On the right, another brigade had moved forward, and after skirmishing 
for some time with the enemy, succeeded in gaining possession of an 
abrupt ledge of rocks, which, outcropping from the hill-side, afforded a 
secure position to an attacking column at a point not more than fifty 
yards from Fort Buckner, which was near the crest of the west side of the 
hill up which the brigade was now moving. They were soon after rein- 
forced by a second brigade, which reached the position without skirmish- 
ing. The enemy fearing their proximity, and finding themselves unable to 
reach them effectually with musketry, began to roll down huge stones from 
the crest of the mountain upon them. These novel missiles did consider- 
able damage, and annoyed the men so much that they demanded to be led 
against the enemy, but were met by so terrible a fire that they fell back 
to their ledge again in considerable disorder. Here they formed again, 
and lay down, waiting an attack from the enemy. 

On the left. General Sherman now sent two more regiments to reinforce 
the troops under Lightburn's command. On their approach the brigades 
sprang up and pushed on again toward the fort, while the supporting 
regiments toiled up, after them, and though met by a fiercer storm of shot 
and shell, of musket balls, and as they approached nearer of grape and 
canister, than before, they pushed forward, continuing their slow ascent for 
half an hour in the midst of this terrible fire, dashing forward and furi- 
ously upon the guns of the fort, and the flash of their guns meeting that 
of the enemy, but were hurled back, maddened with their failure. Our 
brigade, unable to endure this pitiless blast of fire, broke and rushed 
down the hill, but midway in their flight, an officer of another brigade 
sprang out in front of them, and shouted "Halt!" when instantly they 
stopped, wheeled in order at the word of command, and marched up the 
hill again, as steadily as if they had never faltered. On they went, sternly 
and grandly, drawing down the visors of their caps over their eyes, 
as if to shield them from the fearful flame that was sweeping their ranks 
down. It was but fifty yards, but they found the distance long, and yet 
seemed just on the point of winning, when the Eebel General Buckner, 
fearing for the fate of the fort, brought up a large reinforcement from Fort 
Bragg, and coming upon them at the double-quick, drove them hastily 
back, though without disorder or panic. Pushing on to the east side of 
the hill, the Eebels were met by Lightburn's force, and driven back to the 
fort. The object of the demonstration had been accomplished; nearly 
one half of the troops around Fort Bragg had been drawn by Sherman's 
persistence, to Fort Buckner, and while Sherman ordered Lightburn to 
intrench and go into position, the six guns, fired at intervals of two 
seconds, the signal for the starting of the fourth corps to assault Fort 
Bragg, had already been heard, and the men who, in their forced idleness 



65G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

had been restless as hounds straining at their leash, sprang at once into 
position, and in another minute were marching rapidly toward Fort 
Bragg. The distance from Orchard Knob, where the fourth corps had lain 
perdu all day, to the base of Mission Eidge, was a mile and a half, a route 
" with narrow fringes of woods, rough valleys, sweeps of open fields, 
rocky acclivities, to the base of the ridge, and no foot in all the breadth 
withdrawn from Rebel sight. The base attained, what then ? A heavy 
Rebel work packed with the enemy, rimming it like a battlement. That 
work carried, and what then? A hill, struggling up out of the valley 
four hundred feet, rained on by bullets, swept by shot and shell ; another 
line of works, and then up like a Gothic roof, rough with rocks, a wreck 
with fallen trees, four hundred more, another ring of fire and iron, and 
then the crest, and then the enemy." The hill was one almost inaccessible 
to the tourist, who, struggling upward, panting and breathless, found it.') 
precipitous sides too steep for his climbing, where no rocks, no steady 
blaze of shot and shell and minie balls, made the ascent more impossible; 
how then could these brave soldiers climb it with their muskets and 
knapsacks, amid a fire whose terrors have hardly been equalled during 
the war? 

They did not, however, stay for impossibilities. The mile and a half 
to the base was made in thirty minutes, and though the dead and wounded 
were numerous, there were no stragglers. From six Union batteries, 
Forts Wood and Negley, Forts Palmer and King, Bridge's battery on 
Orchard Knob, and the heavy siege guns on Moccasin Point, a steady 
bombardment was kept up on Fort Bragg, which replied stoutly so long 
as its shot could reach the assaulting column. 

The rifle-pits at the base were reached, and taken instantly, the Rebel 
prisoners streaming out from the rear like the tail of a kite; and giving 
no further heed to them, since the fire of their own forts would drive 
them disarmed to a Union shelter, the daring troops went on, up, up, four 
hundred feet, to the second line of rifle-pits, from which, with a suddenness 
which would have been ludicrous, had not the occasion been too serious 
ibr laughter, they jerked the Rebels out of these also, and sent them flying 
down the hill, and addressed themselves to the mighty task yet before 
them. Hitherto, from that crest, thirteen batteries, numbering sixty guns, 
liad poured their concentrated fire upon the assaulting columns, but now 
the ascent was so steep that the guns could not be sufficiently depressed 
to reach them. The Rebels did not believe it possible for them to ascend 
this part of the ridge, but to make that more impossible which they already 
believed to be completely so, they directed a steady and continuous mus- 
ketry fire upon them, rolled down huge rocks, and shells witli lighted 
fuse upon them, and ranging themselves along the edge of the crest, pre- 
pared to hurl to sudden destruction the score or so who they thought 
might probably gain its verge. 



OPERATIONS BEFORE KNOXVILLE. 



657 



But the heroes of the fourth corps struggled upward amid the thick 
falling leaden hail, the shells, and the rolling stones, now steadying them- 
selves for a new effort, by the limb of some fallen tree, or the angle of 
a projecting rock, but ever upward, upward still, till at last, panting with 
the exertion, the edge of the crest is reached, and with a mighty struggle, 
tlie level is gained. Here for a few minutes the fighting was sharp, for a 
part of the Kebels, veteran troops, stood at bay, like gray wolves; but 
soon they began to fly down the eastern "slope of the ridge, and Bragg, 
Breckinridge, and Buckner, spurring their horses to the utmost, and 
barely escaping capture, pushed down the mountain to Chickamauga sta- 
tion. The cannon were seized, and turned on the retreating foe, but it 
was already night, and further pursuit was relinquished till morning. 
Meanwhile, Fort Buckner had been captured by Palmer's column imme- 
diately after the fate of Fort Bragg was decided ; and General Hooker's 
command had driven the Rebels out of Fort Breckinridge. Early in the 
morning the pursuit was resumed, with three army corps, headed by 
Sherman, Hooker, Howard, and Palmer, the first named in chief com- 
mand. They reached Chickamauga station, from whence the Rebels were 
already retreating, and captured there some of the commissary stores 
whicli the enemy had not had time to destroy; they overtook them on 
Pigeon Ridge, and drove them thence, routed them at Grayville where they 
attempted to bivouac, pushed them the next morning to and through Ring- 
gold, and into Ringgold gap, a narrow defile through Taylor's Ridge, 
where they made a stand, and General Hooker rashly attacking them in 
front, met with terrible losses, but finally carried the defile, and captured' 
three hundred prisoners. The loss of Hooker's command hei"e was 
heavier than in the capture of Lookout mountain. 

The eleventh corps, meanwhile, crossing Taylor's Ridge by Parker's 
gap, below Ringgold, pushed forward to the Cleveland and Dalton railroad, 
;it Red Clay station, and thoroughly destroyed the road for several miles, 
thus preventing the junction of Longstreet and Bragg by that route. 
They also captured about a thousand prisoners. Meantime, the siege of 
Knoxville was pressed with ardor by Longstreet ; and Burnside, who had 
had the misfortune, just -before the siege commenced, to lose, by the .in- 
efficiency of the regimental commanders, a considerable portion of his 
cavalry, and supply trains of great value, found himself in close quarters. 
On the 18th of November, he was obliged to put his troops upon half 
rations. The defences of Knoxville, by almost incredible labor, under the 
superintendence of Colonel Poe, chief engineer of his staff, had been 
strengthened so as to be nearly impregnable. A battle of considerable 
severity had been fought on the 18th of November, at Armstrong's farm, 
in which General Sanders, a young Union ofl&cer of much promise, had 
been mortally wounded, and the Union troops had lost about one hundred 
42 



658 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and fifty in killed and wounded, but the Union force fell back in good 
order behind their second line of defences. 

Longstreet was poorly supplied with artillery, and hence, though the 
investment was complete, the siege was not so severe as it otherwise might 
have been. Several sorties were made by the besieged, and most of them 
were successful. On the 26th of November, ,the day after his defeat. 
General Bragg sent orders to General Longstreet to abandon the siege, 
and join him, but Longstreet, sanguine of capturing Knoxville, declined 
to obey. He could not, probably, have succeeded in effecting a junction 
with Bragg, had he attempted it, lor the communications were broken, 
and Sherman was in his way. On the evening of the 27th of November, 
General Grant, who had previously ordered General Gordon Granger, 
with the fourth corps, to go to Knoxville to raise the siege, but had been 
met with hesitation, objections, and complaints," ordered General Sherman 
to take his own old corps, (the fifteenth,) together with the f(;urth and 
eleventh, and making a forced march, relieve Burnsidc. The fifteenth 
corps might well have complained of the hardship, for they had marched 
with great rapidity from Vicksburg, and with their shoes and clothing 
badly worn, and without a day's rest, had fout;ht the severe battles of the 
23d to the 25th of November; and now still without rest, in winter, amid 
snow and deep mud, with but a scanty and ill supplied commissariat, they 
were required to make a forced march of about one hundred and thirty 
miles. But the filteenth corps and its comnuuider were inured, to hard- 
ship, and no complaint was uttered by them. Starting at early dawn of 
the 28th of November, Sherman's cavalry reached Knoxville on ll)e even- 
ing of the 3d of December, and his main column came up on the -ith, 
when Longstreet abandoned the siege, and hastily retreated toward Vir- 
ginia, but took a strong position at Bean's station, and fortified it, await- 
ing an attack. A sharp fight ensued between General Shacklelbrd, who 
commanded the Union advance, and the Kebels, though without any very 
decisive result. Shackleford lost about two hundred men, and a part of 
his train, and LoQgstreet about eight hundred. The next day Long.street 
retreated to liogersville, and remained there, for several weeks, his men 
being generally barefoot, and unable to move on the rough and icy roads 
of that region during the winter months. Leaving the fourth corps at 
Knoxville to strengthen the garrison, General Sherman returned with the 
eleventh and fifteenth corps to Chattanooga. 

The Union losses in the Chattanooga campaign, including the relief of 
Knoxville, were seven hundred and fifty-seven killed, four thousand five 
hundred and twenty-nine wounded, and three hundred and thirty missing: 
total, five thousand six hundred and sixteen. The number of Rebels 
killed and wounded were above six thousand, and they lost beside, six 
thousand one hundred and forty-two prisoners unwounded, as well as four 
thousand wounded prisoners, more than sixty pieces of artillery, and a 



OBNERAL HALLECK'S ESTIMATE OF THE CAMPAIGN. 659 

large train. At the close of this campaign, General Grant issued the fol- 
lowing congratulatory order to the troops under his command : 

" Headquarters Military Division of the Mississippi, in the Field, 
" Chattanooga, Tennessee, December 10, 1863. 

" General Orders No. 9. — The general commanding takes this oppor- 
tunity of returning his sincere thanlcs and congratulations to the brave 
armies of the Cumberland, the Ohio, the Tennessee, and their comrades 
from the Potomac, for the recent splendid and decisive successes achieved 
over the enemy. In a short time you have recovered from him the 
control of the Tennessee river from Bridgeport to Knoxville. You dis- 
lodged him from his great stronghold upon Lookout mountain, drove 
him from Chattanooga valley, wrested from his determined grasp the 
possession of Mission Ridge, repelled with heavy loss to him, his repeated 
assaults upon Knoxville, forcing him to raise the siege there, driving him 
at all points, utterly routed and discomfited, beyond the limits of the 
State. By your noble heroism and determined courage, you have most 
effectually defeated the plans of the enemy for regaining possession of 
the States of Kentucky and Tennessee. You have secured positions from 
which no rebellious power can drive or dislodge you. For all this, the 
general commanding thanks you collectively and individually. The loyal 
people of the United States thank and bless you. Their hopes and prayers 
for your success against this unholy rebellion are with you daily. Their 
faith in you will not be in vain. Their hopes will not be blasted. Their 
prayers to Almighty God will be answered. You will yet go to other 
fields of strife ; and with the invincible bravery and unflinching loyalty 
to justice and right which have characterized you in the past, you will 
prove that no enemy can withstand you, and that no defences, however 
formidable, can check your onward march. 

" By order of Major-General U. S. Grant. 

"T. S. Bowers, A. A. G:' 

Of the battles around Chattanooga, General Halleck said in his report: 
" Considering the strength of the Rebel position, and the difficulty of 
storming his intrenchments, the battle of Chattanooga must be considered' 
the most remarkable in history. Not only did the officers and men ex- 
hibit great skill and daring in their operations on the field, but the 
highest praise is due to the commanding general for his admirable dispo- 
sitions for dislodging the enemy from a position apparently impregnable. 
Moreover, by turning his right flank, and throwing him back upon Ring- 
gold and Dalton, Sherman's forces were interposed between Bragg and 
Longstreet, so as to prevent anv possibility of their forming a junction." 



660 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LIV. 

DEPARTMENT OK THK NORTIIWKST — INDIAN TROUBLES IN MINNESOTA — DEATH OF LITTLE 
TROW — GENERAL SIBLEY'S EXPEDITION AGAINST THE INDIANS — HK DEFEATS, PURSUES, 
AND ROUTES THEM — OEN'ERAL SULLY's BATTLE AT WHITESTONE IIILI. — ESCAPE OF THK 
INDIANS — GENERAL CONNEk's BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS — DEPARTMENT OF WEST VIRGINIA 
— GENERAL AVErKLl/s RAID INTO SOUTHWESTERN TIROLMA — HIS CAPTURE AT SALEM 
AND DESTRUCTION OF COMMISSARY AND QUAKTEKM ASTERS' STORES — HIS ESCAPE FROM TUB 
SIX GENERALS — SKETCH OF GENERAL ATERELL — OTHER OPERATIONS IN WEST VIRGINIA — 
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — LEE's FLANKING MOVEMENT^ — ITS EXTENT — GENERAL MKADE's 
EXCESSIVE CAUTION — THE CAVALRY BATTLE AT BRANDY STATION — GENERAL WARREn'S 
BATTLE WITH HILL's CORPS AT BRISTOW STATION — HILL REPULSED — CVSTEr's ATTACK ON 

Stuart's CAVALRY — lee's return to the rapidan — imboden's attack on charlestown, 

VIRGINIA^ — LEE removes TO THE li APPAHAXNOCK AND FORTIFIES HIS I'OSITION — MEADE 
drives him back, taking OVER TWO THOUSAND PRISONERS — SEDGWICK'S ASSAULT AI 
RAPPAHANNOCK STATION — ITS SUCCESS — THE LEFT WING AT KELLY's FORD AMD 
BRANDY STATION — MEADtl's COXip-de-main — HIS PLANS UNMASKED — HIS WITHDRAWAL 
ACROSS THE RAPIDAN — RESULTS. 

In the Department of the Northwest, the summer of 1863, though hap- 
pily unsullied by any massacres like the atrocious slaughter of 1862, ■was 
not wholly free from Indian disturbances. Little Crow, the wily and 
daring leader of the Sioux in their deeds of blood in 1862, had, during 
the winter, visited the British settlements, and endeavored to obtain from 
the authorities there, arms, ammunition, and provisions, in large quanti- 
ties. Ue failed in this, but secured from some of the traders a moderate 
supply of powder and fire-arms, and gathered, in May and the early part 
of June, a large force of Indians at Miniwakan, or Devil's Lake, in Dakota 
Territory, five hundred miles northwest from St. Paul. He had sent also 
in April, May, and June, small bands of Indians, a half dozen or dozen 
together, to penetrate into Minnesota, and rob, murder, steal horses, and 
other valuables. S'everal of these bands had succeeded in eluding the 
frontier guard of over two thousand men, which had been stationed along 
the western line of Minnesota, and had succeeded in murdering twenty- 
five or thirty persons, though full half the number of Indians had met 
their death at the hands of the settlers. In the latter part of June, from 
some unexplained cause, Little Crow, taking one of his sons with him, 
left the Indian camp, and made his way into Minnesota .to sieal horses. 
About the first of July, he was in the vicinity of Hutchinson, Minnesota, 
and Mr. Chauncy Lampson and his son, who were out hunting, observed 
them prowling about, and evidently bent on mi.schief Tliey were nearly 
six miles from the town. Mr. Lampson fired upon them, and the elder 
Indian fired in return, wounding Mr. Lampson, when young Lampson 
fired and instantly killed Little Crow, but his son made his escape. Neither 



THE INDIAN TROUBLIOS IN THE NORTHWEST. 



661 



of the Lampsons had an idea that it was the famous Indian chief whom 
they had killed, and the fact was not known till nearly a month later, 
when the boy being captured, related the circumstances of his father's 
death, and the body was identified. General Pope, who was in command 
of the Department of the Northwest, sent General Sibley, early in June, 
with a force of about two thousand five hundred men, to Lake Miniwa- 
kan, to attack the Indians who had gathered there ; and ordered General 
Sully to start, about the same tinne, with a large cavalry force, to ascend 
the Missouri river if possible as high as Fort Clark, and co-operate with 
him in cutting off the retreat of the Indians. . Owing to several causes 
the two forces did not connect, and on the 25th of July, General Sibley 
met the Indians, who had abandoned their position at Lake Miniwakan 
and had marched toward the Missouri river, and encamped on the 
lofty plateau extending eastward from the bank of that river, known as 
Coteau de la Missouri. General Sibley attacked them at once, and fought 
and pursued them for four days, opening on them with his artillery at 
every point where they made a stand. There were foar distinct engage- 
ments during these four days, at Big Mound, Dead Buffalo Lake, Stony 
Lake, and the banks of the Missouri. In these, sixty or seventy Indians 
were killed, and over one hundred wounded. General Sibley lost five 
killed and four wounded. On the 3d of September, General Sully met 
and defeated a large Indian force at Whitestone Hill, one hundred and 
thirty miles northeast of the mouth of the Little Cheyenne. A part of 
these had participated in the previous engagements with General Sibley. 
The battle was a very severe one, though occurring near nightfall, the 
Indians fighting with much greater tenacity than usual for them. They 
lost several hundred in killed and wounded, and one hundred and fifty-six. 
were taken prisoners. General Sully's loss was twenty killed and thirty- 
eight wounded. It was ascertained that in August, 1863, these Indians 
had attacked a Mackinaw boat, coming down the Missouri river, and after 
fighting with its crew all day, losing themselves niuety-one killed and 
many wounded, had succeeded in killing all on board, about thirty. The 
Indians finding themselves thoroughly defeated, fled across the Missouri, 
and a part of them took refuge in Idaho (now Montana) Territory. Late 
in the autumn they were guilty of some outrages in that Territory, which 
were summarily punished by General Conner, who was in command in 
the Pacific department. General Conner had, on the 26th of January, 1863, 
overtaken at Bear river, Idaho Territory, a band of about three hundred 
roving Indians, who had committed thefts and murders on the overland 
stage route, and attacking them with great fury, had killed two hundred 
and twenty-four out of the three hundred, and captured one hundred and 
seventy-five of their horses. His own loss in killed and wounded was- 
sixty-three, beside a considerable number injured by the extreme frost. 
Returning from this distant portion of the continent, let us pass briefly 



G62 'I'HE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

in review some of the movements in the southwestern portion of Virginia, 
included within the not very definitely determined bounds of the Depart- 
ment of West Virginia. 

After Lougstreet had relinquished the siege of Knoxville, and fallen 
back on Rogersville, as recorded in the preceding chapter, it became de- 
sirable to prevent his rejoining Lee. (lie could not make his way to 
Bragg, or rather to Johnston, who had succeeded Bragg.) Accordingly, 
General Averell, one of the ablest cavalry ofl&cers of the army, was ordered 
to penetrate to the Virginia and Tennessee railroad, east of Longstreet's 
position, and by destroying the railroad, and burning the commissary and 
quartermasters' stores gathered along its route, prevent Longstreet from 
advancing into Virginia by that route. The service was a dangerous one, 
for the Rebels had in the valleys of southwestern Virginia five or six of 
their generals, in command of small forces, half guerrillas, thoroughlv 
familiar with the very difficult country, who would at once be on the alert 
to entrap any Union force which might penetrate into their region. But 
General Averell was too energetic a partisan officer to hesitate before any 
such dangers. He set out on the 8th of December, with three regiments 
of mounted infantry, one and a half of cavalry, and Ewing's battery, and 
on the 16th of that month had penetrated to Salem, an important station 
on the Virginia and Tennessee railroad. Here he broke up and com- 
pletely destroyed fifteen miles "of the railroad, burned five bridges, and 
broke down several culverts, cut and coiled the telegraph wires for half 
a mile, burned three depots of Rebel stores, containing one hundred thou- 
sand bushels of corn, fifty thousand bushels of oats, ten thousand bushels 
of wheat, two thousand barrels of flour, two thousand barrels of meal, 
several cords of leather, one thousand sacks of salt, thirty -one boxes of 
clothing, twenty bales of cotton, and a very large quantity of harnes.i, 
shoes, saddles, equipments, and other stores, and one hundred wagons, 
which had been sent forward for Long.street's troops. He was obliged 
on his return to swim his command, and drag his artillery with ropes 
across Grog's creek, seven times in twenty-four hours. 

On his return, he found the Rebels of six separate commands, under 
Generals Earl}', Jones, Fitzhugh Lee, Imboden, Jackson, and Echols, 
arranged in a line extending from Staunton to Newport, on all the avail- 
able roads, to intercept him ; but he captured a despatch from General 
Jones to General Earty, giving him his position, and that of Jackson, 
at Clifton Forge, and marching from Jones's front to Jackson's by night, 
he crossed the river, and pressing in his outposts passed him. Infuriated 
at his escape, the Rebel generals concentrated their forces in advance of 
him, at a place called Callaghan's, where they held every road but one, 
which they deemed impracticable. Over that one he escaped, crossing 
the summit of the Alleghanies, and reached Beverly on the 2l8t of De- 
cember. He stated in his report that his command had marched, climbed, 



SKETCH OP GENERAL AVERELL. 663 

slid, and swam, three hundred and fifty-five miles in thirteen days. His 
losses were six drowned, five wounded, and fourteen missing. He cap- 
tured and brought in two hundred prisoners, and one hundred and fifty 
horses. The men suffered much from cold and hunger, but endured all 
with great fortitude. The raid was one of the rnost daring and successful 
of the war. 

Brevet Major-General William W. Averell, the leader in this brilliant 
cavalry exploit, was born in New York, about 1834, and received a good 
education, in the academies of New York city. He entered West Point in 
1851, and graduated, with a fair standing, in June, 1855 ; was appointed 
brevet second lieutenant of cavalry, and assigned to the mounted rifles, 
now third cavalry. On the 1st of May, 1856, he was promoted to a full 
second lieutenancy, and ordered to service in the southwestern territories. 
He was on duty in New Mexico from that time to the commencement of 
the war, and distinguished himself in several conflicts with the Kioway 
and Navajoe Indians. Eeturning east in the spring of 1861, he was 
promoted to be first lieutenant in May of that year, and received leave 
of absence to enable liim to take command of the third Pennsylvania 
volunteer cavalry. He joined the army of the Potomac with this regi- 
ment, and distinguished himself before Yorktown, at Williamsburg, and 
at Malvern Hill, and received the brevets of captain and major in the 
regular army for his gallant conduct. He was soon after placed tempo- 
rarily in command of the cavalry of the army of the Potomac, by General 
McClellan. In July, 1862, he was promoted to the rank of captain in 
the regular army; and, as acting brigadier-general of cavalry, wa.s active 
in the latter part of Pope's campaign, and rendered valuable service in 
the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. For his good conduct in 
this campaign he was made brigadier-general of volunteers, his commis- 
sion dating from September 26th, 1862. He commanded a brigade of 
cavalry during the operations of the cavalry under General Pleasonton 
in the autumn and early winter of 1862-3, and in February, 1863, was 
appointed to the command of one of the divisions in Stoneman's cavalry 
corps. In March, 1863, he engaged the Kebels at Kelly's ford. He took 
part, though with no great distinction, in Stoneman's raid in April and 
May, 1863, and was soon after appointed to a command in Western Vir- 
ginia. The opportunities for distinction here were not numerous, but he 
kept the Rebels thoroughly in check. His first opportunity for a brilliant 
achievement was the raid we have described. In the spring of 1864 he 
took part with General Crook in a brilliant movement on the Eebel forces 
in southwestern Virginia, from the Ohio river ; joined Hunter in June, and' 
was engaged with his cavalry in the subsequent actions of the Shenan- 
doah valley; led one wing of Sheridan's army at Winchester and Fisher's 
Hill ; and on the 2-lth of September was relieved of his command in^ 
the army of the Shenandoah, and subsequently held no command. He 



664 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

had been promoted to the brevet rank of major-general for hia gallant 
conduct in the raid described in this chapter. 

Tlie army of West Virginia had, during the preceding summer and 
autumn, several skirmishes and affairs with the Kebels, which should per- 
hai)s have received a passing notice. A small force, under Colonel 
Tolaud, had captured the Rebel garrison at Wytheville, West Virginia, 
on the 24:th of July, taking one hundred and twenty-five prisoners, two 
pieces of artillery, and seven hundred muskets, and inflicting a loss of 
seventy-five in killed and wounded, while their own losses had been only 
seventeen killed and eighteen wounded. In August, General Averell had 
attacked a Rebel force, under General Sam Jones, at Rocky gap, Green- 
brier county, and captured one piece of artillery and one hundred and 
fifty prisoners, killing and wounding, at the same time, about two hun- 
dred. His own loss was one hundred and thirty killed, wounded, and 
missing. On the 11th of September, the Rebel General Imboden had 
returned the compliment by attacking, with a large force, a small body 
of Union troops near Moorefield, wounding fifteen, and capturing one 
hundred and fifty. On the 5th of November, General Averell avenged 
this by attacking and defeating a Rebel force near Lewisburg, capturing 
three pieces of artillery, one hundred prisoners, and a large number of 
arms, wagons, and camp equipments, and inflicting a loss of three hun- 
dred in killed and wounded. 

The hostile armies in eastern Virginia, after the battles of Gettysburg 
and the retreat and pursuit, had occupied for several months positions 
facing each other on the opposite banks of the Rapidan. The Union 
forces extended along the Orange and Alexandria railroad, from the vicin- 
ity of Culpei)per to the neighborhood of Raccoon ford, and held possession, 
also, of Thoroughfare mountain, on the south side of the Rapidan, which 
they occcupicd as a signal station. The Rebel forces occupied the south 
bank of the Rapidan, and the wooded country back of it, from Germania 
ford to United States fonl, having their headquarters at Chancellorsville. 

The Rebels had the advantage of the Union army, in being better able 
to conceal their movements; the high, steep, and wooded southern bank 
of the Rapidan hiding from view their evolutions in rear, while they 
could easily overlook the changes in position of the Union army. 

Both armies, as we have seen, had sent large contingents, not less than 
twenty thousand men each, to reinforce their respective armies near 
Chattanooga ; but the Union army was now considerably the larger of 
tlie two. General Meade had been for some time maturing the details of 
a movement to compel Lee to relinquish the strong position which he 
held, when he found that his antagonist had anticipated him, and was 
already executing a Hank movement which would compel him to foil back 
to the vicinity of Manassas Junction. 

The motive which led General Lee to attempt this piece of strategy is 



L 



FLANKING MOVEMENT OF LEE'S ARMY. 665 

somewhat obscure. The most probable explanation is that w.hich sup 
poses that his object was to so thoroughly cripple the Union army, and 
destroy its communications with its base, that it would not be able to 
threaten Richmond, or molest him, should he find it necessary to send 
further reinforcements to Bragg. If this was his object he did not accom- 
plish it, and his effort was a costly failure. 

The Rebel advance was made with great caution and secrecy, the object 
of Lee being to move behind the high bank of the'Rapidan, and while 
deceiving the Union army by maintaining a strong picket-line, and the 
usual number of camp-fires in their front, to pass westward beyond Orange 
Court House, to and beyond Burnett's ford, and crossing the Rapidan in 
that vicinity, move northward to Madison Court House, Sperryville, and 
Little Washington ; then marching rapidly eastward from that point, to 
strike the Union army on its right flank, and if possible pass to its rear, 
and cat off its communications with the capital, 

On the 8th of October, Heth's and Anderson's divisions, of A. P. Hill's 
corps, were moved beyond Orange Court House by this route, and the 
remainder of that corps followed the next morning ; while Ewell's corps, 
which had previously been moved by a road farther south, joined it, and • 
both marched, on the 9th, directly for Madison Court House. 

But stealth}' and secret as these movements had been, the Union signal 
officers on Thoroughfare mountain had observed them, and telegraphed, 
on the 9th, that two immense columns of Rebel troops were moving on 
the Orange and Gordonsville roads, and threatened to flank the right 
wing of the Union army. General Meade, satisfied that in case of danger 
he had the interior line, and could outmarch the foe, devoted Satui-day, 
October 10th, to cavalry reconnoissances, to ascertain whether it was any 
thing more than a cavalry raid, and by a vigorous demonstration upon 
the Rebel lines, sought 'to compel them to recall a part, at least, of their 
troops which had already crossed the Rapidan. Kilpatrick, with his 
division of cavalry, skirmished with and threatened them at James City, 
near Robertson's river, and fell back very slowly toward Culpepper when 
pursued by the enemy, thus obstructing their progress. The first and 
sixth corps, with two divisions from the other corps, moved toward the 
Rapidan, demonstrated at all the fords, as if intending to cross imme- 
diately, while Buford, with his cavalry division, hovered around the Union 
right wing at Germania ford. The Rebels were thus compelled to recall 
Ewell's corps to the south of the Rapidan. Meanwhile, Meade had des- 
patched his trains, under Pleasonton's escort, across the Rappahannock, 
covering their movement by the second and third corps, -which were ordered 
to support Kilpatrick, and were in position between the enemy and Cul- 
pepper. Gregg's division of cavalry came up, by forced marches, on 
Saturday, and on the evening of that day, Meade had a powerful cavalry 



666 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

force, commanded by gallant and able officers, in a position to fight the 
enemy eftectively. 

At two A. M. Sunday morning, October 11th, the entire infantry force 
of five corps commenced falling back to the Eappahannock; the first and 
sixth moving from the Rapidan, the second and third coming from their 
position west of Culpepper, and the fil'th bringing up tlie rear. Gregg and 
Kilpatrick covered their retreat, hovering on each wing, while Buford re- 
mained near Germania ford to delay the passage of the Rebels. Gregg, 
whose route lay east of that of the army, met with no enemy on his line 
of march, but Kilpatrick was pressed closely by the Rebel cavalry under 
General Stuart, who annoyed him continually, during the morning, by his 
well directed fire. Having crossed Mountain Run about noon, he sup- 
posed himself free from further annoyance, and hearing heavy firing in 
•the direction of Germania ford, he sent some of his staff" to open communi- 
cation with Buford, who, he feared, was struggling with a superior force, 
His messengers returned, reporting Buford as doing well, and that a 
junction of the cavalry and infantry was to be effected before night at 
Brandy station. Thither he marched leisurely with his force, anticipating 
no further op^josition ; but on reaching the hill south of tlie station, lie 
discovered that a division or more of the Rebel cavalry had slipped in be- 
tween him and Buford, and were now strongly posted, and awaiting his 
approach, while other divisions were gathering on his flanks and rear. 
They were drawn up across the road in companies, twelve platoons deep, 
with supporting regiments on either side. Nothing daunted, he formed 
his men in three columns for a charge, and placing himself at their head, 
charged upon the enemy with the utmost fury, shooting, sabreing, and 
tram]5ling them down. Unable to stand before such an a.ssault, the Rebels 
gave way in terror, and Kilpatrick's men passed through with but small 
loss, tliough they had inflicted a heavy .one upon the enemy, and reached 
Buford's troops on the hill beyond. The Rebels, mortified that they had 
suffered their prey to escape them so easily, formed again instantly, and 
attacked the Union cavalry, but they were outmatched, and after a despe- 
eate fight, lasting till long after nightfall, the foe, tired and exhausted by 
his efforts, which all ended in his repulse, fell back sullenly, and ceased 
his attacks; while the Union troops, gathering up tlieir dead and wounded, 
withdrew quietly across the Rappahannock, whither the infantry had 
preceded them. 

On Monday, General Meade, still in doubt as to the extent of the Rebel 
movement, with a hesitation which had well nigh proved fatal to his army, 
determined to send the second, third, and sixth corps, who had already 
crossed the Rappahannock, back to Brandy station, on a reconnoissance 
in force; and .sent also, two or three regiments to Jeff'ersonton and Little 
Washington, to observe the position of the enemy in that direction. These 
, regiments met the enemy in greatly superior force, and were surrounded, 



MOVEMENTS OF THE JJNION AND REBEL ARMIES. 667 

but cut their way through and escaped, though not without heavy loss. 
The three corps found also, that the Rebels wei'e moving in great force 
west of them, and the only result of this delay was to give the enemy the 
advantage of a day or more in his flanking movement. 

Satisfied, at last, that Lee was moving his entire army in this effort to 
flank him, General Meade now exerted himself to the utmost to prevent 
the Rebel general from accomplishing his object. The Rebels were mov- 
ing from Madison Court House in two columns, toward Warrenton; one 
by way of Culpepper, the other by way of Sperryville. Ewell's column, 
the right, passed through Warrenton on the night of the 13th of October. 
Meade's army, on the night of the 12th, was posted as follows : The first 
corps, at Kelly's ford; the second, fifth, an J sixth, near Brandy station; 
the third, at Freeman's ford ; Buford's cavalry, at Brandy station ; Gregg's, 
. at Fayetteville ; Kilpatrick's, near Hartwood ; and Pleasonton's, with the 
trains, toward Bristow station. The actual distance to be passed over in a 
direct line by the Rebels, to reach the heights around Centreville, was 
considerably less than that to be traversed by the Union troops, but they 
were necessitated to use by-roads, and those which impeded their march. 
The race was, however, very close and exciting, and the more so, from 
the fact that neither army could ascertain what progress the other had 
made. Lee, finding that General Meade was fully informed of his move- 
ments, and ready to meet them, changed his tactics, and sent Hill's corps, 
in light marching order, to gain, by forced marches, the heights of Centre- 
ville in advance of the Union army, while Ewell's corps should harass 
their flank and rear. 

The marching on both sides was rapid and resolute, and in the space 
passed by infantry troops in two days, has been rarely equalled; but the 
Union army won. On Wednesday morning, October lith, Meade's entire 
army crossed Cedar Run at Auburn, the second corps (Warren's) bringing up 
the rear and protecting the corps trains. At this point, Ewell's advance 
approached, and commenced annoying Warren's rear, and from this point 
to Bristow station, his rear-guard was constantly skirmishing with Ewell, 
and by various tactical manoeuvres, delaying his progress. At noon, War- 
ren passed Catlett's station, and at forty -five minutes past two, entered the 
village of Bristow station, seven miles distant. Here he found Hill's corps 
drawn up in line of battle. Hill had crossed from Greenwich to Bristow, 
believing that he should strike the head of Meade's army, but all had 
passed save the rear corps. 

General Hill was familiar with the ground at Bristow station, but, by a 
strange oversight, he had formed his troops in a column perpendicular to 
the railroad, and had not taken possession of the railroad cut and embank- 
ment. General Warren, coming up on the quickstep, and being saluted 
as he approached, by a heavy fire from the enemy, comprehended the po- 
sition at a glance, saw Hill's blunder, and jumping his men into these 



668 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ready made breastworks, poured almost instantly a terrible musketry fire 
into the advancing column of the enemy, whicli sent them back in disor- 
der and confusion. While they were rallying for another advance, he had 
brought his artillery up, planted it, and charging it heavily with grape 
and canister, was ready for them, as they came up a second time with their 
forces strongly massed, and ploughed great furrows in their columns. 
They rallied again and again, and sought to break his lines, but in vain, 
and after five hours of hard fighting, they retreated, leaving six guns on 
the field (the corps' best battery), and having lost over five hundred in 
killed and wounded, and four hundred prisoners. Hill fell back to Cat- 
lett's station, and there joined Ewell. Warren, during the night, moved 
forward quietly, and joined the remainder of the army on the heights of 
Ceutreville, leaving Lee's army at Catlett's station. The Union army 
formed in line of battle on Thursday morning, and awaited an attack from 
the enemy; but Lee '.vas too shrewd to hurl his forces against those strong 
works, especially when nothing could be gained by it; for Meade's posi- 
tion could not be eflectually flanked, and Lee had no troops to sacrifice in 
an attack which could only result in a disastrous repulse. He remained, 
however, in the vicinity of Bristow station till the 18th, his men, mean- 
while, destroying the railroad from Cub Run to the Rappahannock, and 
making reconnoissances around the Union position. On the 18th, he 
gave orders for the infantry to move southward to the Rappahannock. 

The Rebel cavalry, under command of General J. E. B. Stuart, formed 
the rear-guard of Lee's army, and did not move until the 19th. On the 
morning of that day, Custer's brigade of Union cavalry attacked them, 
and drove them from Gainesville to Bucklaad's mills, where, after a sharp 
fight, he turned Stuart's right flank, and drove him across Broad Run to 
Greenwich, where the Rebel infantry were overtaken, and came to Stu- 
art's support. Custer fought another desperate battle, inflicting severe 
losses on the enemy, and then withdrew to the north bank of Broad Run, 
the Rebels making no attempt to pursue beyond the south bank. Li the 
retreating movement, the Rebels intercepted and cut off a part of one regi- 
ment, capturing nearly two hundred prisoners. But for this misfortune, 
Custer's losses, in a protracted battle against such heavy odds, would have 
been light. 

On the 21st of October, Lee had returned with his army to his old quar 
ters south of the Rapidan. The Rebels had captured, in this expedition, 
nearly two thousand prisoners, but their own losses, in killed, wounded, 
and prisoners, were fully as many, and they had lost, also, their best bat- 
tery. They had, indeed, destroyed the railroad for twenty-six miles, but, 
with the abundant material and facilities possessed for replacing it by the 
Union army, it would be rebuilt in a few days. It was, in fact, restored 
almost completely in seventeen days. 

General Lee had ordered General Imboden, who was in command of 



SEDGWICK'S ASSAULT ON RAPPAHANNOCK STATION. 669 

the Eebel forces near the Potomac river, to make an attack simultaneously 
with his own, upon the Union troops near the Potomac. Accordingly, 
on the 18th of October, he marched suddenly and rapidly upon Charles- 
town, Va., and surprised and captured the Union garrison, taking four 
hundred and thirty-four prisoners, and though pursued by. a Union force 
from Harper's Ferry, he managed to reach Front Eoyal with his prisoners, 
without serious loss. 

As we have said, Lee at first returned to his old quarters on the south 
bank of the Rapidan, but he presently broke up his camp there, and 
advanced to the Rappahanwock, occupying the south bank, from Rappa- 
hannock station to Kelly's ford, while at the former point, he established 
his camp on both sides of tlie river, and protected it by a strong fort, two 
redoubts, and lines of rifle-pits. He evidently intended to make this po- 
sition his winter quarters ; but General Meade had no intention of being 
thus pushed back, and on the 7th of November, the railroad being nearly 
repaired, he moved from Cedar Run, in the vicinity of which his troops 
had been encamped, to regain possession of the line of the Rappahannock. 
The sixth corps, forming the Union right wing, marched from Warren- 
ton toward Rappahannock station ; the second, third, and fifth corps, 
forming the centre, moved from Warrenton Junction to Bealeton, whence 
the fifth turned its course to join the sixth corps, and the second and 
third directed their march to Kelly's ford, whither also the first corps, 
forming the left wing, had marched. Moving rapidly, and throwing out 
heavy lines of skirmishers and sharpshooters, the first, second, and third 
corps, the latter in advance, approached the river, drove the Rebel 
pickets befpre them, occupied the line of hills on the north bank of the 
river with their batteries, and under cover of these, which swept the plains 
ou the south bank, laid their pontoons, and an attacking party crossing, 
at the double-quickstep, charged the rifle-pits, and captured over four hun- 
dred prisoners. 

The fifth and sixth corps had a more difficult task before them. The 
fort, redoubts, and rifle-pits on the north side of the Rappahannock, at 
the station, were held by about two thousand men of Early's division, 
Ewell's corps. By a series of brilliant and determined movements, the 
sixth corps succeeded in obtaining possession of commanding positions in 
rear of the fort in the morning, and planting heavy batteries on these, 
bombarded it tlirough the day, and just before dark. General Sedgwick 
formed a storming column of two brigades, which carried the fort by as- 
sault, capturing over fifteen hundred prisoners, four guns, and eight battle- 
flags. The Union loss in the sixth corps was about three hundred killed 
and wounded. The fifth and sixth corps, having crossed the river, secured 
the country as far as Stevensburg, about midway between the two rivers 
the Rebels everywliere retreating before ther^. The first, second, and 
third corps moved on toward Brandy station, and two miles east of that 



etO THE CIVIL WAR IN THE tJNITED STATES. 

point, on the morning of the 8th, were confronted by a strong Rebel force 
of cavalry and light artillery, with whom they skirmished all day, but 
finally succeeded in driving them two miles beyond the station. The 
Eebels, by the morning of the 9th, had all retreated beyond the Rapidan, 
and as General Meade ascertained, occupied a strong position on the south 
bank of the Rapidan, a little west of their former camp, and were dili- 
gently employed in fortifying it. They had left their camp near the Rap- 
pahannock in such haste, that they had not destroyed the railroad which 
they had repaired, or the new station-house, platform, etc., which they 
had built at Brandy station. While General Meade was waiting for the 
connection of the railroad to Brandy station, and the bringing up of such 
supplies as were necessary, he had a careful reconnois.sance made of the 
enemy's position, and the extent to which the lower fords of the Rapidan 
were guarded. He ascertained that Ewell's corps occupied a line running 
nearly south from the Rapidan toward Orange Court House. His front 
on the Rapidan was impregnable, consisting of a succession of ridges, 
commanding every foot of the north bank of the river opposite, which at 
that point was low and flat. This naturally strong position had been 
greatly strengthened by extensive, and elaborate fortifications. Hill's 
corps were at, and below Orange Court House, extending eastward on the 
Orange and Fredericksburg plank road, and separated by an interval of 
several miles from Ewell's corps. The lower fords of the Rapidan were 
either left unguarded, or were held only by a small picket force. 

Having 'ascertained these facts, General Meade determined upon a coup 
de main, by which he hoped to divide, and conquer in detail, Lee's army. 
His plan was to cut loose from his base of supplies, taking ten day's rations 
for his men, cross the Rapidan at the lower fords, and marching in the 
direction of Old Verdiersville, on a road midway between the Orange and 
Fredericksburg plank road, and the Rapidan, moving willi great rapidity, 
to throw his entire force between Ewell and Hill, and from the ridges 
w6st of Mine Run, a position of rare strengtli, attack first one and then the 
other. In order to accomplish' this, however, tlie elements of time and 
space must be taken into account. The work was to be accomplished 
rapidly and simultaneously, every corps reaching its specified position by 
a given hour. The distance to be traversed by each corps to reach Old 
Verdiersville, the place of rendezvous, varied from twenty to twenty-five 
miles. General Meade reasonably calculated that each of the corps com- 
manders could bring their corps over this distance in thirty hours. The 
advance was begun on the morning of the 26th of November; he ex- 
pected them to reach the designated point on the evening of the 27th. 
But this was not accomplished. On the morning of the 27th the armj' 
were only just across the Rapidan, not more than half the distance, though 
twenty-four hours had passed. Orders were now given to push forward 
with greater rapidity. Early in the afternoon. General Warren's second 



ABORTIVE MOVEMENT OF GENERAL MEADE. 671 

corps came up with the enemy, and began developing his strength by a 
brisk skirmish, but was ordered not to make a serious attack until the 
third — French's — corps should come up. This corps, however, did not 
come up, having been (Relayed by various difficulties, the most serious of 
which was, that it took the wrong road, and was brought face to face with 
Johnson's division of Ewell's corps, which held it in check, and de- 
layed its progress. But this mishap was more serious in its consequences 
than merely delaying the march of the corps, for it revealed to Ewell 
the entii-e movement of Meade, and led him to plant his entire force across 
the turnpike, and thus prevent Warren's advance, and while holding 
Warren in check, to bring Hill up to close the gap between them. 

His plan thus unmasked to the enemy, and completely thwarted by 
being thus prematurely disclosed. General Meade could only order up 
other corps to the support of Warren, in the hope that he might yet be 
able to force Ewell back, and gain the position which he coveted, and from 
which he might have fought Lee's army with -strong hope of decisive 
victory. The first — Newton's — corps was ordered up, but did not reach 
him before dark. The sixth — Sedgwick's — corps arrived about the same 
time, and was posted on Warren's right, but they could not fight well in 
the darkness, where the country was entirely unknown to them, and they 
were compelled to wait until morning, with the certainty that before that 
time Hill would have joined Ewell. In the morning, General Meade found 
the enemy occupying the very position he had striven to gain, their line 
formed on a series of ridges, with enfilading positions for batteries, wliile 
in front stretched the marsh of Mine Eun, and the enemy had added forti- 
fications to the natural strength of the position. To attempt to assail this 
in front, was simply suicidal, for while floundering through the marsh, 
every soldier would have been destroyed by the concentrated fire of the 
enemy's batteries. Saturday, and a part of Sunday, were spent in a care- 
ful reconnoissance of the enemy's position ; General Warren had exam- 
ined carefully the enemy's right, and reported confidently his ability to 
carry it. It was determioed to make the assault on Monday morning, and 
to ensure the success of his attack, two divisions of the third, and one of 
the sixth corps, were ordered to report to him. During the night of the 29th, 
General Warren again examined the position, witlr still greater care, and 
came to the conclusion that it could not be carried without an immense 
sacrifice of life. This conclusion he. reported to General Meade, who then 
resolved to postpone the attack. Under the circumstances, to postpone 
it, was to abandon it. His ten day's rations were nearly exhausted,, and a 
single day's rain would place the army in a perilous position. The com- 
mander, therefore, reluctantly, but of necessity, marched his army back 
in safety across the Eapidan, to their former position. The losses of the 
army of the Potomac, in this unfortunate movement, were sixty killed, 
and five hundred and forty wounded and missing. 



612 THE CJVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTEK LV. * 

THE " anaconda" POLICY — REASONS WHY IT COULD NOT SUCCf;ED IN CRfSIIING THE REBEL- 
LION — DEPARTMKNT OP THE GILF — THE OCCUPATION OF TEXAS DETERMINED UPON — THE 
REASONS ASSIGNED FOR IT — GENERAL FRANKLIN ORDERED TO LOUISIANA — EXPEDITION OF 
GENERALS BANKS AND FRANKLIN TO TEXAS — THE GREAT PREPARATIONS MADE FOR IT — THE 
TROOPS AND THEIK COMMANDERS — THE DISASTROUS ATTACK ON SABINE PASS AND CITY — 
ADVANCE OF THE ARMY TO VERMILLIONVILLE — THE COAST EXPEDITION TO TEXAS — RECON- 
STRUCTION IN LOUISIANA — THE STARTING OF THE ADVANCE OF THE GRAND ARMY — CAPTURE 
OF SIMMSPORT, BAYOU GLACE, AND FORT DE RUSSY — ALEXANDRIA CAPTURED AND OCCU- 
PIED — BATTLES OF TBACHOES AND CANE RIVER — THE ARMY TOO MUCH SCATTERED — ARRI- 
VAL AT GRAND ECORE — THE ADVANCE TOWARD MANSFIELD^THE BATTLE OF MANSFIELD — 
ROUT AND PANIC— BATTLE OF PLEASANT HILL — THE RETREAT DOWN THE RED RIVER — 
GRAND ECORE — JUMPING THE SAND BARS — ALEXANDRIA — THE RAPIDS — COLONEL BAILEV's 
DAMS^ESCAPE OF THE 0UN30ATS — REAR-ADMIRAL PORTBR'S REPORT — THE RETREAT TO 
SIMMSPORT AND MOROANZIA — GENERAL STEELE'S RETREAT TO LITTLE ROCK — GENERAL 
CAXBY IN COMMAND OF THE TRANS-MISSISSIPPI DIVISION — DEPARTMENT OF THE SOUTH — 
POLITICAL ASPIRATIONS OF FLORIDA UNIONISTS — THEIR PLEAS FOB AN EXPEDITION INTO 
NORTHKItN FLORIDA — THE EXPEDITION ORDERED — THE PLAN — GENERAL SEYMOUR AT ITS 
HEAD — DELAYS AND DISASTERS — BATTLE OF OLUSTEE —RETREAT OF THE UNION FORCES — 
LOSSES — END OF THE " ANACONDA" POLICY. 

The policy of tlie Government of the United States during llie first 
three years of the war, in regard to its prosecution, was that originated, 
it is said, by General Scott, and more fully developed by General McClellan, 
and known in popular phrase as the "Anaconda" policy. It contemplated 
the surrounding the insurgents at all points by a cordon of troops, cutting 
off their supplies by a land as well as sea blockade, and by a gradual 
contraction of its lines, hemming them in and crushing them, as the 
anaconda, by the contraction of its coils, crushes its prey. With a territory 
far less extended, and a country possessing few or none of the topo- 
graphical difficulties which the regicjn occupied by the insurgents pre- 
sented, and a more gigantic army than that of the Union, this policy 
would possibly have succeeded; but, under the circumstances, ils success 
was impossible. Particular battles or campaigns might prove successful ; 
the enemy might be defeated at one point or another; his sources of sup- 
ply fiom one point or another, citlier by running the blockade, or by 
communication with the disloyal at the north, might be cut off; but the 
number of troops required to inclose the insurgent territory, and drive 
the liebels in upon their own centre, was too great, the expenditure it 
necessitated too vast, and the opportunities of evading the pressure too 
many, to admit of complete success. The triumphs which led to the 
close of the war were not attained until this policy had been abandoned, 
and that of concentration adopted. When, by the movements of the 



THE ANACONDA POLICY. 673 

Union armies, the Eebels were compelled to collect their forces mainly 
around two or three points, whose preservation and defence was vital to 
their existence, the problem of the continuance of the war was very much 
simplified. If they could successfully defend these positions, and destroy, 
or thoroughly and permanently cripple, the armies which assailed them, 
they would thereby present a claim to foreign recognition, which would 
not be long withheld. If, on the contrary, they found it impossible, after 
a long and desperate struggle, to retain their possession of these vital 
points, and were compelled to 3'ield them to the assailing power, their 
claim to independence or separate national existence, would be proved 
futile, and the Rebellion must come to an end. 

The United States Government had not, however, at the time of which 
we write, fully comprehended the necessity for the abandonment of the 
"anaconda" policy. They were beginning, indeed, to see that it involved 
a vast expenditure, and that when a particular section had been subdued, 
the work -jvas often to be done over — that they could not maintain lines 
of such vast extent, even with the great armies they were keeping in the 
field ; but the desire to overrun and conquer new portions of the insur- 
gent territory, even if their occupation of it were only temporary, where 
such occupation yielded to the captors a plentiful supply of cotton or 
cattle, or would result in a crop of lucrative offices, was too strong to be 
as yet resisted. 

The Department of the Gulf had not been in all respects judiciously 
managed. Its civil administration under General Butler had been wise 
and efiicient; but the military force, during his administration, had never 
been suflB.cient to hold more than a narrow strip of territory along the 
banks of the Mississippi, and his tenure of some portions of that was pre- 
carious. When General Banks assumed command of the department, he 
was at first crippled by the same lack of troops ; and it was not until his 
second expedition into the "Attakapas country" that he was strong enough 
to liold the region of central Louisiana. When he undertook the siege 
of Port Hudson, though reinforced by a very considerable body of nine 
months troops, he was compelled to weaken the garrisons of the central 
towns to such an extent that the Eebels regained possession of several of 
them. Galveston, Texas, had been captured and held for a few weeks by 
a combined naval and land force ; but with the disastrous assault upon 
the mere handful of Union troops forming its garrison, and the capture, 
destruction, and defeat of the squadron there, it had lapsed again into 
Rebel hands, and all efforts to obtain a permanent foothold in Texas had 
failed from the want of a sufficient Union force to garrison and hold what 
they might capture. The possession of Texas, except for the relief of its 
oppressed and long-suffering Unionists, was not essential to the successful 
conduct of the war. If left alone till the vital points in the insurgent 
territory were reduced, it would, as it afterward did, fall into the hands 
43 



Ct4 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES, 

of the Union Government without a battle. But en the "anaconda" theory 
its occupation was essential, and despite its vast extent, its plains and 
jjlateaus, covered only with the mesquit, or the more formidable cactus 
growths, its unnavigable rivers, and its storm-laslicd coasts,, the decree 
went forth that it must be occupied. Tlie reasons assigned for the expe- 
dition for its invasion were sufEciently plausible. It was known that 
tliere had been many thousands of Unionists in the State, and that they 
had been treated with great cruelty, murdered, imprisoned, exiled, and 
plundered of all they possessed. Those wlio, amid great suflering, had 
been able to make their escape into Mexico, or into the loyal States or 
territories, gave a frightful, but probably not overdrawn picture of the 
persecutions to which they and their loyal fellow-citizens had been sub- 
jected. The Texan soldiers in the Eebel armies had been among the 
most efficient and reckless troops in their service. Accustomed to a life 
on horseback, and skilled in all equestrian accomplishments, leading, 
especially on the frontier, a life of daring and hardship, exposed for years 
to the attacks of tlie Apaches, Camanches, Navajoes, and other formidable 
ti'ibes of Indians, and educated, from the early history of their State, to a 
criminal disregard of the sanctity of human life, they were troops which 
were not to be despised for their prowess, and often to be dreaded for their 
ciuelty. Their numbers, too, compared with the population of the State, 
were large. Nearly the whole disloyal male population, of military age, 
had, in one capacity or another, entered the Rebel service, and the larger 
portion had been enrolled in the armies east of the Mississippi, and in 
Mi.s.souri, Arkansas, and Louisiana. To call these home, or to overrun 
the State while they were absent, would, it was argued, inflict serious 
injury upon the enemy. Texas, from a variety of causes, was richer than 
the other insurgent States. She had, from the first, refused to receive the 
worthless Confederate currency for her products, accepting nothing but 
gold in exchange. Her cattle and sheep, which by tens and hundreds of 
thousands dotted her plains and prairies, had furnished a large part of 
tlie Rebel commissariat; and, on her western border, the Mexican port of 
Matamoras formed the nominal, and Brownsville, Texas, the real, destina- 
tion of great numbers of blockade-runners, which brought thitlicr the 
greatly coveted products of European manufactories, and took in ex- 
change, at high prices, vast quantities of cotton, carted across the plains 
from eastern Texas. To check this blockade-running, and obtain for 
loyal use this contraband cotton, was surely desirable. 

The route to be selected was a question of great importance. To send 
an expedition overland, through western Louisiana and eastern Texas, 
was difficult, and fraught with numerous dangers ; there were bayous, 
lakes, and rivers to bo crossed, requiring large pontoon trains; the road.s, 
much of the way, were muddy and heavy, and where they were not, the 
cross timbers, or dense forest, so matted as to obstruct passage, and extend- 



THE EXPEDITION TO TEXAS 675 

ing for many miles, and the chapparal, a thick and impenetrable growth 
of the thorny cactus and the acacia, barred any rapid progress, especially 
of wagon trains ; yet a large force, and one having an immense train, 
could alone force its way through, and the delay which the trains would 
necessitate, would leave ample time for the concentration of the Eebel 
forces in front of the advancing army. 

The route by sea was perhaps equally perilous. The coast of Texas 
presented but few even tolerable ports ; sand-bars at the mouth of nearly 
every harbor, obstructed the entrance, and rendered the passage of vessels 
drawing over ten feet of water impossible ; while the norther, a fierce 
cold wind which sweeps down upon the gulf from the Eocky mountains, 
and often lasts for a week, renders the navigation exceedingly dangerous, 
and imperils the lives of the horses and cattle needed for the land service. 
The knowledge of the coast possessed by the squadron, was imperfect, 
especially of that portion adjacent to its ports. 

Still, with all these difficulties, the Administration, stimulated to the 
work by those who had sinister ends to gain, and who had the skill to 
conceal their purposes under the cloak of desire to serve the country and 
to put down the Eebellion, determined upon the expedition, and, as if to 
reader disaster certain, decided to proceed by both routes, attacking by 
way of the coast, and sending a column inland through western Louisiana. 
Major-General Franklin was sent from the army of the Potomac to take 
command of one of the corps which was to take part in the expedition ; 
Major-General Ord was to command the other, and Major-General Banks 
was to have the chief command of the expedition, as department comman- 
der. At a later period, the commanding general was authorized to borrow 
what troops could be spared from other departments, and did obtain por- 
tions of the sixteenth and seventeenth army corps, under General A. J. 
Smith, from the Department of the Tennessee, while General Steele was 
ordered to march with as large an army as he could collect in Arkansas 
and Missouri, to his support, through Arkansas. 

"While the troops, supplies, and vessels of light draft were being col- 
lected at New Orleans for the great expedition, it was determined to 
attack, with a moderate force, Sabine City, a place of considerable strategic 
importance, and defended by a small but somewhat troublesome fort, a 
battery of small field pieces, and aifording shelter to two bay steamers, 
which the Eebels had converted into rams. The town lies at the outlet 
of Sabine lake, the estuary of Sabine river, and the boundary-line between 
Louisiana and Texas. The place was supposed to be indifferently fci ti- 
fied; though the information in regard to it was very imperfect, and such 
as rendered the enterprise unjustifiable, without a previous reconnoissance. 

About four thousand men of the nineteenth corps, were sent on this 
■expedition, under the command of Major-General Franklin, wliile Briga- 
dier-General Weitzel accompanied it as chief engineer and chief of staff. 



■6Y6 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

They were embarked ia transports, and convoyed by the light draft guQ 
boats Clifton, Sachem, Arizona, and Granite City. The attack was to be 
made on the morning of the 7th of September, the land forces having been 
previously landed under the protection of the gunboats, and these were 
then to reduce the small fort first, which the Union troops would imme- 
diately occupy. 

The whole enterprise proved a failure. So ignorant were the leaders 
of the expedition of the topography of the place they were attempting to 
reduce, that they found, "on arriving at the spot where the troops were 
destined to land," that it was the edge of an impassable swamp, and the 
Granite City was obliged to protect them in their fruitless endeavors 
to find more solid ground. As they were thus thrown liors du comhat, 
the work of reducing the fort and batteries was necessarily left to the 
squadron. The Clifton and Sachem, followed by the Arizona, proceeded 
manfully to the work. For some time the forts deigned no reply, though 
the gunboats threw their large shells directly into the works; but af 
length they opened upon their assailants, and greatly to the surprise of 
the officers of the gunboats, with eight guns, all of large calibre, and three 
©f them rifled, instead of the two thirty-two pounders which they had been 
assured constituted the sole armament of the fort. For some time the 
fighting was severe ; the fort and batteries replying shot for shot, and 
with great accuracy, to every gun of the three boats. The Sachem, mean- 
while, was working round to the flank and rear of the fort, where the 
works were weakest, while the Clifton and Arizona continued their attack 
in front, firing with great rapidity. When the Sachem had nearly accom- 
plished her purpose, she was struck on the side by a rifled shot, which 
penetrated her armor, entered her steam chest, and made her a complete 
wreck; and her crew, being entirely helpless, ran up the white flag. 

The Clifton, running down closer to the principal battery, to endeavor 
to silence it, both by her broadside, and by her sharpshooters picking ofT 
the enemy's gunners, unfortunately ran aground, when a new Rebel bat- 
tery, hitherto silent, opened upon her at short range. She replied with 
great vigor, but presently a shot from the battery entered and exploded 
her boiler, when her commander, Lieutenant Crocker, determined that she 
should be of no service to the enemy, ordered his deck to be cleared, and 
loading the after pivot-gun with a nine inch solid shot, fired it through 
the centre of the ship, from stem to stern, tearing the machinery to pieces, 
and rendering it utterly worthless to the enemy, and then, with his crew, 
made his escape to the other gunboats. The Arizona and Granite City, 
finding themselves unable to cope with the formidable Rebel batteries, 
withdrew, the Arizona grounding once, but getting afloat again without 
serious injury, and the gunboats and transports returned to Brashear City. 
The Union loss in this unfortunate adventure, in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, was about two hundred and fifty, and twelve heavy guns. 



MOVEMENTS OP THE FORCES UNDER GENERAL BANKS. 677 

The armament of the two gunboats had also fallen into the hands of the 
enemy. 

After a somewhat protracted dehxy at Brashear City, one hundred and 
thirty miles distant by railroad from New Orleans, the troops under Gene- 
ral Franklin's command moved forward to Franklin and Vermillionville. 
Here they met with some resistance, on the 9th of October, but, after a 
sharp fight, drove the enemy before them in a precipitate retreat. The 
same day the remainder of the nineteenth and the whole of the thirteenth 
corps, under command of General Ord, reached Vermillionville. 

General Banks now determined to make New Iberia, on the Bayou 
Teche, about twenty miles below Vermillionville, his secondary base, and 
commenced accumulating here the necessary supplies for his grand expe- 
dition. Franklin's corps advanced, meanwhile, to Opelousas, but finding 
no opposition, returned to Vermillionville, and eventually to New Iberia. 
One division of the thirteenth corps was sent to Madisonville, on the north 
side of Lake Pontchartrain, and encamped there. Detachments of the thir- 
teenth corps, to the amount of about four thousand men, were embarked 
at New Orleans, on the 27th of October, in about twenty transports, and 
accompanied by the gunboats Owasco, Virginia, and Monongahela, for an 
expedition to the coast of Texas. General Banks accompanied the expe- 
dition, but it was under the special command of General C. C. Washburne. 
The voyage lasted four days, and the expedition encountered a norther, in 
which three vessels but no lives were lost. On the 31st of October, they 
anchored off the mouth of the Rio Grande, and on the 1st of November, a 
body of troops was landed, without opposition, on Brazos island. From 
this point they marched to Brownsville, on the Rio Grande, twenty-seven 
miles distant, and on the 4th of November, General Banks occupied the 
town, the Rebels having fled, after an inefiectual attempt to destroy the 
government property. Proceeding along the coast, leaving sufficient gar- 
risons at every important point, the expedition captured, with but insig- 
nificant resistance, successively. Point Isabel, Mustang island, and the 
Rebel fortifications on Corpus Christi bay, Aransas, Matagorda island and 
bay, with Fort Esperanza and two heavy siege guns, Indianola, Lavacca, 
and Saluria. Early in December, General Banks returned to New Or- 
leans. On his return, his attention was much occupied for some months 
with the efforts making for the reconstruction of Louisiana, and its read- 
mission to the Union, with Governor, members of Congre.ss, &c., elected 
mainly by the votes of the soldiers and civilians from the North, who had 
come thither for business or speculation. The work of collecting supplies 
and troops went on slowly. The west gulf squadron, finding that their 
services were not required, scattered to other portions of their cruising 
ground, and the transports were sent north, to bring Sherman's army 
from Memphis to Vicksburg, and at the close of his expedition, to return 
a portion of it to Memphis. Meantime, the garrisons on the Texas coas* 



CTS THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

were rnaintaineJ, but were too small to attempt any enterprise of offence. 
It was proposed, atone time, to send a considerable force to Indianola or 
Matagorda, and thence march into the interior, prepared to hold western 
Texas, prevent the illicit traffic on the Rio Grande, and pressing gradually 
eastward, joined, as they would have been, by the loyal Texans in con- 
siderable numbers, to crush the Rebel army in Texas between this advan- 
cing force and that under Franklin and Ord, in western Louisiana. The 
Rebel army in Texas, at this time, was weak, and such a movement, if prose- 
cuted with energy, might have proved successful. Unfortunately, it was 
neglected, and the notes of preparation sounded for so long a time before 
any actual movement, served only to rouse the Rebels to action, and before 
the march was actually commenced, they had thrown into western Louisi- 
ana a force sufficiently formidable to cope successfully with General Banks' 
army. 

During the winter of 1863-4, from twenty to thirty thousand troops lay 
idle in Louisiana, waiting for the proposed movement. Early in ilarch, 
the thirteenth and nineteenth corps moved northward to Opelousas and 
the banks of the Atchafalaya, abandoning the Teche country, except a 
few important posts, in order to be nearer Natchez and Port Iludson, both 
of which were threatened by the enemy. On the 10th of ilarch, an expe- 
dition, composed of detachments of the sixteenth and seventeenth army 
corps, amounting in all to nearly an average army corps, under command 
of Brigadier, (now Major General) Andrew J. Smith, left Vicksburg on 
transports for the Red river. They passed into the Atchafalaya river 
through the old mouth of the Red, and on the 13th landed at Simmsport, 
a few miles from the head of the Atchafalaya, and on its west bank. Tho 
naval squadron of Rear-Admiral Porter, consisting of three monitors, 
seven river iron-clads, three rams, and four small gunboats, accompanied 
them. On the approach of these forces, the enemy abandoned his posi- 
tion and defences at Simmsport, as well as the much stronger position at 
Bayou Glace, and hastily retreated to Fort de Russy, distant by land 
about thirty-five miles. Thither, leaving the navy to follow, General 
Smith pursued, and arrived before the fort on the afternoon of the 14th 
of March. Fort de Russy was a formidable quadrangular work, with 
bastions and bomb-proofs, covered with railroad iron, and was regarded 
by the Rebels as impregnable, especially on its water front. It was 
garrisoned by a strong force, under General Dick Taylor. That general, 
learning of Smith's approach, had gone out to intercept him, and had 
taken by-roads, in the hope of reaching and attacking his flank and rear. 
But three hundred and fifty troops of the large garrison were left in tho 
fort. General Smith had made a forced march to reach the enemy's posi- 
tion before the squadron, the route by water being nearly seventy miles, 
and on coming up, immediately ordered an attack. After a very brief 
engagement, conducted on the side of the Union troops with equal 



OPERATIONS OF THE ARMY IN LOUISIANA. 673 

gallantry and skill, the garrison surrendered, and the Union flag was 
hoisted on the ramparts just as the squadron hove in sight. By this 
gallant action. General Smith captured two hundred and sixty pris- 
oners, ten cannon — four of which had been captured by the Eebels from 
the Harriet Lane and other Union vessels — a large number of small 
arms, two thousand barrels of fine powder, and a considerable quantity of 
ammunition and commissary stores. His losses were seven killed and 
forty-one wounded. Ordering the destruction of the fort. General Smith 
embarked on his transports, and in company with the squadron, ascended 
the Eed river to Alexandria, which surrendered without resistance, and 
was entered the same day by the advance-guard of the cavalry of the 
army of the gulf, which had moved forward from Opelousas. General 
Banks, who was still at New Orleans, now exerted himself to push forward 
his troops, and having repulsed an impudent attack made by a mere 
handful of Eebel troops on the upper portion of the Bayou Teche, sent the 
thirteenth and nineteenth corps with all haste by way of Opelousas to 
Alexandria, a distance from Brashear City of one hundred and seventy- 
five miles. On the 2Uh of March, they had nearly all arrived at that 
point. Alexandria was rich in spoils. Five thousand bales of Confeder- 
ate cotton were found there, as well as other stores. On the 21st of 
March, while awaiting the arrival of the army of the gulf. General Smith 
bad sent Brigadier-General John A. Mower, with a detachment of several 
hundred troops, to make a reconnoissance. He followed the retreating 
foe to Trachoes, near Natchitoches, where, meeting them in considerable 
force, he repulsed them, and by a skilful flank and rear movement cap- 
tured two hundred and eighty-two prisoners, four pieces of artillery, one 
hundred and fifty horses, and other spoils. Continuing his advance, he 
captured, within a few days, thirteen more cannon. On the 27th of Jfarch, 
General Smith left Alexandria to continue the forward movement, accom- 
panied by a few of the troops of the army of the gulf. His whole 
command did not number more than six thousand men. The next day 
he met the enemy in force — about twelve thousand strong — at Cane river, 
thirty miles above Alexandria, and after a battle of about three hours, the 
Rebels gave way, losing two hundred in killed and wounded, and over 
five hundred prisoners. Soon after this battle, General Banks arrived 
and assumed command of the army. Its .progress from this time was slow' 
and it was scattered too widely not to fall a prey to a wily and skilful 
enemy. Mower, with his advance column, was far on the way to Shreve- 
port ; Smith, with the force which had defeated the enemy at Cane Hill, 
was marching near the river, and General Banks, with the greater part of 
the thirteenth and nineteenth corps, was marching slowly in the interior, 
at considerable distance from the river, his army gathering cotton in large 
quantities. His army did not reach Grand Ecore, only sixty miles above 
Alexandria, until the 6th of April. Porter, with his squadron, had pushed 



^SO TEE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

up llie Red river as far as Springfield landing, within eighty miles of 
Shreveport; and the river, which he had ascended at its highest stage, 
was already beginning to fall. General Steele was marching to join them 
by way of Arkadelphia, at the head of fifteen thousand men, and General 
Thayer of the army of the frontier, was coming southward, by way of 
Washington, Arkansas, with a considerable cavalry force. These troops 
were, however, too far distant, and their march was too long, to hope for 
support from them ver^' speedily. The army of the Gulf had been weak- 
eued before starting, by sending a considerable portion of its cavalry on 
an expedition up the Rio Grande to Eagle Pass, four hundred miles above 
Brownsville, to capture that post, which had been a noted outlet for Rebel 
cotton, of which a large amount was captured. Indianola liad been 
evacuated by the Union troops, on the plea that it was of no strategic 
importance, and Corpus Christ! had been reoccupied, and eight hundred 
prisoners captured, and large quantities of cotton. The greed for this 
fibre, growing by what it had fed upon, had become the bane and curse 
of the army. Reckoning their prospective profits by thousands and tens 
of thousands of dollars, officers and men alike grew reckless and impatient 
of restraint, and in a fit condition to meet with a disastrous defeat. It is 
but just to General Banks to say that personally he did not profit hy this 
mania for cotton, and that he did what lay in his power to prevent the 
demoralizing effect which it had produced upon the army; but it was 
utterly in vain. The entire army were infected by the cotton mania, and 
had no thought of any thing else. 

For two days, the cavalry pushed on recklessly, far ahead of the 
infantry, driving the enemy before them, and supposed they could proceed 
in the same way to Springfield landing, where the squadron awaited their 
coming. But they reckoned without their host. The Rebel commander 
was no longer the easy-going General Dick Taylor, but Lieutenant-General 
E. Kirby Smith, a skilful strategist, who had met and measured the Union 
army on the other side of the Mississippi, knew their scattered condition 
here, knew thoroughly the country through which they were passing — a 
country covered, for the most part, with a dense pine forest — and who had 
at his command a large and well disciplined force, upon which, at that 
time, cotton had not exercised its demoralizing power. 

The Union cavalry, marching, as we have said, far in advance of the 
infantry, had their own immense wagon train following them immediately, 
laden with the precious fibre. On the afternoon of the Slh of April, near 
Mansfield, Louisiana, where the road forks to Logansport, they met the 
enemy, and immediately engaged hirn, little doubting the result. The 
Rebel skirmishers fell back a little to the main body, and the Union 
cavalry found that they had the entire Rebel army to fight. More cavalry 
was hurried in, and ere long the whole cavalry division, much of it cavalry 
only ia name, was engaged, but was compelled to fight dismounted. The 



DISASTER TO THE ARMY IN LOUISIANA. 681 

Kebel infantry pressed steadily on, his line overlapping the Union forces 
on both Hanks. Embarrassed by their horses, astonished at the extraor- 
dinary fighting of an enemy who had hitherto shown them only his back, 
the extemporized cavalry, which had been, for the most part, only 
mounted infantry, melted away, the straggling became a panic, the panic 
a crazy, mad rout of shrieking men on scared horses. The train was in 
the way of flight or advance, the teamsters insane with fright, the horses, 
with their traces cut, used by the drivers to expedite their flight, and the 
wagons, without horses or drivers, effectually blocking the road. The 
panic-stricken cavalry fly back till they reach the thirteenth corps, which, 
better disciplined, forms and hurries into action against the pursuing 
enemy ; but after fighting gallantly for a short time, they too are flanked* 
and melt into a rout. The enemy, flushed with victory, now comes upon 
the nineteenth corps, takes it almost by surprise, in the very act of 
deploying, with scarcely time to recall skirmishers ; rushes upon it with 
wild cheers to meet the first check that day. The nineteenth corps was 
unable to hold its position ; but not being pressed by the full weight 
of the enemy, and being measurably relieved from the terrifying 
presence of its panic-stricken predecessors, its retreat never became a 
rout. 

Next day, at Pleasant Ilill, thirty-five miles in the rear of the first scene 
of battle, the panic having burned out, the troops were halted, a hasty re- 
organizat'.on of fragments was attempted, an excellent position taken up, 
and the onset of the enemy awaited. He attacked impetuously, and with 
varying success. All day the tide of battle ebbed, and flowed along the 
line until, finally, a tremendous effort of the enemy, steadily met and vig- 
orously repulsed, exhausted their force, and ]eft the Union troops a fruit- 
less victory and safety. On the following day, the Union arm}' fell back 
to Grand Ecore. The results of this short campaign, were the loss to the 
Union army of thirty-nine hundred and sixty-nine men, thirty field guns, 
and over two hundred wagons. At Pleasant Hill, they captured nearly two 
thousand prisoners, and it was reported, twenty guns. The Eebel loss in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, was probably not much less than that of 
the army of the Gulf 

Rear- Admiral Porter was notified at once of the disaster which had 
befallen the army, and was requested to descend the Red river to Grand 
Ecore, to support their further retreat. The admiral complied at once 
with the request, though greatly chagrined at the failure. On his way 
down, he found the river falling rapidly, but though twice attacked by 
the enemy during his passage down, succeeded in repulsing his assailants 
without serious loss. He reached Grand Ecore on the 18th, and found 
two of his gunboats which had been left, aground above the bar with but 
little prospect of getting off. The army remained at Grand Ecore about 
two weeks the commanding general summoning to his aid all the avail- 



682 THE CIVIL WAR IN TIIK UNITED STATES. 

able troops in his department, including most of those in Texas, smd thea 
fell back to Alexandria, its rear constantly harassed by the enemy, who 
was, however, engaged with spirit at the crossing of Cane river, and re- 
pulsed handsomely, with considerable loss. 

The fleet and transports, meantime, were following as best they might, 
"jumping" the sand bars and logs, which, either by accident or design, 
obstructed their passage. Only one vessel, the Eastport, was lost, while the 
only wonder was that in this perilous passage, where, in addition to the diffi- 
culties of the navigation, the enemy had planted batteries at every available 
point, and the light draft gunboats were riddled with their shot, any were 
saved. The Cliampion was burned near Alexandria, the Cricket struck 
thirty-eight timesand twenty-three men of her crew either killed or wounded, 
and the other boats, though suffering less severely, had each lost a num- 
ber of their crew. Arrived at Alexandria, they were safe from the 
enemy, but a new danger menaced them. They could not pass the rapids, 
and they could not spend the summer at Alexandria. Already General 
Sherman had recalled General A. J. Smith and his command, which be- 
longed to his army, to Vicksburg. 

The rapids at Alexandria, at high water, offer no serious obstacle to 
the passage of vessels, but at a low stage of the river, they are impassable. 
Fortunately, there was an officer in the army, Lieutenant-Colonel (now 
Brigadier-General)Bailey, of Wisconsin, acting engineer of the nineteenth 
army corps, who had had large experience as a superintendent of lum- 
berers, in the navigation in safety of rapid and rocky streams in the 
north. lie proposed to build a series of dams across the rocks at the 
falls, and raise the water high enough to let the vessels pass over. The 
proposition seemed feasible to Admiral Porter, and though others ridi- 
culed it, he requested General Banks to detail the necessary force to 
carry it out. It must be done within ten days, as the supplies of the 
army were getting short, and they could not wait longer than that time. 
Colonel Bailey promised to finish it within the ten days. "We will allow 
Admiral Porter to narrate in his own graphic way the process and result 
of the undertaking. 

"General Banks placed at the disposal of Colonel Bailey all the force 
he required, consisting of some three thousand men, and two or three 
hundred wagons. All the neighboring steam mills were torn down for 
material, two or three regiments of Maine men were set to work fulling 
trees, and on the second day after my arrival in Alexandria from Grand 
Ecore, the work had fairly begun. Trees were falling with great rapidity, 
teams were moving in all directions, bringing in brick and stone; quarries 
were opened ; flatboats were built to bring down stone from above ; and 
every man seemed to be working with a vigor I have seldom seen 
equalled, while perhaps not one in fifty believed in the success of the un- 
dertaking. These falls are about a mile in length, filled with rugged 



THE PASSAGE OF THE RAPIDS AT ALEXANDRIA. 683 

rocks, over whicli, at the present stage of water, it seemed to be impossi- 
ble to make a channel. 

" The work was commenced by running out from the left bank of the 
river a tree dam, made of the bodies of very large trees, brush, brick, and 
stone, cross-tied with other heavy timber, and strengthened in every way 
which ingenuity could devise. This was run out about three hundred 
feet into the river; four large coal barges were then filled with brick and 
sunk at the end of it. From the right bank of the river cribs filled with 
stone were built out to meet the barges. All of which was successfully 
accomplished, notwithstanding there was a current running of nine miles 
an hour, which threatened to sweep every thing before it. 

" It will take too much time to enter into the details of this truly won- 
derful work. Sufiice it to say, that the dam had nearly reached com- 
pletion in eight days' working time, and the water had risen sufficiently 
on the upper falls to allow the Fort Hindman, Osage, and Neosho to get 
down and be ready to pass the dam. In another day it would have been 
high enough to enable all the other vessels to pass the upper falls. Un- 
fortunately, on the morning of the 9th instant, the pressure of water 
became so great that it swept away two of the stone barges, which swung 
in below the dam on one side. Seeing this unfortunate accident, I jumped 
on a horse, and rode up to where the upper vessels were anchored, and 
ordered the Lexington to pass the upper falls, if possible, and immediately 
attempt to go through the dam. I thought I might be able to save the 
four vessels below, not knowing whether the persons employed on the work 
would ever have the heart to renew their enterprise. 

" The Lexington succeeded in getting over the upper falls just in time, 
the water rapidly falling as she was passing over. She then steered 
directly for the opening in the dam, through which the water was rushing 
so furiously that it seemed as if nothing but destruction awaited her. 
Thousands of beating hearts looked on, anxious for the result. The 
silence was so great as the Lexington approached the dam that a pin 
might almost be heard to fall. She entered the gap with a full head of 
steam on, pitched down the roaring torrent, made two or three spasmodic 
rolls, hung for a moment on the rocks below, was then swept iuto deep 
water by the current, and rounded-to safely into the bank. Thirty thou- 
sand voices rose in one deafening cheer, and universal joy seemed to per- 
vade the face of every man present. 

" The Neosho followed next ; all her hatches battened down, and every 
precaution taken against accident. She did not fare as well as the Lex- 
ington, her pilot having become frightened as he approached the abyss 
and stopped her engine, when I particularly ordered a full head of steam 
to be carried ; the result was that for a moment her hull disappeared from 
sight under the water. Every one thought she was lost. She rose, how. 
ever, swept along over the rocks with the current, and fortunately escaped 



684 THE CITIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

with only one bo.^e in lier bottom, wliicU was stopped in the course of an 
hour. 

"The Ilindman and Osage both came through beautifully without 
touching a thing, and I thought if I was only fortunate enough to get my 
large vessels as well over the falls, my fleet onco more would do good 
service on the Mississippi. 

" The accident to the dam, instead of disheartening Colonel Bailey, only 
induced him to renew his exertions, after he had seen the success of get- 
ting four vessels through. 

" The noble-hearted soldiers, seeing their labor of the last eight days 
swept away in a moment, cheerfully went to work to repair damages 
being confident now that all the gunboats would be finally brought over. 
These men had been working for eight days and nights up to their necks 
in the boiling sun, cutting trees and wheeling bricks, and notliing but 
good humor prevailed amongst them. On the whole it was very for- 
tunate the dam was carried away, as the two barges that were swept away 
from the centre swung around against some rocks on the left, and made a 
fine cushion for the vessels, and prevented them, as it afterward appeared, 
from running on certain destruction. 

" The force of the water and the current being too great to construct a 
continuous dam of six hundred feet acro.'ss the river in so short a time, 
Colonel Bailey determined to leave a gap of fifty-five feet in the dam, and 
build a series of wing dams on the upper falls. This was accomplished 
in three days' time, and on the 11th instant, the Mound City, Carondelet, 
and Pittsburg, came over the upper falls, a good deal of labor having been 
expended in hauling them through, the channel being very crooked, 
scarcely wide enough for tliem. Next day the Ozark, Louisville, Chilli- 
cothe, and two tugs, also succeeded in crossing the upper falls. Immedi- 
ately afterward the Mound City, Carondelet, and Pittsburg, started in suc- 
cession to pa-ss the dam, all their hatches battened down, and every pre- 
caution taken to prevent accident. Tlie passage of these vessels was a 
most beautiful sight, only to be realized when seen. Tbey passed over 
without an accident, except the unshipping of one or two rudders. This 
was witnessed by all the troops, and the vessels were heartily cheered 
when they passed over. Next morning at ten o'clock, the Louisville, 
Chillicothe, Ozark, and two tugs, passed over without any accident, except 
the loss of a man, who was swept off the deck of one of the tugs. By 
three o'clock that afternoon, the vessels were all coaled, ammunition re- 
placed, and all steamed down the river, with the convoy of transports in 
company. A good deal of difficulty was anticipated in getting over the 
bars in lower Red river ; depth of water reported only five feet ; gunboata 
were drawing six. Providentially, we had a rise from the back-water of 
the Mississippi, that river being very high at that time ; the back-wutej 



MOVEMENT OP GENERAL STEELE. 685 

extending to Alexandria, one hundred and fifty miles distant, enabling us 
to pass all the bars and obstructions with safety." 

Ou the 14th of May, the army took up its line of march from Alexan- 
dria for Simmsport, which place was reached on the 19th, the march 
having been a tiresome one, and the rear of the army continually harassed 
by the enemy, who were twice briskly engaged and driven off. The 
work of bridging the Atchafalaya was immediately commenced ; General 
Banks' troops crossed on the 20th, and marched to Morganzia, on the 
west bank of the Mississippi, above Port Hudson, which place they 
reached on the 21st, and General Smith's troops embarked, and returned 
to Vicksburg. At Morganzia, General Canby, who had in the meantime 
been appointed to the command of the military division of the Trans-Mis- 
sissippi, assumed personal command. The fleet reached the Mississippi 
with a loss of one gunboat, the Covington, destroyed, and another, the 
Signal, captured. 

We have already referred to the march of General Steele, with a co-op- 
erative column of twenty-five thousand or thirty thousand men from Little 
Eock, with the intention of forming a juncture with General Banks at or 
beyond Shreveport, and also to General Thayer's moving southward, with 
a body of troops from the army of the frontier, by way of Washington, 
Arkansas. These, which left Fort Smith ou the 25th of March, were to 
join Steele at or near Camden, Arkansas, and had primarily in view, the 
defeat of Price, who was said to be in the vicinity of Washington, Arkan- 
sas. The two columns effected a juncture in safety, without having en- 
countered Price, and General Steele succeeded in occupying Camden 
without much difficulty, only to meet there the news of the failure of the 
main column under General Banks. About the 1st of May, General 
Steele, apprised of the retreat of the Union forces on the Eed river, and 
of the definite abandonment of oSfensive operations in that quarter, and 
finding his rear threatened by Marmaduke, and a large force, commanded 
by General E. Kirby Smith in person, in his front, took up the line of 
march for Little Eock. The retreat was substantially a race with the 
enemy for his base, and was barely won by him with heavy loss of men 
and materiel. The insignificant and despised enemy, who two months 
before was threatened on all sides with destruction, having been forced 
into concentration, was now attempting the passive offensive measure of 
blockading the Arkansas, White, and Eed rivers. The escape of Banks' 
weakened and dispirited columns was due to the attention of the enemy 
being withdrawn from them, in the direction of the Arkansas forces. 

Thus ended ingloriously, though with less of disaster than had been 
feared at one time, this unfortunate campaign. 

The Department of the South had been the scene of a parallel, though 
less extensive disaster, during the winter, from a campaign prompted by 
other, but hardly more honorable motives than those which led to the 



686 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Red rive." blunder. After the President's proclamation of December Sth 
1863, relative to the reorganization of States then in Rebellion, prominent 
Union politicians in Florida, as well as in Louisiana, Arkansas, and Ten- 
nessee, resolved to bring their respective States under its provisions, with 
a view to secure to themselves seats in Congress, or other oilicea of honor 
and emolument. In Florida, tlie United States Government held most of 
the coast, and the lakes and swamps of the peninsula were for the most 
part uninliabited, but the northern portion of the State was still under 
Rebel control, and its broad savannas furnished pasturage to tens of thou- 
sands of cattle, whose flesh largely contributed to the commissariat of the 
Rebel armies. The aspiring politicians to whom we have alluded, found 
in this circumstance a strong argument for the undertaking of an expedi- 
tion, which, while it should cut off the Rebel supplies of beef, would also 
so far bring that section of the State under subjection, as to enable them 
to accomplish their purpose of restoring it to the Union, in name if not in 
fact, and would at the same time give them the opportunity of riding into 
power. They accordingly sought the ear of the general commanding the 
department, and by strong representations of the advantages which would 
result from such an expedition, induced him to favor it in good faith. 
Armed with his approval, they next hastened to Washington, and laid the 
matter before the President, carefully concealing their real motives under 
the plea of the public weal. The President, confiding in General Gill- 
more's approval, and unaware of the sinister purposes of the proposers, 
gave it liis sanction. 

General Gillmore entrusted the command of the expedition to Brigadier- 
General Truman Seymour, an officer of great experience and military 
ability, who had already won a high reputation in some of the hardest 
fought actions in that department. It is said, on what seems to be good 
authority, that General Seymour, apprised of the motives which actuated 
the promoters of tlie expedition, regarded it with distrust, and avowed his 
opinion of its ill-advisedness to his superior. Ilowever this may be, he 
was too thorough a soldier to disobey orders, and a man of too high prin- 
ciple to neglect any measure which might conduce to its success. Five 
brigades were designated for the expedition, but just before leaving 
Hilton Head, the best of the five — Howell's — was detached from it. 

The object of the expedition was to penetrate as far as Lake City, and 
to cut the railro.id at Suwanee river. 

On the 5th of February, 186'±, the expeditionary force, consisting of 
Barton's and Ilawley's brigades, Montgomery's colored, and Henry's 
light brigade, with Generals Gillmore and Seymour, left Hilton Head, and 
landed on the 7th at Jacksonville without opposition, the Rebel outposts 
falling back into the interior. The Union forces did not delay at Jack- 
sonville, but pushed directly into the country, and at first met with 
admirable success. They reached Baldwin, twenty miles from Jackson- 



THE BATTLE OP OLUSTEB, FLORIDA. 687 

ville, on the 9th, and the light brigade arrived in the vicinity of Lake 
City on the 11th. The advance was now delayed for several days, while 
a secondary base was established at Barber's, on the south forks of St. 
Mary's river, thirty miles from Jacksonville. The necessity of this arose 
from the fact that sufficient transportation could not be procured in the 
Department of the South to permit them to make Jacksonville their 
secondary base. This delay proved disastrous. General Gillmore had 
ordered a diversion to be made by General Schimmelpfennig with about 
forty -five hundred troops, to Holover Cut, and the vicinity of the Charles- 
ton and Savannah railroad, to intercept and hold at that point any troops 
the Eebels might send to reinforce their army in Florida. This force 
held the position until the 11th, skirmishing with the Eebels, when, under 
their instructions, they withdrew, and the Eebel brigades which they had 
held in check, immediately took the cars of the Savannah, and the Albany, 
Savannah and Gulf railroads, and by vigorous marching, reached the 
Suwanee in season to take part in the battle, and render the defeat of the 
Union troops certain. On the 15th, Major-General Gillmore returned to 
Hilton Head, and on the 20th, Brigadier-General Seymour, having ob- 
tained some reinforcements and a battery, and having a sufSciency of 
transportation to move his supplies from his secondary base, moved for- 
ward his army, consisting of four thousand five hundred infantry, five 
hundred cavalry, and twenty guns, arranged in four batteries. 

They left Barber's station at seven A. M., reached Sanderson, sixteen 
miles distant, about noon, and pushed on to Olustee, ten miles further, 
without halting. The information which General Seymour had received 
from his scouts led him to suppose that the enemy were in that vicinity. 
At about three p. M., they came suddenly upon the Eebel position, which 
was admirably chosen. On the right, their line rested upon a low and 
rather slight earthwork, protected by rifle-pits; their centre was defended 
by an impassable swamp ; while on the left their cavalry was drawn up 
on a small elevation behind the shelter of a grove of pines. The railroad 
intersected their camp, and on the embankment was placed a battery, 
which commanded the Union left and centre, while a rifled gun, mounted 
on a truck, prevented the Union troops from advancing along the line of 
the railroad. The Eebel force was about thirteen thousand. The Union 
position, from necessity, and not choice, was not desirable. They were 
compelled to approach and form their line of battle between two swamps, 
one in front, the other in rear. Their artillery was posted within one 
hundred yards of the Eebel line, and was thus ■within easy range of the 
Eebel sharpshooters, llawley's brigade led the attack, the seventh New 
Hampshire regiment being in advance. The left flank of the regiment, 
composed mostly of substitutes, who had not previously been under fire, 
and who were but indifferently armed, soon gave way under the terrible 
fire of the Eebel sharpshooters ; but the right, which was armed with the 



688 TUE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Spencer repeating rifle, maintained their position till tlieir ammuuitioa 
was exhausted. The regiment lost its colonel and three hundred and 
fifty men, killed or wounded. Barton's brigade was now brought up, 
with the artillery, and eighth United States volunteers — colored — and 
they met the enemy with great firmness, and forced them back for some 
time ; but Colonel Fribley, commanding the eighth regiment, being killed, 
and the .regiment for the first time under fire, they fought somewhat at 
random, and were finally withdrawn, to prevent their useless slaughter. 
Barton's brigade fought on, but were finally compelled, for want of 
ammunition, to fall back, which they did slowly and in good order ; two 
colored regiments, the fifty-fourth Massachusetts and first North Carolina, 
from Montgomery's brigade, covering their retreat. During the whole 
time that the battle lasted (about four hours), General Seymour was in 
the front, encouraging and cheering his troops. The retreat was made in 
the most perfect order, the Rebels not attempting to pursue. The Union 
troops were obliged to abandon their wounded on the field, and five guns, 
the horses having been killed. Their retreat was continued to Barber's 
station, and the next day to Baldwin, where such stores as could not bo 
transported to Jacksonville were destroyed. On the afternoon of the 22d 
of February, the army reached its camping ground near Jacksonville, and 
soon commenced fortifying its position, which, by subsequent reinforce- 
ments, was made too strong to be attacked by the enemy, and was held 
permanently as a Union post. The losses of the Union force in this 
expedition were two hundred and three killed, about eleven hundred 
wounded, and over five hundred and fifty prisoners. Five pieces of 
artillery, and a considerable quantity of small arms and commissary 
stores also fell into the hands of the enemy. The ill success of the expe- 
dition, which, if well planned and conducted, might possibly have cut off 
a lar"-e portion of the supply of beef from the Rebel army, was a matter 
of serious regret in the Department of the South ; but its failure, under 
the circumstances, was inevitable. The two expeditions, whose disastrous 
termination we have recorded in this chapter, were the last attempts 
which were made to carry out the "anaconda" policy. With the changes 
which took place in the control of the Union armies, about this time, the 
new policy of concentration was inaugurated, and resulted, within about 
a twelvemonth, in the complete overthrow of the Rebellion. 



SHERMAN'S MERIDIAN EXPEDITION. 



CHAPTEE LVI. 

SHRRMAN's meridian expedition — THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENTS AND THEIR FAILURE — 
THE MOVABLE COLUMN — ADVANCE INTO THE ENEMT'S COUNTRY — RETURN — GENERAL GRANT 
PROMOTED TO THE LIEUTENANT-GENERALSHIP, AND SHERMAN APPOINTED TO COMMAND THE 
MILITARY DIVISION OF THE MISSISSIPPI — SKETCH OF SHERMAN — OTHER CHANGES IN COM- 
MANDS — REORGANIZATION OF THE EASTERN AND WESTERN ARMIES — IMPROVEMENT IN 
DISCIPLINE AND MORALE — FORREST AND CHALMERS SET OUT ON AN EXPEDITION FOR 
PLUNDER AND MURDER — ATTACK ON UNION CITY — ON PADUCAH — THE MASSACRE AT FORT 
PILLOW — ATROCITY OF THE CONDUCT OF THE REBELS — THE REBEL GOVERNMENT PROMOTE 
FORREST AND CHALMERS FOR IT — BUFORD's DEMAND FOR THE SURRENDER OF COLUMBUS, 
KENTUCKY- — FORREST'S RETREAT 

In the early part of the year 1864, the War Department, acting upon 
the suggestion of General Grant, determined upon a series of co-operative 
movements, looking to the repossession of Mississippi and Alabama, and 
the menacing of the strong Eebel position of Atlanta, the Gate City, as it 
was called, which commanded the entrance from the mountainous region 
of north Georgia into the rich and fertile plains of the central and southern 
portions of the State. The operations finally determined upon were, a 
naval attack on Mobile and its defences in the lower bay, under the direc- 
tion of Rear- Admiral Farragut, to prevent the blockade-running which, 
in spite of the exertions of the West Gulf blockading squadron, was now 
and then successful ; an expedition across the country, east from Vicksburg, 
toward Selma and Montgomery, with a column of twenty or twenty-five 
thousand men, under the command of General Sherman, to hold Polk's 
army in check from reinforcing Mobile ; and a cavalry expedition from 
Memphis and La Grange, southward, along the line of the Mobile and 
Ohio railroad, to join Sherman at Meridian, under the command of General 
W. Sooy Smith, General Grant's chief of cavalry. 

Of these expeditions, two were unsuccessful, while the third, though 
proving very effective in destroying the enemy's property, and carrying 
terror and alarm into regions which had hitherto not been visited by the 
war, did not accomplish so much as it would have done had the cavalry 
column succeeded in effecting a junction with it. 

Admiral Farragut approached Forts Morgan, Powell, and Gaines, situ- 
ated at the entrance of Mobile bay, with his squadron, and bombarded 
them for six days (February 23-29), but they could not, at that time, be 
reduced without the aid of a land force, and having become convinced of 
this, he withdrew, without having received or inflicted serious loss. 

The force detailed for General Sherman's expedition consisted of four 
divisions, of twelve regiments each, from the sixteenth army corps, under 
-the command of General S. A. Hurlbut. and the whole of the seventeenth 
44 



690 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

army corps, under command of General James B. McPherson. The whole 
force numbered twenty-one thousand infantry, twelve hundred cavalry, 
forty pieces of artillery, with the full quota of artillery troops for them, 
and eight hundred wagons. The cavalry column, under General Smith's 
command, numbered about nine thousand mounted troops, with a light 
artillery train. 

General Sherman's command embarked at Memphis, about the 28th of 
January, for Yicksburg, where it arrived, without serious casualty (though 
fired upon several times by the Eebels), on the 1st and 2d of February. 
Here the troops were ordered to take twenty days' ration.s, but no tents, 
either for of&cers or men, all bivouacking in the open air during the entire 
campaign. It was the aim of General Sherman to bring his army into 
the lightest possible marching order, that they might move with the 
greater celerity and certainty in the enemy's country. It was the first 
attempt at a movement of such extent, with so large a force, and for 
so long a time, into the heart of the enemy's country without a ba.se of 
supplies, and was destined to be the precursor of other and still more 
extended applications of the movable column. General Grant had, indeed, 
cut loose from his base for ten or twelve days, in his march from Grand 
Gulf to Jackson and the rear of Vicksburg, but he bad at no time pene- 
trated more than two or three day.s' forced march into the interior, and 
that only for a brief period. General Lee, in his Gettysburg expedition, 
had given an example of the movable column on a large scale, but his 
distance from points of supply in his own territory was not great, and the 
lack of supplies had as much to do with his somewliat precipitate retreat 
across the Potomac, as the loss of men and ammunition. 

On the 3d of February, the Union army left its camps at Vicksburg, 
and the same evening reached and crossed the Big Black river, the left 
wing — the sixteenth corps — crossing at Messenger's ferry, and the right 
wing — seventeenth corps — at the railroad bridge, eight miles below. On 
the 4th, they met a Rebel cavalry force of about seven thousand men, 
under command of the Rebel General S. D. Lee, at Chamjiion hills. The 
Union advance-guard was at first driven back, but their supports coming 
up, forced the Rebels back to the west side of Baker's creek, where they 
occupied a commanding position, but were driven from it about sundown. 
The next morning, a brigade of McPherson's corps engaged them, and 
after a sharp action, defeated and drove them to Jackson, twenty-tliree 
miles distant, inflicting upon them a loss of one hundred and fifty killed 
and wounded, while their own loss was but thirty. McPherson's corps 
moved on to Jack.son, where they were joined, on the evening of the 5th, 
by the sixteenth — Hurlbut's corps — the two having previously moved on 
different roads. The Rebel force made their escape from the capital with 
such precipitancy, that they had not time even to destroy their pontoon 
bridge. On the 6th of February, the Union troops destroyed all the 



ADVANCE INTO THE ENEMY'S COUNTRY. 691 

public stores and arms accumulated at Jackson for the use of the Rebel 
army, broke up and rendered useless the track of the Mississippi Central 
railroad for some miles, and put the pontoon bridge in complete order for 
crossing Pearl river. On the 7tb, they resumed their march, and though 
the Rebel cavalry hovered on their flanks, they inflicted no serious loss. 
On reaching Brandon, they found and destroyed a large quantity of Eebel 
commissary stores. During the next day — February 8th — the Eebel 
cavalry continued to skirmish with the Union troops, but only lost a con- 
siderable number of prisoners by doing so. 

At Moreton, tiiirty-six miles from Jackson, the Rebel troops were found 
drawn up in line of battle, but as the Union advance approached they 
retreated, and one hundred and fifty of their number were taken prisoners, 
and some papers of importance captured, showing that the Rebel troops 
had orders to fall back to Mobile. For the next two days, the Union 
army found, all along their route, abundant evidence of the precipitancy 
and disorderly character of the Rebel retreat, in the vast quantity of 
abandoned stores, and the great numbers of dead horses and mules. On 
the 11th, at Lake station, on the southern Mississippi railroad (which 
leads from Vicksburg to Meridian), the Union troops destroyed the depot 
and machine shop, two locomotives, thirty-five cars, and three steam mills. 
On the 12th, the army reached Decatur, where they destroyed a large 
tannery; and a body of Rebel cavalry, under General Adams, attacked 
their train, but was driven off with but trifling loss. A part of the Union 
'force here turned aside, and visited Quitman and Enterprise, destroying 
stores belonging to the Rebel Government in both places. On the 13th 
of February, they were together again on the banks of the Big Chunkey 
river, from whence they marched to Meridian, which they entered on the 
morning of the 15th, and from which General Polk and his army had re- 
treated but half an hour previously. Meridian was of importance onl}' as 
the point of junction of the Mobile and Ohio with the southern Missis- 
sippi, and Alabama and Mississippi railroads, and as the principal depot 
of supplies — quartermasters' and commissary stores — for the Rebel armies 
of Mississippi and Alabama. General Sherman gave orders at once to 
seize and use or destroy these stores, and to burn the store-houses, depots, 
officers' quarters, and hospitals. The last named would have been spared, 
but for the uniform practice of the Rebels to destroy the Union hospitals, 
whenever they fell into their power. Among the stores captured was a 
large quantity of corn, and the grist mills in the vicinity were put in 
order, and this corn ground, and used by General Sherman's army during 
his stay at Meridian. Detachments were sent out in all directions to 
destroy the railroads and railroad bridges. General Smith's cavalry 
column was, as we have said, to have joined Sherman's army at this point, 
and for this purpose he had been ordered to leave Colliersville, near 
Memphis, on the 3d of February ; but he was delayed waiting for General 



692 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Waring's brigade of cavalry until the 11th, and this delay enabled Forrest, 
Ehoddy, and Chambers, to concentrate their forces in such positions as to 
check his progress. With the utmost exertion, and without opposition, 
he could not now reach Meridian till about the close of the time set for 
the junction of the two forces (the 15th to the 19th of February); but, for 
some reason, General Smith made but slow progress, averaging not over 
fifteen miles a day, and did not reach Oakland, one liundred and twenty- 
seven miles from Meridian, and one hundred and thirty-five from 
Memphis, until the 18th, and on the 21.st was at West Point, but twenty- 
nine miles farther. Here he encountered so large a Rebel force, so advan- 
tageously posted, and offering him such determined opposition, that he 
was compelled to fall back on Memphis, which he reached on the 26th, 
having made the return march in four days. 

This failure to connect was greatly to be regretted, as, witli the aid of 
this cavalry, General Sherman could have penetrated readily and safely 
to Selma and Montgomery, while without cavalry to cover his flanks, he 
could not go much farther than he had already done into the enemy's 
country, without encountering obstructions and resistance which an 
infantry column would find it difficult to overcome. Having waited till 
one day beyond the utmost limit set for effecting the junction of the two 
corps, and being unable to ascertain, through his scouts, an}' indications 
of General Smith's approach. General Sherman did not deem it wise to 
delay longer, but gave orders, on the morning of the 20th, to return to 
Vicksburg. Marching as far as Hillsboro, by the same route by which 
they had gone eastward, tliey diverged at that point to the northward, 
and, on the 26t"h, arrived at Canton, twenty-three miles north of Jackson, 
on the Mississippi Central railroad. At this point General Sherman left 
the army, the next day, in charge of General llurlbut, and taking a small 
escort, proceeded at once to Vicksburg, and descended the river to New 
Orleans. The army remained at Canton for several days, in the hope of 
hearing from General Smiths cavalry. They had some skirmishes here 
with the Rebel General Adams' cavalry, and in one of them lost sixteen 
forage wagons. The Union troops destroyed here twenty-one locomotives, 
a large number of cars, and other Rebel property ; but the town itself, and 
the property of private citizens, were uninjured, in consequence of the 
friendly conduct of the citizens. On the 2d of March, the Union troops 
resumed their march for Vicksburg, which they reache<l on the -Ith. 
Their total loss during the expedition had been one hundred and seventy 
in killed, wounded, and missing. On arriving at Vicksburg, General 
McPherson's corps went into camp there, while General Hurlbut's returned 
at once to Memphis. 

General Sherman made the following official statement of the results 
of the expedition: One hundred and fifty miles of railway rendered use- 
less, thirty mills and ten thousand bales of cotton burned, two millions of 



SKETCH OF MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN. 693 

bushels of corn either used or destroyed, twenty-three locomotives, eighty- 
eight cars, sixty-seven bridges, and seven thousand feet of trestlework, 
were burned, or otherwise destroyed. The Union army also killed and 
wounded about three hundred Rebel soldiers, took two hundred prisoners, 
liberated nearly eight thousand negroes, and brought back several thou- 
sand more horses and mules, and three hundred more wagons than they 
had when they left Vicksburg. They had subsisted almost entirely upon 
the country. General Sherman estimated the damage done to the Rebel 
cause from this expedition as more than fifty millions of dollars. 

On the 2d- of March, Major-General Grant, then in command of the 
grand military division of the Mississippi, was promoted to the rank of 
Lieutenant-General, and the command, under the President, of all the 
armies of the United States ; and, at the same time, Major-General Sherman 
was advanced to the command vacated by General Grant's promotion. 
Other changes were made about the same time, but before noticing them 
let us sketch briefly the life-history of this new general of the military 
division of the Mississippi, who was henceforth Grant's most efficient 
lieutenant in the prosecution of the war. Major-General William 
Tecumseh Sherman was born in Lancaster, Ohio, on the 8th of February, 
1820. He is a son of the late Hon. Charles R. Sherman, at the time 
of his death one of the judges of the Supreme Court of Ohio. Soon 
after his father's death, in 1829, he was adopted by Hon. Thomas 
Ewing, and at the age of sixteen, after receiving a good preliminary 
education, appointed a cadet at West Point, where he graduated, June 
30th, 1840, ranking sixth in his class. He was appointed immediately 
second lieutenant in the third artillery, and ordered to duty in Florida, 
where, in November, 1841, he was promoted to a first lieutenantcy. He 
was soon after assigned to duty at Fort Moultrie, Charleston harbor, 
where he remained for several years. In 1846, he was ordered to Cali- 
fornia, where he was made acting assistant adjutant-general, and performed 
his duties with such ability that he received a brevet of captain, dating 
from May 30th, 1848, '• for meritorious services in California during the 
war with Mexico." In 1850, he was promoted to the rank of captain, 
and appointed commissary of subsistence, being assigned to the staff of 
the commander of the Department of the West, with headquarters at St. 
Louis. He was soon after transferred to the military post of New Orleans. 
In the duties of the office of commissary, he acquired his aptitude for 
biinging together the necessary supplies for an army, with a promptness 
which has never been surpassed by any military commander. On the 
6th of September, 1853, he resigned his commission in the army, and for 
the next four years resided in California, as the manager of the banking 
house of Lucas Turner & Co., at San Francisco. In 1857, he was invited 
by some of the friends whom he had made in New Orleans to take the 
superintendency of the State ililitary Institute of Louisiana, then just 



694 THE CIVIL WAR I\ THE UNITED STATES. 

organizing, and accepted the post. The purpose of the founders of this 
military school was to educate young men for officers in the army of the 
Rebellion, the coming of which they foresaw and desired; but this ulterior 
purpose was carefully hidden, and other reasons, plausible enough, 
assigned for the establishment of a military academy. When, in the 
winter of 1861, it began to be evident that the secession of Louisiana was 
resolved upon, and that war would probably follow, Captain Sherman 
promptly resigned his superintendency, as incompatible with his views 
of loyalty, and came north to St. Louis. Soon after he visited Wash- 
ington, and warned the Government of the extent and fierceness of the 
struggle which was so soon to come, but found them incredulous 
on the subject. At the organization of the new regiments of the regular 
army in June, 1861, he was appointed colonel of the thirteenth infantry, 
his commission dating from ^lay lith, 1861. In the battle of Bull Run 
he commanded the third brigade in the first (Tyler's) division, a brigade 
composed of some of tlie most celebrated regiments of volunteers in the 
subsequent history of the war, the thirteenth New York State militia, the 
sixty-ninth (Irish), the seventy-ninth (Highlanders) New York State 
militia, and the second Wisconsin. His conduct in that battle was not 
only brave, but skilful, and no troops in the field that day behaved better 
than those in his command. On the 3d of August he was confirmed a 
brigadier-general of volunteers, his commission dating from May 17th, 
1861. Early in August, he was ordered to report to General Robert 
Anderson, then commanding the Department of the Ohio, and was by him 
made second in command, and soon after sent with a force of seven thou- 
sand men, volunteers and Kentucky home-guards, to occupy Muldraugh's 
hill, a point of considerable strategic importance, south of the Rolling Fork 
of Salt river. The troops under his command proved entirely unreliable, 
the home-guards abandoning the camp for their homes; and the reinforce- 
ments intended for his command being ordered elsewhere, he soon found 
himself with less than five tliousand troops, badly armed, and wholly un- 
tried, confronted b}' the Rebel General Buckner, with a force of twenty- 
five thousand men. At this juncture, the failure of General Anderson's 
health compelled his resignation, and, on the 8th of October, Sherman was 
appointed his successor. His position was a trying one. His force was 
entirely inadequate to cope with the greatly superior numbers of the 
enemy, and his appeals for more troops met with no favorable response 
from the War Department. Secretary Cameron and Adjutant-General 
Thomas had an interview with him at Louisville, in October, and among 
other questions, asked him how many troops would be required for a 
forward movement in his department, lie replied, "Sixty thousand." 
'And how many," asked the Secretary, " for the entire western depart- 
ment?" "Not less than two hundred thousand," was the prompt reply. 
This seemed to the Washington officials very absurd, and they repeated 



SKETCH OP MAJOR-GENERAL SHERMAN. 695 

it publicly, with some ungracious comments. It did not require a twelve- 
mouth to prove the accuracy of General Sherman's estimate, but at the 
time he was denounced as insane for making it. Finding itw impossible 
to obtain reinforcements, and General McClellan making inquiries which 
indicated an intention of giving up Louisville and Kentucky, General 
Sherman asked to be relieved of his command. His request was granted, 
and General Buell put in his place, who was immediately reinforced to an 
extent beyond what General Sherman had asked. Sherman himself was 
shelved by being ordered to duty at Benton Barracks, near St. Louis. 
Here, on assuming command of the western department, General Halleck 
found him, and knowing his abilities, detailed him to forward reinforce- 
ments and supplies to General Grant, then besieging Fort Donelson ; and 
after the fall of that fortress, put him in command of the fifth division of 
Grant's army, with which he fought with great gallantry at the battle of 
Shiloh, April 6th and 7th, 1862. Of his conduct in this battle Colonel 
Bowman well says: "There was not a commanding general on the field 
who did not rely on Sherman, and look to him as our chief hope, and 
there is no question that but for him our army would have been destroyed." 
General Grant said in his report: "To General Sherman's individual 
efforts I am indebted for the success of that battle." In the siege of 
Corinth, his division was constantly in the advance, and carried, occupied, 
and reintrenched seven distinct Kebel camps. After the evacuation of 
Corinth, he was, at the urgent request of Generals Halleck and Grant, 
promoted to the rank of major-general, his commission dating from May 
1st, 1862. On the 20th of June, he captured Holly Springs, Mississippi, 
and was soon after put in command of the district of Memphis, which he 
governed with skill and decision, breaking up the contraband trade, and 
suppressing the guerrillas. 

In the latter part of December, 1862, General Grant ordered him, with 
parts of two corps, to descend the river to Vicksburg, and attack the 
works on Chickasaw bluff's, while he would approach from the rear, by 
way of Jackson, and co-operate in an assault upon the city. General 
Sherman obeyed the order, but the capture of Holly Springs, Grant's base 
of supplies, pi'evented his co-operation too late to recall Sherman, and the 
attack, though skilfully conducted, proved a failure. General Sherman 
had submitted a plan for the reduction of Arkansas Post, an important 
strategic point, to follow immediately his assault upon Chickasaw bluifs, 
and General McClernand having been sent down with additional troops 
to participate in this movement, and ranking General Sherman, took com- 
mand of the expedition. There are but few generals who would, under 
the sting of disappointment and defeat for which they were not responsi- 
ble, have submitted, with so good a grace, to serve under another, and he 
a civilian general, in the execution of their own plans; but General Sher- 
man liad learned well that obedience is the first duty of a soldier, and he 



696 THE CIVIL WAK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

rendered it heartily. Arkansas Post was taken, and Sherman returned \fl 
Grant's army, which, about this time, took position at Young's Point, for 
the operatiops against Vicksburg. In these. General Sherman was con- 
spicuous for bravery, skill, and promptness of action. In the attempt 
made by Rear- Admiral Porter to penetrate to the upper Yazoo, through 
several of the interlacing creeks and bayous, it was due to the extraordi- 
nary energy and promptness of General Sherman, that the light-draft 
gunboats of the squadron escaped from the enemy, who had so nearly 
captured them. The forced march through the deep mud of the Yazoo 
country, which alone rescued them, was one of the most extraordinary 
of the war. 

When General Grant determined to assail Vicksburg from below, he 
left Sherman's corps behind, to demonstrate on Haines' bluff, and draw 
the Rebel troops in that direction, while he landed his other corps below, 
and marched northward. Having been successful in this. General Sher- 
man made a rapid march on the west side of the Mississippi, to a point 
opposite Grand Gulf, and crossing there, participated in most of the sub- 
sequent battles of the Vicksburg campaign. lie defeated one wing of 
Johnston's forces at Jackson, and marching, at General Grant's order, by 
the northern route to Vicksburg, crossed the Big Black river at Bridge- 
port, and marching rapidly, compelled the evacuation of the Rebel works 
on Walnut hills and Chickasaw bluffs, and divided the Rebel force in 
the outer defences of the city, before the remainder of the army came up. 
In the two assaults on Vicksburg, Sherman's corps alone made any con- 
siderable gain; and when the city was surrendered, he started immediately 
for Jackson, and drove Johnston's army from the capital. After devoting 
the next two months to resting, refitting, and recruiting his force, he re- 
ceived a telegraphic despatch on the 22d of September, ordering him to 
send a division to reinforce Rosecrans at Chattanooga ; and the next day, 
an order to follow, with the remainder of his corps. Both were promptly 
obeyed, and though delayed by the low state of the river, and by the order 
of General Ilalleck to repair the railroad, as well as by some hard fight- 
ing, he made a march of most extraordinary celerity, and brought his 
advance-guard into Chattanooga on the loth of November. It was while 
on this march, that he was apprised that he had been appointed comman- 
der of the army of the Tennessee, Grant's previous command. His part 
in the battles of Chattanooga, we have already described, as well as his 
promptness in raising the siege of Knoxville, and his daring expedition 
into the heart of the enemy's country, in February, 186-1. Promoted to 
the command of the military division of the Mississippi, he inspected 
every post and garrison in his command, displayed his matchless energy 
and executive ability in pushing forward, mainly over a single long rail- 
road line, supplies for his army in such quantities as to be for weeks, in 
the subsequent campaign, practically independent of his base, and by the 



REORGANIZATION OF THE UNION ARMIES. 697 

first week in May, had accumulated at Chattanooga an army of one hun- 
dred thousand men, fully equipped for a campaign such as had had no 
previous parallel. Of the campaigns from Chattanooga to Atlanta, the 
retrograde movement northward, the return to Atlanta, the departure 
thence to Savannah, the ability manifested in military and civil affairs 
there, the last and most marvellous march of all, through thS Carolinas, 
moving for sixty days without a base of supplies through the enemy's 
country, the rest and refitting at Goldsboro, the new advance to Ealeigh, 
and beyond, and the final surrender of Johnston's army, we have yet to 
speak; but in all we see displayed the ability, foresight, and strategic skill 
of a great commander. 

About the same time that Lieutenant-General Grant received his com- 
mission, and Major-General Sherman his order to take command of the 
military division of the Mississippi, General Halleck accepted the position 
of chief of staff to the President; General McPherson was advanced to 
the command of the army of the Tennessee; General Schofield was trans- 
ferred from the command of the Department of Missouri to that of the 
Ohio, with headquarters at Knoxville, Tennessee; and General Eosecrans 
succeeded him in Missouri ; and General Sigel was appointed to the com- 
mand of the army of Western Virginia. Generals Burnside and Han- 
cock were directed to recruit the ninth and second corps, respectively, up 
to fifty thousand men, and, as far as possible, to secure veteran soldiers 
for the purpose. 

The two months which followed, were months of great activity and in- 
cessant preparation. Soon after taking command of the armies of the 
United States, General Grant returned to the West, and in a protracted 
interview with General Sherman, settled upon the outlines of the cam- 
paign of the ensuing spring and summer, in the West, and then returning 
to the East, devoted himself with great assiduity to the reorganization of 
the armies of the Atlantic slope, and the marshalling and discipline of 
the large body of new recruits which were being constantly added to their 
ranks. Among these were two large divisions of colored troops, one in 
Burnside's (ninth) corps, of the army of the Potomac, the other in Gill- 
more's (tenth) corps, of the army of the James. 

The morale of the army was greatly improved ; vicious, intemperate, 
and "conditionally loyal " officers were dismissed with little ceremony, and 
straggling, malingering, and intemperance, among rank and file, severely 
and promptly punished. These great improvements were equally manifest 
in the army of the West, where General Sherman, with unsparing hand, 
weeded out the officers whose vices had hitherto been tolerated, but who 
were unfit to command. In both armies the pulse of patriotism beat high, 
and officers and men looked forward to the coming campaign with an eager- 
ness and enthusiasm which betokened their confidence in the speedy triumph 
of their arms. 



6!)S THE CIVIL WAR IX TIIK UNITED STATES. 

The Rebel Government and commanders were, perhaps, less sanguine of 
success, but they were not le.ss active and energetic in preparing for the 
coming campaign. A new con.scription law called into the field all their 
white able-bodied male citizens between the ages of sixteen and fifty, 
authorizing details, where necessary, for special civil duty ; the array 
officers wer€ empowered to impress provisions for the army ; arms and 
ammunition were purchased in England in large quantities, and run into 
Wilmington and Mobile, evading the blockade; great activity was dis- 
played at the few points where cannon, fire arms, and ammunition were 
manufactured in their own territory; desertion and evasion of the con- 
scription, both extensively prevalent, were punished with terrible severity, 
and every preparation made for a sanguinary and desperate resistance. 

While these preparations were going on, the Eebel cavalry in tlie West, 
which, though recognized and commissioned as regular troops by the 
Rebel Government, was largely composed of felons, outlaws, and ruffians, 
more ready to commit murders and outrages than to engage in honorable 
warfare, was guilty of a series of disgraceful and infamous murders, which 
would stamp any government authorizing or sanctioning tliem with eternal 
dishonor. The leaders in these horrible deeds were General Forrest and 
General Chalmers, who had both attained a considerable notoriety as 
partisan and guerrilla officers, and had not, in their previous career, been 
free from the imputation of dishonorable deeds. 

General Sherman was receiving, in March, large reinforcements from 
Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, and was, at the same time, using his railroad 
communications to their utmost capacity, in pushing forward supplies to 
Memphis, Johnsouville, Nashville, Stevenson, and Chattanooga. It was 
with a view to prevent these new troops from reaching his camps, and to 
alarm him for the safety of his communications, that Forrest was sent on 
his murderous raid. He had a force of about seven thousand cavalry, his 
own and Chalmers' command, and his purpo.se was to attack the Union 
garrisons of Paducah, Union City, Columbus, and Fort Pillow, and to 
threaten Mempliis. It had no effect, however, in luring General Sherman 
from the accomplishment of his plans, and atrocious as was the conduct of 
the raiders, they accomplished nothing of any benefit to the Rebel cause, 
while they lost from their own ranks more men than they murdered or 
killed in battle. 

Forrest first attacked Union City on the 24:th of March. The town was 
garrisoned by five hundred men, under the command of Colonel Hawkins, 
of the seventh Tennessee Union cavalry. This force repulsed him several 
times, but finally yielded to his demand for surrender, though they 
might, perhaps, have held the town. They were taken pri.soners, but 
were not treated with particular cruelty. 

From Union City he proceeded to Paducah, where was a garrison of 
six hundred and fifty-five men, under Colonel S. G. Ilicks, and several 



FORREST'S ATTACK ON FORT PILLOW. 699 

gunboats lay along the river near the town. The Union forces retired 
into Fort Anderson, and successfully repelled the attacks of the Rebel 
cavalry. Failing to make any impression by fighting, Forrest next de- 
manded an unconditional surrender, and closed his letter of demand with 
these words : "If you surrender, you shall be treated as prisoners of war; 
but if I have to storm your works, you may expect no quarter." Colonel 
Hicks replied, saying that he should not surrender ; that he had been 
placed there to defend that post, and that he should do so. Forrest then 
a.ssaulted the fort three times, but was repulsed each time with severe loss, 
one of his brigadiers being killed in the last assault. He withdrew the 
next mornmg, March 26th, having lost over three hundred killed and 
about twelve hundred wounded. In his attack on Fort Anderson, Forrest 
was guilty of the same meanness and bad faith for which he had been 
noted throughout the war. While professedly negotiating, under flag of 
truce, for the surrender of the fort, he took advantage of the cessation of 
fire to creep up and secure a better position for making an assault, and 
also to plunder private stores and government property in the town. He 
seized the women and children, whom the officers of the fort and of the 
gunboats had advised to go down to the river, that they might be taken 
acr.oss out of danger, and placed them, and the female nurses of the 
hospitals, in front of his lines, while he was advancing toward the fort, in 
order to prevent the garrison from firing on him. No brave or gallant 
soldier would ever have stooped to such measures for protection in making 
an attack. The other fortified posts along the Mississippi Central and 
Mobile and Ohio railroads were each approached, but finding them watch- 
ful and ready for him, and having no artillery, he soon relinquished the 
effort to capture them. 

His approach to Fort Pillow was'made stealthily, before sunrise on the 
morning of the 12th of April. The garrison there consisted, at the time, 
of nineteen officers and five hundred and thirty-eight enlisted men, of 
whom two hundred and sixty-two were colored troops, comprising one 
battalion of the sixth United States heavy artillery (formerly called the 
first Alabama artillery), under command of Major L. F. Booth ; one 
section of the second United States light artillery, colored ; and one bat- 
talion of the thirteenth Tennessee cavalry, white, commanded by Major 
W. F. Bradford. Major Booth was the ranking officer, and was in com- 
mand of the post. 

The first intimation which the garrison had of the approach of the 
enemy was the driving in of their pickets. Fighting soon became general, 
and about nine o'clock Major Booth was killed. Major Bradford succeeded 
to the command, and withdrew all the forces within the fort. They had 
previously occupied some intrenchments at a little distance, and further 
from the river. There were six pieces of artillery in the fort, viz : two 
six pounders, two twelve pounder howitzers, and two ten pounder 



•JOO THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Parrotts. The fort was situated on a high bluff, wliich Jescended rapidly 
to the river's edge. The side of the bluff toward the river was covered 
with trees, bushes, and fallen timber. Extending back from the river, on 
either side of the fort, were ravines or hollows, the one below the fort con- 
taining several private stores and some dwellings, constituting what was 
called the town. At the mouth of that ravine, and on the liver's bank, 
were some government buildings, containing commissary and quarter- 
ma.stcrs' stores. The ravine above the fort was known as Cold Creek, 
ravine, and its sides were covered with trees and bushes. To the right, 
or below and a little to the front of the fort, was a level piece of ground, 
on which had been erected some log huts or shanties, which were occupied 
by the white troops, and also used for hospital and other purposes. 
Within the fort, tents had been erected, with board floors, for the use of 
the colored troops. 

"The Rebels contiTuied their attack, but, up to two or three o'clock in 
the afternoon, they had gained no decisive success. The Union troops, both 
white and black, fought most bravely, and were in good spirits. The gun- 
boat number seven (New Era), Captain Mar.shall, took part in the conflict, 
slielling the enemy as opportunity offered. There being but one gunboat 
there, no permanent impression appears to have been produced upon the 
Kebel force ; for, as they were shelled out of one ravine, they would make 
their appearance in the other. They would thus appear and retire as the 
gunboat moved from one point to the other. About one o'clock, the fire 
on both sides slackened somewhat, and the gunboat moved out into the 
river, to cool and clean its guns, having fired two hundred and eighty-two 
rounds of shell, shrapnell, and canister, which nearly exhausted its supply 
of ammunition. 

" The Rebels having thus far failed in their attack, now resorted to their 
customary use of flags of truce. The first flag of truce conveyed a demand 
from Forrest for the unconditional surrender of the fort. To this Major 
Bradford replied, asking to be allowed one hour to consult with liis officers 
and the officers of the gunboat. In a short time a second flag of truce 
appeared, with a communication from Forrest, that he would allow Major 
Bradford twenty minutes in which to move his troops out of the fort, and 
if it was not done within that time an assault would be ordered. To this 
Major Bradford returned the reply that he would not surrender. 

"During the time these flags of truce were flying, the Rebels were moving 
down the ravine, and taking positions from which the more readily to 
charge upon the fort. Parties of them were also engaged in plundering 
the government buildings of commissary and quartermasters' stores, in 
full view of the gunboat. Captain Marshall states that he refrained from 
firing upon the Rebels, although they were thus violating the flag of truce, 
for fear that, should they finally succeed in capturing the fort, they would 
justify any atrocities they might commit by saying that they were in 



THE MASSACEE AT FORT PILLOW. 701 

retaliation for his firing while the flag of truce was flying. He says, how- 
ever, that when he saw the Rebels coming down the ravine above the fort, 
and taking positions there, he got under way and stood for the fort, deter- 
mined to use what little ammunition he had left in shelling them out of 
the ravine ; but he did not get up within effective range before the final 
assault was made. 

'•' Immediately after the second flag of truce retired, the Eebels made a 
rush from the positions they had so treacherously gained and obtained 
possession of the fort, raising the cry of 'No quarter!' But little oppor- 
tunity was allowed for resistance. The Union troops, black and white, 
threw down their arms, and sought to escape by running down the steep 
bluS' near the fort, and secretiner themselves behind trees and los^s, in the 
bushes, and under the brush — some even jumping into the river, leaving 
only their heads above the water, as they crouched down undei' the bank. 

" Then followed a scene of cruelty and murder without a parallel in 
civilized warfare, which needed but the tomaliawk and scalping knife to 
exceed the worst atrocities ever committed by savages. The Eebels com- 
menced an indiscriminate slaughter, sparing neither age nor sex, white or 
black, soldier or civilian. The officers and men seemed to vie with each 
other in the fiendish work; men, women, and even children, wherever 
found, were deliberately shot down, beaten, and hacked with sabres; some 
of the children, not more than ten years old, were forced to stand up and 
face their murderers while being shot ; the sick and the wounded were 
butchered without mercy, the Eebels even entering the hospital building 
and dragging them out to be shot, or killing them as they lay there unable 
to offer the least resistance. All over the hill-side the work of murder 
was going on ; numbers of Union men were collected together in lines or 
groups, and deliberately shot ; some were shot while in the river, while 
others on the bank were shot, and their bodies kicked into the water, many 
of them still living, but unable to make any exertions to save themselves 
from drowning. Some of the Eebels stood on the top of the hill, or a 
short distance down its side, and called to the Union soldiers to come up 
to them, and as they approached, shot them down in cold blood ; if their 
guns or pistols missed fire, forcing them to stand there until they were 
again prepared to fire. All around were heard cries of ' No quarter!' ' No 
quarter!' 'Kill the damned niggers ; shoot them down!' All who asked 
for mercy were answered by the most cruel taunts and sneers. Some 
were spared for a time, only to be murdered under circumstances of greater 
cruelty. No cruelty which the most fiendish malignity could devise was 
omitted by these murderers. One white soldier who was wounded in one 
leg so as to be unable to walk, was made to stand up while his tormentors 
shot him ; others who were wounded and were unable to stand, were 
held up and again shot. One negro, who had been ordered by a Eebel 
officer to hold his horse, was killed by him when he remounted ; another, 



702 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

a mere cliild, whom an officer had taken up behind him on his horse, was 
seen by Chabners, who at once ordered tlie officer to put liim down and 
shoot him, which was done. The huts and tents in wliich many of the 
wounded had sought shelter, were set on fire, both that night, and the next 
morning, while tlie wounded were still in them — those only escaping who 
were able to get themselves out, or who could prevail on others less in- 
jured than themselves, to help them out ; and even some of those thus 
seeking to escape the flames, were met by those ruffians and brutally shot 
down, or had their brains beaten out. One man was deliberately fastened 
down to the floor of a tent, face upward, by means of nails driven 
through his clothes and into the boards under him, so that he could not 
possibly escape, and then the tent set on fire ; another was nailed to the 
side of a building outside the fort, and then the building set on fire and 
burned. The charred remains of five or six bodies were afterward 
found, all but one so mucli disfigured and consumed by the flames that 
they could not be identified. 

"These deeds of murder and cruelty ceased when night came on, only 
to be renewed the next morning, when the demons carefully souglit 
among the dead, lying about in all directions, for any of the wounded yet 
alive, and those they found were deliberately shot. Scores of the dead 
and wounded were found there the day after the massacre, by the men 
from some of the Union gunboats, who were permitted to go on shore 
and collect the wounded, and bury the dead. The Rebels themselves had 
made a pretence of burying a great many of their victims, but they had 
merely thrown them, without the least regard to care or decency, into the 
trenches and ditches about the fort, or the little" hollows and ravines on 
the hill-side, covering them but partially with earth. Portions of heads and 
face, hands and feet, were found protruding through the earth in every 
direction. The testimony collected by the ' Committee on the Conduct of 
the War,' also establishes the fact that the Rebels buried some of the living 
with the dead, a few of whom succeeded afterward in digging themselves 
out, or were dug out by others." 

The whole number thus brutally murdered at Fort Pillow, was about 
four hundred, and a very considerable number subsequently died of their 
wounds at Mound City hospital, and elsewhere. Major Bradford, it ap- 
peared, from the evidence obtained by the Committee on the Conduct of the 
War, was murdered the day after the capture of the fort, between Browns- 
ville and Jackson, Teuneseee, and of the nearly two hundred who escaped 
death on that day, it is supposed that the greater part were subsequently 
murdered. 

Both Forrest and Chalmers undoubtedly ordered and sanctioned this 
ma.ssacre, and both subsequently justified it, and declared that they were 
under orders to kill every colored soldier, or " home-made Yankee" (the 
name they gave to the white Tennessee and Alabama unionists), they 



BUFORD DEMANDS THE SURRENDER OF COLUMBUS. 703 

might capture. The Rebel press also justified and gloried in these butch- 
eries, and the Rebel Government made them the occasion for promoting 
both Forrest and Chalmers to a higher rank in the army. 

Having thus escaped with impunity, after committing these atrocities, 
Forrest was emboldened to attempt further outrages. He accordingly 
sent the Rebel General Buford, the next day, April 13th, to Columbus, 
Kentucky, to demand the unconditional surrender of that post. This de- 
mand was coupled with a threat, that if the post was not immediately 
surrendered, and he were compelled to storm it, he would show no quarter 
to the negro troops. Colonel Lawrence, the commander of tlie fortress, 
replied, that "surrender was out of the question, as he had been placed 
there by his Government to hold and defend the place, and he .should do 
so." Buford, like his superior officer, took advantage of the flag of truce 
to steal a number of horses, but on receiving the patriotic reply of Colonel 
Lawrence, he made no attempt to attack the Union garrison, but retired 
to Forrest's camp. A considerable force of Union cavalry were now in 
pursuit of Forrest, and as his vocation was rather to steal and murder 
than to fight, he made all speed southward, and escaped into Mississippi. 



104 THE UIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LVII. 

PREPARATIONS FOR THE ADVANCE — GENERAL GRANT'S STRATEGY — SIMULTANEOUS MOVEMENT 
— TUB NUMBERS IN TUB OPPOSING ARMIES — SITUATION OF THE SUBORDINATE ARMIES OP 
THE UNION AND THEIR NUMBERS — GENERAL BUTLEr's ADVANCE — THE FEINT ON YORK 

RIVER — ASCENT OF THE JAMES TO CITY POINT AND BERMUDA HUNDRED THE ADVANCE ON 

FORT DARLING — THE TROOPS DRIVEN BACK — ATTACK OF THE REBELS ON BERMUDA HUN- 
DRED THEY ARE REPULSED — DEPARTURE OP THE EIGHTEENTH CORPS — THE ATTACK ON 

PETERSBURG ITS PARTIAL FAILURE — ARMY OP THE POTOMAC CROSSING THE RAPIDAN — 

THE BATTLES OF MAY OTH AND 6tU — LEE's CHANGE OF POSITION — DEATH OF WADSWORTH — 
SKETCH OF WADSWORTH — FIGHTING OF MAY 7tU AND 8tH — PARTIAL LULL ON THE 9tH — 
DEATH OF GENERAL SEDGWICK — DESPERATE FIGHTING ON THE IOtH — THE RESULTS STILL 
INDECISIVE — QUIET ON THE NEXT DAY — GENERAL GRANT'S DESPATCH- — " FIGHTING IT OUT 
ON THAT line" — THE TERRIBLE BATTLE OF THE 12tU — THE CHARGE OF THE SECOND CORPS 

— DESPERATE FIGHTING WILCOX'S DIVISION FORCED BACK — SUCCESS TORNINO TO THB 

UNION SIDF.— LOSSES OK THE EIGHT DAYS ON THE UNION SIDE — LOSSES ON THE REBEL SIDE 
—IMPOSSIBILITY OF MOVEMENTS DURING THE STORM — SKETCH OF GENERAL SEDGWICK. 

The notes of preparation had sounded loud and long, and all was ready 
for such a campaign between the opposing armies as had not been sur- 
passed in any war of modern time.'?. Under the control and at the 
bidding of the Lieutenant-General, Sherman's army in Georgia, Meade'.s 
army on the Rapidan, Butler's on the Jnmes, Sigel's iathe Shenandoali 
valley, were each to seek their foe, and plunge simultaneously into the 
conflict. Hitherto it had been towns or cities which our armies sought 
to win ; now it was the opposing army itself, wherever it might retreat, 
which was the real objective. Not Atlanta, so much as Johnston's army, 
was the prize Sherman sought to win ; not Richmond, so much as Lee's 
army, was the guerdon of the armies of the Potomac and the James. The 
old strategy consisted in driving the covering force of the foe from a city 
whiuh it was deemed necessary to capture, and then reducing it, when it had 
but a slender garrison. Grant's strategy aimed at something entirely 
difi'erent; he drove the army of his enemy into his capital, surrounded 
and held him there, striking first at one flank and then at the other, and 
wearied him by his pertinacity and his heavy blows, until the citadel and 
the army of the foe were surrendered together, and the war brought to an 
end, almost simultaneously with the reduction of the enemy's capital. 
The siege of the beleaguered city might bo longer by this process, but 
when the surrender came, the results amply repaid the delay. The cam- 
paigns of the spring and summer of 1864, both in Virginia and Georgia, 
were on a far larger scale than those of any previous year of the war. 
Tlie Union armies outnumbered their opponents in both States, but more 
largely in the latter than in the former, but they were to a greater extent 
new troops, and were to act on the offensive against an enemy on his own 



GENERAL BUTLER'S MOVEMENTS ON RICHMOND. 10b 

territory, and with abundant intrenched positions, and these advantages 
fully counterbalanced any excess of numbers. 

In Virginia, by the most strenuous efforts, General Lee had assembled 
a Rebel army far superior in numbers, discipline, and equipment, to any 
he had hitherto commanded. His army, when much inferior in numbers, 
training, and equipment, to the present one, had indeed been defeated at 
Antietam and Gettysburg, but had always been successful on its own 
territory, and its able commander might well be hopeful of victory in the 
coming contest. But he had not reckoned upon the iron will, the stern 
persistence, the unyielding grip, of his antagonist. He had hitherto been 
matched against generals less skilled in strategy, less fertile in resources, 
less capable of wielding a great army effectively than himself But he 
was now to contend against a general who could parry all his attacks, 
who was a greater master of strategy than himself, and who could work 
steadily on for months, or even years, if necessary, to accomplish his 
purposes. 

The army of the Potomac, under the command of Major-General Meade, 
numbering, including Burnside's reserves, which were at this time at 
Annapolis, about one hundred and sixty thousand men, occupied a 
position along the Eapidan, south and southeast of Culpepper Court 
Hou.se. 

Major-General Butler's command, afterward named the army of the 
James, consisted of the army of southeast Virginia and North Carolina, 
nearly or quite an ordinary army corps in numbers, the tenth (Gillmore's) 
corps, from the Department of the South, and the eighteenth corps from 
Louisiana ; it numbered about forty thousand, and was concentrated at 
Fortress Monroe and its vicinity. In the Shenandoah valley, Major- 
General Sigel was in command of a single corps of not far from ten 
thousand men, with orders to participate in the simultaneous movement, 
by attacking the forces of the enemy in the valley, and to strike at 
Lynchburg. Generals Crook and Averell were in West Virginia, and 
had assembled there a force of more than twenty thousand men, a part of 
whom were to be pushed forward to join Sigel. 

The forward movement commenced on the 4th of May. The tenth and ! 

eighteenth corps, of General Butler's command, having marched previously 
from Fortress Monroe to Yorktown and Gloucester Point, embarked, on [ 

the 4th of May, on transports, and made a feint of ascending York I 

river, a small force being landed at West Point to build wharves, &c. I 

Having deceived the enemy by this movement. General Butler secretly f 

re-embarked his troops, and descended the York river by night, ascended [• 

the James, accompanied by a large squadron of gunboats, four monitors, ' 

and the iron-clad Atlanta. Landing a part of his troops at City Point, he f 

went on with the remainder as far as Bermuda Hundred, four miles 
above Appomattox river, where, landing under the protection of the gua- 
45 



706 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

boats, they proceeded at once to intrench themselves. On the 6th, he 
ascertained the enemy's position by means of reconnoitering parties, 
and on the 7th made a demonstration, with a force of five brigades, toward 
Petersburg. After a sharp and severe fight, the Union troops succeeded 
in reaching and cutting the railroad, General Kautz meanwhile being sent 
with a cavalry force to burn the railroad bridge below Petersburg, thus 
temporarily dividing Beauregard's force, a part of which had not yet 
reached that city. Meanwhile, Colonel West, with two regiments of 
colored troops, moved from Williamsburg, and made a successful demon- 
stration on Lee's lines north of the James. 

General Butler next sent reconnoissances in force toward Richmond, on 
the south side of the James, which destroyed the railroad between that 
city and Petersburg for a considerable distance, busying the rest of his 
troops meantime, in fortifying the two positions at Bermuda Hundred and 
City Poiut. This accomplished, he proceeded at once to lay siege to Fort 
Darling, a work of considerable strength, situated on Drewry's bluff, an 
eminence overlooking the James, and which had previously repulsed an 
attack of the Union iron-clads on its river front. 

On the ISth of May, the outer line of earthworks around the fort was 
carried, after a brief but sharp battle, and the Union troops moved for- 
ward toward the second line, and began to bring up their artillery to bear 
upon it, but committed the fatal mistake, of neglecting to intrench their 
new position. 

On tlie 16th of May, the enemy, taking advantage of this blunder, made 
a sortie upon their lines, in a dense fog, (having been reinforced for the 
purpose by the greater part of Beauregard's army,) and attacking the 
Union right wing with great violence, forced it back with very heavy 
loss, flanking it so completely that the whole army was compelled to fall 
back to their intrenchments at Bermuda Hundred, which, however, they 
succeeded in reaching in good order. The Rebel force, satisfied with hav- 
ing compelled them to raise the siege of the fort, did not pursue them to 
Bermuda Hundred. It is said that Beauregard sought, from the Rebel 
President, the loan of ten thousand of Lee's troops, in addition to his own, 
for thirty-six hours, promising, if he could have them, to annihilate But- 
ler's force. Mr. Davis refused, because that reduction of Lee's troops, 
even for so short a time, would compel him to fall back to Richmond, and 
would add to Grant's prestige to such an extent, that the annihilation of 
Butler's force would not compensate for it. He insisted, however, that 
Beauregard could accomplish his object witliout reinforcement. The at- 
tempt was made, and Butler sufl'ered heavy loss, nearly five thousand ot 
his troops being killed, wounded, or taken prisoners, but he was very far 
from being annihilated. On the early morning of the 20th of May, after 
three days' skirmishing, the Rebel army advanced, and attacked Bermuda 
Hundred, but were repulsed with severe slaughter, and retreated in con- 



THE ATTACK ON PETERSBURG. 



707 



siderable disorder, leaving two hundred and sixtj-three of their dead and 
wounded on the field, and acknowledging a loss of over six hundred. 
The Union loss was very heavy, but they held their position, though sorely 
distressed by their protracted fighting, having had little food and no 
rest for forty-eight hours. 

On the night of the 21st, the Eebels again attempted to carry the Union 
lines, making a vigorous attack with both infantry and artillery. The 
whole heavens were lit up by the blaze of artillery and the bursting of 
shells. But the afi'air ended in a complete repulse* of the enemy, who 
suffered severely. 

On the 24th of May, a brigade of Rebel cavalry, under command of 
General Fitzhugh Lee, approached the Union position on the north side 
of the James, at Wilson's wharf, which was held by two regiments of 
colored troops, under the command of General Wild, and demanded the 
instant surrender of their works, accompanj'ing the demand with the 
statement that if they surrendered they should be handed over to the 
authorities of Richmond as prisoners of war ; otherwise, he would not be 
responsible for the consequences, when he captured the post. General 
Wild replied, "We will try that." A battle of three or four hours ensued, 
and at the end of that time, having exhausted his ingenuity in attempting 
to carry the position, either by front or flank attack, General Lee found 
himself compelled to retire, leaving the ground in front of the works 
strewn with dead Rebel cavalry, and the colored troops masters of the 
field. On the 27th and 28th of May, the eighteenth corps, commanded 
by General William F. Smith, was withdrawn secretly, and embarked for 
White House, whither they were sent to reinforce Grant's army. For 
some days there was no further movement, all of Beauregard's troops 
which could be spared, having been sent to reinforce Lee. On the 10th 
of June, believing that Petersburg contained but a small garri.son. General 
Butler ordered a combined attack upon it; General Gillmore, with about 
three thousand five hundred troops, approaching it from the north ; Gene- 
ral Kautz, with a fine cavalry force, attacking it from the south ; while 
the remainder of the troops, commanded by General Butler in person, and 
supported by the gunboats, should assail it from the northeast and east. 
General Kautz approached on the south side, and after some severe fight- 
ing, forced his way into the city, while the gunboats, and General Butler's 
troops, attacked vigorously on the east and northeast; but General Gill- 
mure, advancing toward the works on the north side, deemed them too 
strong to be assailed by his force, and withdrew without attacking, and 
General Kautz, after fighting some time, was compelled, in consequence, 
to withdraw also. Tbis action ended the independent movements of this 
army, which, though maintaining thenceforward a distinct existence as 
the army of the James, was under the direct command of General Grant, 



JfOS THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and co-operated with the army of the Potomac ia its subsequent siege of 
Richmond and Petersburg, making with it but one grand army. 

We return now to the army of the Potomac, and its advance against 
Lee's principal force. In his reorganization of thi.s army, Lieutenant- 
General Grant had consolidated its five infantry corps into three; the 
second, under command of Major-General W. S. Hancock, the fifth, com- 
manded by Major-General G. K. Warren, and the sixth, by Major-General 
John Sedgwick. Beside these, he had organized a reserve corps, from 
the ninth (Burnside's old) corps, which had been recruited up to nearly 
forty thou.sand, one division of them colored troops. The cavalry also 
constituted a full corps, and was placed under the command of the bril- 
liant and fiery Sheridan, whom Grant had ordered from the West for this 
very service. 

The reserves were yet at Annapolis, and were supposed by the Rebels 
to be intended to strike some southern point. The Lieutenant-General 
accompanied the army of the Potomac, and the principal movements were 
directed by him, though the method of carrying them out was left very 
much to Major-General Meade, who commanded the army. 

General Grant's immediate design was, by a series of movements on 
the right flank of Lee, to compel him to fall back toward Richmond, to 
protect his communications with the Rebel capital. Of course, with an 
antagonist so wary and skilful as Lee, and at the head of so formidable an 
army, he could not hope to effect a speedy destruction or surrender of his 
army, or such a weakening of it as to permit his ready entrance into 
Richmond; but tlie region in which Lee's army was encamped was one 
exceedingly unfavorable for fighting, and every mile he was compelled to 
fall back brought him nearer to better battle-grounds; and it was, more- 
over, a part of the Lieutenant-General's strategy to shut him up in Rich- 
mond. 

While hoping, doubtless, to succeed in his first flanking movement 
without a battle, Grant was prepared to accept the chances of it without 
flinching. He soon found that his wary foe was prepared to fight him at 
almost his first advance on his right flank. Pontoon bridges were laid at 
Ely's and Germaiiia fords, and on the morning of the 4th of May, Han- 
cock's corps crossed at the former, and Warren's and Sedgwick's at the 
latter, the entire force being on the south side of the Rapidan by noon of 
that day. The region upon which tliey entered immediately was that same 
Wilderness in which the battle of Ghancellorsville had been fought ; a 
rough, sparsedly inhabited country, covered fjr the most part with a heavy 
forest-growth, and having a wet and ofiien marshy soil, which nourished a 
dense undergrowth of shrubs, brambles, and young trees, offering insu- 
perable obstacles to the use of artillery, and rendering infantry movements 
exceedingly difficult. 

Gregg's division of cavalry was ordered to patrol the plank road lead- 



THE FIRST DAY'S BATTLE OP THE WILDERNESS. 709 

ing to Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, while Wilson's division did 
tbe same duty toward Parker's store and Orange Court House, the sup- 
posed base of tbe enemy. At all events, there should be no surprise, no 
unexpected attack, such as had stricken with panic the eleventh corps at 
Chancellorsville; that much, at least, was effectually guarded against. 
The second corps encamped on the old battle-field of Chancellorsville; the 
fifth around the old Wilderness tavern, and the sixth between that and 
Germania ford. Thus far they had proceeded without opposition, and at 
roll-call hardly a man was missing. 

On Thursday morning. May 5th, the reveille in the Union army was 
beaten long before daybreak, and the troops were ordered to move in the 
following order: Warren's — fifth — corps from its position on Belmont 
farm, near Wilderness tavern, along the Spottsylvania plank road, five mile 
to Parker's store; Sedgwick's — sixth — corps to follow him on the plank 
road ; Hancock's — second — corps to move southwesterly from Chancellors- 
ville toward Shady Grove church, on the Pamunkey road, and to form a 
junction with Warren's left; Sheridan's cavalry, having been collected 
at Piney Branch church, to make a sweeping reconnoissance on the left 
flank, and endeavor to find and engage Stuart's cavalry. The immediate 
object of these movements was to straighten the Union line, and bring it 
in a continuous front upon Lee's right flank. They were, however, inter- 
rupted before they had attained their full consummation. The Union army 
had proceeded but a short distance, before there were indications of the 
approach of the enemy in strong force ; Ewell's corps moving along the 
turnpike from Old Verdiersville on Mine Run, and A. P. Hill's from New 
Verdiersville along the Spott.sylvania county plank road, the one on which 
Warren was advancing. Skirmishing soon commenced, and the cavalry 
skirmishers were driven in with some loss, but General Grant ordered the 
march to be continued until some rolling ridges in advance were gained, 
and then halting his troops, disposed them advantageously in line of battle, 
and quickly throwing up some hasty and rude breastworks, awaited the 
enemy's onset. In the line thus formed, Sedgwick held the right toward 
the Rapidan ; Warren the centre, on the plank road, near, but a little east 
of Parker's store ; and Hancock stretched out toward Shady Grove church, 
southeast of Warren, and formed the left wing. The Union line extended 
nearly five miles, the centre being thrown a little forward. 

About noon, Griffin's division of Warren's corps, whose advance had 
already skirmished with the enemy and been driven back, was ordered to 
push his division to the right and left of the turnpike to feel the enemy. He 
obeyed, moving Bartlett's brigade to the right, and Ayres' (regulars) to 
the left, while Barnes' brigade was held in reserve. Less than a mile's 
march, stretching across the turnpike, brought them in collision with 
Ewell's corps, well posted in a wooded acclivity. A sharp engagement 
ensued for an hour, but the presence of this overwhelming force (a full 



710 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

corps) upon two brigades, and especially upon Ayres', could no longer be 
resisted, and the two brigades fell back, leaving two pieces of artillery, 
the horses of which had nearly all been killed, in the enemy's hands. 
Wadsworlh's and Robinson's divisions, both of the fifth corps, advanced 
promptly and relieved Griffin, holding the enemy completely in check. 
After an hour more of musketry firing, with a little artillery, that partic- 
ular locality 'oeing partially cleared, the enemy moved off to attack 
another point. The purpose of this desperate attack on the part of Lee, 
had been to pierce the right-centre, and thus destroy the Union army 
before it arrived in position. He had been foiled by the steadiness and 
firmness of Griffin's troops, and when they were at last forced back, by 
the prompt support accorded to them by Wadsworth and Robinson. 

Disappointed in this, the Rebel commander now transferred his troops 
to the left-centre, and attempted to force his way between Warren and 
Uancock. It was about three o'clock when this effort was made, and 
Hancock, who had been recalled from his advance toward Shady Grove 
when the first attack was made, and had marched rapidly across to close 
the gap in the line of battle, had arrived — but with no time to spare, as 
the Rebel advance were pushing on to insert themselves between the two 
corps. Getty's division of the sixth corps, had been temporarily detached 
and sent to the left beyond Warren, and the first brigade of Mott's division 
of the second corps, had just formed a junction with it, when A. P. Hill's 
corps came upon them with great force. The stubborn fighting of these 
two divisions enabled the remainder of Hancock's corps to ari'ive and 
form, and in a few moments Hancock burst upon their right with a hot 
fire of musketry. Birney, Barlow, and Gibbons, successively hurried 
their respective divisions into the fight. The contest that followed was 
one of extraordinary intensity and stubbornness. The Rebel comman- 
der, massing his troops, poured in for hours a deadly hail of musketry, 
such as had n(jt perhaps been surpa.sscd in fury during the war. There 
was little or no play of artillery, owing to the dense undergrowth ; but on 
both sides the sharp crack of the rifle and musket, and the ringing of 
the volleys was incessant. The iron second corps, mostly composed of 
veterans, held nearly three times its own numbers at bay, but in order to 
relieve the terrible pressure which was steadily crowding upon them in 
spite of the splendid fight they were making, it was necessary to advance 
along the whole line. The advance was ordered, and while the darkness 
was fa.st gathering, Sedgwick's — sixth — corps, which had been engaged 
heavily since half-past three, and to some extent since half-past one, p. M., 
pressed upon the enemy, and drove him back, putting Ewell's corps 
in extreme peril. With this gain upon the Union right, the fighting, 
which had extended far into the night, closed. The losses in killed and 
wounded on each side had been about equal, but the Rebels had the ad- 
vantage in the number of prisoners, they having captured nearly one 



THE SECOND DAY'S BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS. 711 

thousand, while the Union troops had only three hundred. The battle 
was indecisive, and each army awaited the coming of the morrow to renew 
the contest. Still, General Grant had gained some advantage in the fight; 
he had learned the position and strength of Lee's army, information of 
great value to him ; he had, in the face of the enemy, formed his troops 
advantageously, and had them well in hand for the next day's fighting, 
and the ninth (Burnside's) corps, his reserves, which had been ordered up 
when the advance was made, arrived in the evening after a forced march, 
and were distributed to the support of the other three corps. The line 
remained substantially as on the preceding day, stretching from north- 
west to southeast, over a line nearly parallel with that from Germania ford 
to Chancellorsville. 

On Friday, May 6th, at the very dawn of day the battle was resumed. 
Sedgwick's corps, on the right, had been ordered to advance at five 
o'clock A. M., but fifteen minutes before that time the enemy were upon 
them, making a desperate effort to turn their flank. This effort was re- 
pulsed, and the Union line pushed forward a few hundred yards, but 
without gaining any material advantage. At eight o'clock A. M., and 
again at half-past ten, the Eebels massed on the right, and repeated their 
efforts to turn Sedgwick's flank, but in vain, though heavy losses were 
experienced on both sides. Whenever there was a lull, the Union troops 
at once commenced throwing up breastworks, which proved of great 
advantage. Hancock, moving out at dawn, had encountered and driven 
back Hill's corps more than two miles, toward Parker's store. Here, 
being reinforced by Longstreet, they succeeded in holding their ground, 
leaving, however, many prisoners in the hands of the Union troops. 
After a lull, the Rebels came up and assailed the left with great fury, fol- 
lowing up their attack along the whole line with such vigor as to throw 
it into some confusion. Eeinforcements from Burnside's corps coming up, 
order was restored, and the Rebels held in check. 

The entire line swayed back and forth with the shifting fortunes of the 
terrific fight, and the dense and heavy thicket in contention was covered 
with the dead and wounded of both armies. The Union right and centre 
had gained a little ground under a hot fire ; but this only brought them 
in front of the enemy's intrenched line, posted on an extended ridge, and 
approached through a densely wooded swamp of considerable width, pro- 
tected by a front and flank fire. Warren's and a part of Sedgwick's corps 
assailed this twice, unsuccessfully, in the course of the morning, and in 
the second attack, Brigadier-General James S. Wadsworth, commanding 
one of the divisions in the fifth corps, was mortally wounded and taken 
prisoner.* 

* Brigadier-General James Samuel Wadsworth was the son of Hon. James Wads- 
worth, of Genesee, one of the largest landholders of western New York, and a man of 
most noble and philanthropic spirit. General AVadsworth was born in Genesee, 



712 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

A comparative lull took place about noon, and was improved by the 
Union commander, in concentrating his lines, and bringing Burnside'a 
corps up to fill the gap between Hancock and Warren. Hancock's corps 
wa.s also brought forward from the Brock road toward the centre. These 
changes had hardly been completed, when Longstreet and Hill again fell 
upon the left and centre with great fury, and pushed them back for a little 
distance. At the junction of tlie left and centre their attack was particu- 
larly severe ; Crawford's division of the fifth corps, Carr's division of the 
second corps, and Stevenson's division of the ninth corps, sustaining the 
brunt of the attack. Stevenson's division at length gave way, but General 
Hancoclc sent Carroll's brigade, of. the second division of his corps, to 
drive back the enemy, who were rushing into the gap, and they were re- 
pulsed with severe loss. Finding himself foiled in all his efforts on the 
centre and left, lee again, just at night, turned his attention to the riglit, 
and by a sudden and furious assault, turned and broke the brigades of 

October 30th, 1807. He was educated at Harvard and Yale colleges, and studied law 
under Daniel Webster, being admitted to the bar in 1833. He did not practice his 
profession to any considerable extent, his extensive estates requiring Ins entire atten- 
tion. He had become distinguished for his liberality, not only to his tenants, whose 
rents he remitted, when tlieir crops were visited by the midge, to the amount of 
twenty-five thousand dollars in a single year, but to the cause of education, of which, 
like his father, he was a warm and bountiful friend ; to the starving poor of Ireland, to 
whom, in 1847, he sent a thousand bushels of corn, and to every good object. Giving 
was to him a pleasure and delight. Wlien, at the beginning of the war, the railroads 
leading to AV^ashington were obstructed and torn up, he freighted a vessel with pro- 
visions, at his own expense, and set sail in it for Annapolis, whence he sent the 
supplies to Washington for distribution to tlie army. He was appointed in January, 
1861, a member of the Peace Conference which met at Washington; but finding all 
efforts to prevent the war were unavailing, he entered in earnest upon the contest. 
Governor Morgan appointed him major-general of New York State troops, but he 
declined the commission. He served as volunteer aid to General McDowell in the 
battle of Bull Run, and his conduct in that relation was liighly commended by the 
general. Mr. I<incoln nominated him for brigadier-general of volunteers, and he was 
at once confirmed by the Senate. He commanded a brigade in the army of the 
Potomac till March, 1862, when he was appointed military governor of the District of 
Columbia, a post which he held during most of the remainder of the year. He was 
the Republican candidate for Governor of New York, in the autumn of 1862, but was 
defeated by Horatio Seymour. In the battle of Fredericksburg he was again engaged 
in active duty, having command of the first division of the first (Reynold's) corps, and 
participated in the hard fighting of that disastrous battle. He also took part in the 
battle of ChancellorsviUe, or rather, in the feint which preceded it on the left wing, 
and at Gettysburg distinguished himself for his coolness and bravery. He was greatly 
rejoiced at being able to participate in the battles of Grant's campaign, but on the 
second day of the battle, while leading a charge, was struck by a ball in the foreliead, 
and fell into the hands of the enemy. He remained insensible till the 8th of May, 
when he died. An Irishman, to whom he had rendered some service, recognized him, 
attended him till his death, buried him, and informed the Union troops of the place 
and circumstances of his death. 




< 



GENERAL LEE'S CHANGE OF POSITION. 713 

Seymour and Shaler, on the extreme right, and captured both generals, 
with a considerable portion of their commands. By the most extraor- 
dinary effort and personal exposure, General Sedgwick succeeded in 
rallying his corps and holding the position, which was in great peril at 
one time, and the flanking of which would have brought destruction upon 
the whole army. Had the enemy been fully aware how nearly they had 
succeeded, they would not, in all probability, have relinquished the attack 
as they did. The losses of this day had been very heavy, large numbers 
being wounded, and many prisoners captured. The Rebels bad taken 
many more prisoners than the Union troops, but their casualties in killed 
and wounded had also been greater. The result was still indecisive, and 
the two armies seemed very evenly balanced. 

During the night, the right wing was drawn back and strengthened. 
At daybreak on Saturday morning, the Union forces opened the conflict 
again, with artillery, which they had planted in a favorable position to 
protect their right wing. This cannonading elicited no reply, and an ad- 
vance being ordered, a series of brisk skirmishes ensued, in which the 
Union troops were generally victorious. About noon, it became evident 
that General Lee was falling back with his main force toward Spottsyl- 
vania Court House, having abandoned his strong line of intrenchments at 
Mine Run, for his second defensive line on or near the North Anna. His 
tactics in this movement were similar to those he practiced at Chancellors- 
ville, his purpose being to outflank his antagonist, while be was attempt- 
ing to flank him, and compel him to change his front or have his lines 
broken and annihilated. There was a cavalry battle on Saturday after- 
noon, between four brigades of Sheridan's cavalry, and Stuart's Rebel 
cavalry, iu which Sheridan held the ground. The infantry meantime 
pursued Lee, who turned again and again to give battle, as the Union 
troops pressed him. On Saturday evening, Fredericksburg was occupied 
and made a depot for the Union wounded troops. Hancock's and Burn- 
side's corps pressed on as far as possible, and early on Sunday morning, 
May 8th, resumed the chase. Warren's corps remained till dark, Satur- 
day evening, on the site of the battle-field of Friday, and then set out and 
marched all night, taking the Brock road, past Todd's tavern, to Spottsyl- 
vania Court House. Soon after leaving Todd's tavern, Sunday morning, 
Bartlett's brigade of Griffin's division, fifth corps, being in advance as 
skirmishers, were fired upon by the enemy. Line of battle was formed 
at once, and the corps came into action. A severe battle was fought, 
and the enemy at last driven back, but the Union troops were so greatly 
exhausted that they could march no farther for the time. Toward evening. 
General Grant ordered an advance, which was attempted by the fifth and 
sixth corps, and resulted in another sharp battle. 

On Monday, May 9th, there was quiet in the morning, then skirmishing 
and artillery firing, but no general battle till evening. During the day 



1U THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

General Sedgwick, the commander of the sixth corps, was killed by a 
ball from the rifle of a sliarpshooter, while superintending the mounting 
of artillery. The positions of the difl'erent corps had been changed on 
Sunday, with a view to prevent Lee's attempted flanking movement. 
Hancock now held the right, Warren the centre, and the sixth corps the 
left. Toward evening. General Grant ordered another advance on the 
enemy, and the second corps again led the attack, this time on the right, 
while Burnside offered battle on the left. The battle was one of great 
severity, artillery being used to a greater extent than in any previous 
battle of the campaign, and both sides alternately charging. The object 
of the battle was the possession of Spottsylvania Court House, but at the 
close of the night's fighting, the Rebels still held it, and Hancock's brave 
corps retired slowly, having largely increased their previous heavy 
losses. 

On Tuesday, May 10th, the incessant storm of battle culminated in the 
most terrific carnage of the campaign. The position of the two armies 
was as follows: the Union army stretched along the Po for a distance of 
nearly six miles, from the vicinity of Corbin's bridge, nearly to Glady Run, 
Hancock's corps being on the south side of the Po, and the other troops 
on the north. Burnside occupied the extreme left, facing Spottsylvania 
Court House ; next, north, lay the sixth (Wright's) corps ; then Warren's, 
and finally Hancock's, on the extreme right; both right and left were pro- 
tected by several batteries of artillery, and the ground was more favorable 
than it had hitherto been for using them, though a dense forest lay directly 
in front of the Union army. The Rebels still held Spottsylvania, and the 
region north of the Court Hou.se. Their right rested on the Ny river ; 
their centre was thrown forward a little, and posted on commanding 
ground, and their left rested on Glady Run. Their whole line was strongly 
intrenched. In his counter flanking movement, Lee had been so far 
successful that his army lay east, or rather southeast, of the Union forces, 
instead of southwest of them, as at the beginning of the campaign. His 
position was not only well supported by breastworks, but along his cen- 
tre was the forest and underbrush, lining a marsh partially drained by a 
creek. 

The battle opened in the' early morning, by a terrific cannonade of the 
Union artillery against the advancing lines of the enemy, and for the 
first time in the campaign was this arm brought into full and destructive 
use. Burnside's corps next skirmished cautiously on the extreme left. 
Mott's division, of Hancock's corps, was then transferred to the left, and 
the advance continued, pres.sing heavily upon the enemy's right. General 
Grant's orders were now to attack the Rebel centre, and accordingly, Gib- 
bons' and Birney's divisions, of the second corps, were drawn back from 
the south side of the Po, to connect with the fifth corps, the second and 
fourth divisions of which co-operated in the attack, and were supported by 



GRANT'S DESPATCH TO SECEETAEY STANTON. 715 

the remainder of tbe fifth corps. The Union troops fought with great 
tenacity and fury for several hours, driving the enemy to his rifle-pits; 
but, though Gibbons' division, and especially Carroll's brigade, charged 
fiercely and repeatedly upon these, they could not capture thetn. General 
Jame.s C. Rice, commanding a brigade in the fourth division of the fifth 
corps, an officer of great promise, was killed. 

By this check of the Union centre, Barlow's — the only remaining divi- 
sion of the second corps on the right — was thrown into extreme peril, and 
orders were given to withdraw it to the north side of the Po; but the 
enemy had already attacked it in great force, and turned it. After severe 
fighting, its withdrawal was at length efi'ected. Toward evening, a most 
energetic and gallant assault was made by the whole line. Upton's bri- 
gade, of the first division of the sixth corps, and Eussell's brigade, from 
the third division, led the forlorn hope, moving steadily forward amid a 
raking and murderous fire, without firing a shot, scaled the enemy's 
works in gallant style, and captured more than a thousand prisoners, and 
several guns; but finding themselves far in advance of the enemy, and 
not properly supported, they were compelled to fall back, with their dearly 
won prisoners, from this daring assault. As on each preceding day, night 
closed on a hard fought but indecisive field. 

On Wednesday, May 11th, the position of the two armies was much 
the same as on the previous day, and though there was some skirmishing, 
there was not much heavy fighting. A reconnoissance, intended proba- 
bly as a feint, was sent out to investigate the condition of the enemy's left, 
and a.ssaulting columns from the sixth and second corps were ordered to 
put themselves in readiness for attack, but the object having been accom- 
plished, of drawing the enemy's force to that wing, the enterprise was 
delayed. In the afternoon, rain commenced, for the first time during the 
campaign, and the two armies desisted for the time from their hostilities, 
except occasional artillery firing. It was at this time that General Grant 
sent his famous despatch to Secretary Stanton. It was as follows : " We 
have now ended the sixth day of very hard fighting. The result to this 
time is much in our favor. Our losses have been heavy, as well as those 
of the enemy. I think the loss of the enemy must be greater. We have 
taken over five thousand prisoners in battle, whilst he has taken from us 
but few, except stragglers. I propose to fight it out on this line if it takes 
all summer." 

The fiercest battle, however, was yet in reserve. During Wednesday 
night, Hancock's corps, which since Sunday had been upon the right, was 
transferred to the left, between Wright's — sixth — and Burnside's — ninth — 
corps, thus leaving Warren's — fifth — corps on the right wincr, while 
Wright's and Hancock's constituted respectively the right and left-centre, 
and Burnside's the left wing. At dawn of day on Thursday, May 12th, 
sheltered by the darkness and by a dense mist, the second corps moved 



716 THE CrVIL WAR IN TIIK UNITED STATES. 

quietly and cautiously up from its position toward the enemy's lines. 
Barlow's and Birney's divisions formed the first line, and Gibbon's and 
Mott's the reserve. Barlow's advance marched in columns of battalions, 
doubled on the centre. As the corps surmounted gradually the rugged 
and woody space which intervened, the excitement increased, till it broke 
out in a splendid rush at the Rebel intrenchments, which the troops of 
that gallant division leaped with loud cheers, dashing into the enemy's 
camp and compelling their surrender in mass. Hardly a gun was fired, 
the charge being made entirely with the bayonet. It was a clear surprise, 
and resulted in the capture of an entire Rebel division (Edward Johnson's), 
of three thousana men, thirty or forty guns, and Major-General Johnson, 
and Brigadier-General G. H. Stewart, all of Ewell's corps. No sooner 
was the ffrst line of rifle-pits carried than the second was stormed with 
great impetuosity, and, after a stout resistance, wrested from the enemy. 
This, the first considerable success of the campaign, inserted the second 
corps as a wedge between the enemy's centre and right, and if that wedge 
could be driv ■ fo its head, the result would inevitably be the dismember- 
ment of Lee's ^^ >y- 

The charge of the second corps was followed by a heavy cannonade 
all along the line, to which the Rebels promptly replied, and under cover 
of which the whole line moved up to support the second corps. Burn- 
side pres.sed in on the extreme left, converging toward the penetrated 
space, and speedily joined his right to Hancock's left division, closed the 
gap, and mitigled his infantry fire with that of Hancock's corps. On the 
other side, the sixth corps also threw itself against Ewell's left, and on 
the extreme right Warren's corps became hotly engaged, and an incessant 
rattle and roar of battle arose along the whole line. The rain began 
again to descend with greater violence than on the preceding day, but it 
did not in the least cool the ardor of the combatants. 

By nine o'clock A. M., the Rebels, fully roused to the value of the posi- 
tion they had lost, began a series of desperate and furious charges against 
the second and ninth corps, in the hope of regaining their lines. For 
three hours the battle was as bloody and fierce as any battle of the war. 
The Rebel columns surged with unflinching determination against the 
Union lines, retiring each time with their heavily massed columns cut 
through and through by the cross and enfilading fires of artillery and 
musketry which were steadily brought to bear upon them. At length, 
about noon, the enemy, surfeited with slaughter, abandoned for a time 
their attempts to regain their lost position. But if they had not been 
successful in this, tliey had at least checked any further advance; and of 
the captured cannon, the greater part lay covered by the guns of the 
sharpshooters, neither party being able to carry them oflF. 

The Union troops on the centre and right, emulating the success of the 
second corps, had charged the enemy's centre with great gallantry; but 



DESPERATE BATTLE AT SPOTTSYLYANIA. 717 

the position was impregnable, and after repeated heroic attempts, the 
eflfort to capture it was abandoned. Finding that success lay most clearly 
in turning the enemy's right, General Meade, after a temporary lull, 
began, in the early afternoon, to crowd his troops down toward the left, 
shortening and massing his line, and again pouring a fierce musketry and 
artillery fire into the enemy, and pressing hard upon their right and right- 
centre. All through the afternoon, and till nightfall, the carnage went on 
with varying success along the line, the resistance of the Eebels being 
stubborn, and the whole field, from headquarters to the extreme front, 
being at times swept by their fire. Finding that the Union right had 
been merely holding them in front from reinforcing their right, and that 
the Union troops had now abandoned their front, the Rebels began to 
concentrate their troops upon the important point on the Union left, and 
every inch of the muddy soil, already .slippery with gore, was fought 
over with desperation, and yielded only when it was impossible to hold 
it. The rival bayonets often interlocked, and a fierce and deaih-like 
grapple over the intrenchrnents lasted for hours, the Rebel flags now 
surging up side by side with those of the Union, and anon, torn and 
riddled, disappearing in the woods. The dead and wounded lay thickly 
strewn along the ground, and were fairly heaped up where the fight was 
deadliest. 

Exasperated at our success on their right-centre, as well as at the per- 
tinacity and determination with which Burnside's corps were forcing them 
back, and attempting to turn their right flank, the Rebels prepared a 
strong counter-movement on their extreme right, and massing their troops 
against Wilcox's division, forming the extreme left of the Union army, in 
spite of the most desperate fighting, bore it back, capturing three hun- 
dred prisoners from Hartranft's brigade ; and leaving as large a number of 
dead and wounded on the ground, rushed forward in pursuit, but were 
checked and driven back with great loss, by a sweeping artillery fire, 
from batteries brought up and posted since the advance of the morning. 
Tlie other divisions of the corps stood firm, and even penetrated to the 
enemy's intrenchrnents. Hard fighting continued, but the Union troops 
were obliged to content themselves with what they had already gained, 
and the Rebels to be resigned to their losses. After fourteen hours' fight- 
ing, night fell on a battle unsurpassed in severity during the war. For 
the first time in the campaign, a decided success had been achieved. A 
strong and permanent foothold had been gained in the enemy's lines, and 
the Union line pushed forward a mile beyond its morning position, and 
though five determined assaults had been made during the day, to expel 
them from the position they had won, they had all proved fruitless. During 
the night the enemy fell back to a new position, a little to the rear of the 
one they had previously occupied, and though there was some skirmishing, 
and the filth and sixth corps were ordered to make another advance, and 



718 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

surprise the enemy, if possible, by an attack at dawn, it was found that tiis 
new position was so strong as to offer no probabilities of success. The 
heavy and persistent rain which had now set in, rendered any intended 
movement impossible for some days. The position of the corps was 
changed again, Warren being on the left, Wright on the left-centre, 
Burnside on the right-centre, and Hancock on the right. There was now, 
for nearly a week, a lull in the fighting, and both armies improved it, to 
bring up as large a number of reinforcements as possible. 

The first act of the campaign was completed. After eight days of 
almost continuous fighting, the two armies paused to bury their dead, to 
care for their wounded, and to count up their gains and losses. These 
had been fearful on both sides. The Union losses, though not quite so 
large as at first reported, w'ere sufficiently heavy, amounting, according 
to official returns, to two hundred and sixty-nine officers, and three thou- 
sand and nineteen men, killed ; one thousand and seventeen officers, and 
eighteen thousand two hundred and sixty-one men, wounded; and one 
hundred and seventeen officers, and six thousand six hundred and sixty- 
seven men, missing — mostly prisoners — making an aggregate of twenty- 
nine thousand three hundred and fifty hors du combat iu the eight days. 
Among the officers slain were Major-General Sedgwick, commanding the 
sixth corps,* Brigadier-Generals Wadsworth, Hays, Rice, and Stevenson ; 

* Jolin Sedgwick, a major-general of volunteers, and at Ihe time of his death 
commander of tlie sixth army corps, was born in Litclifield county, Connecticut, 
about 1815. He was graduated at West Point in 1837, ranking twenty-fourth in a 
class of fifty members — General Hooker, and the Rebel generals Bragg, Early, and 
Peraberton. being among his clasfmates. He entered the Mexican war as first lieu- 
tenant of artillery, and was successively brevetted captain and major for gallant 
conduct at Coutreras, Churubusco, and Cbapultepee. He also distinguished himself 
at the head of his command in the attack on the San Cosmo gate of the city of 
Mexico. At the commencement of the Rebellion he held the position of lieutenant- 
colonel of the second United States cavalry. He was promoted April 25th, 1861, to 
the colonelcy of the fourth cavalry; and on tlie 31st of August was commissioned a 
brigadier-general of volunteers, and placed in command of a brigade of tlie army of 
the Potomac, which in the subsequent organization of the army was assigned to the 
second corps under General Sumner — General Sedgwick assuming command of the 
tliird division of the corps. In this capacity he took part in the siege of Yorktown, 
and the subsequent pursuit of the enemy up the peninsula, and greatly distinguished 
himself at the battle of Fair Oaks, where the timely arrival of Sumner's corps, and 
his division of it, saved the day. In all the seven days fighting, and particularly at 
Savage's station and Glendale, he bore an honorable part; and at Antietam lie ex- 
hibited the most conspicuous gallantry, exposing his person greatly to the peril of his 
life. He was twice wounded in this battle, but refused to be removed from the field 
for two hours after receiving his second wound. On the 23d of December he was 
appointed major-general of volunteers, having previously been breveted brigadier- 
general in the regular army. In February, 1863, he was assigned to the command 
of the sixth army oirps. At the head of his corps he carried Marye's heighto, 
Fredericksburg, and subsequently fought the battles of Salem heights and Banks b 



SKETCH OP GENERAL SEDGWICK. 



719 



several general officers wounded, and two brigadier-generals taken pris- 
oners. The Rebel loss had not been less severe. Tiieir killed, wounded, 
and missing, by their own admission, considerably exceeded thirty thou- 
sand, and amoni; the number were eight thousand prisoners. Eighteen 
cannon and twenty-two flags were also captured, and the Union forces 
had taken one major-general and one brigadier-general prisoners. They 
liad also lost in these battles Major-General Samuel Jones, Brigadier- 
Generals Jenkins, John M. Jones, Daniels, Gordon, Perrin, and Staflbrd, 
while Lieutenant-General Longstreet was so severely wounded that he 
was unable to resume command for seven or eight months. So far, though 
there had been no decisive victory, success preponderated on the Union 
side. Their loss was somewhat less, though they were better able to bear 
a heavy loss than the Rebels; and they were pressing their enemy, slowly 
indeed, but surely, toward the Rebel capital. 



ford, in the first week of May ; and finally withdrew his command across the Rappa- 
hannoclj, in the face of a greatly superior force, after a day of obstinate figrhting;. He 
commanded the left wing of the army of the Potomac during the advance into Mary- 
land in June, 1863, and also at the battle of Gettysburg, where he arrived on the 
second day, after one of the most extraordinary forced marches on record, and where 
his steady courage inspired confidence among his troops. During the passage of the 
Rapidan, November 7th, 1863, he succeeded by a well-executed manoeuvre in captur- 
ing about fifteen hundred men of Early's (Rebel) division, with a number of guns and 
colors, for which he was thanked by General Meade in a general order. On the re- 
organization of the army in the spring of 1864, he was retained in command of the 
sixth corps, which was greatly enlarged. In the commencement of the campaign 
whose history we are narrating, he had command of the Union right wing, and took 
part in the severe fighting of the first days of the campaign. He was killed on the 
Sth of May, a day of comparative quiet, falling by a shot from a sharpshooter. <ind 
dying instantly. He had more than once declined the command of the army of the 
Potomac, which had been tendered to him. 



720 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LVIII. 

CONTINUATION OP ORANT's CAMPAIGN — BATTLES NEAR 8P0TTSYLVANIA — REINFORCEMENT 
THE BATTLE OP THE 18tH OP MAT — TUE REPCLSE — ANOTHER FLANK MOVEMENT TO TBI 

NORTH ANNA, AND BEYOND EWRLL's RAID UPON THB UNION REAR — HE IS REPULSED WITH 

LOSS — FIGHTINO NEAR THE NORTH ANNA — STRENGTH OP THE REBEL POSITION — ANOTHER 
FLANK MOVF.MENT — RECR08SIN0 THE NORTH ANNA — MARCH TO HANOVERTOWN — CAVALRY 
ENGAGEMENT ON TOI.OPATOMOY CREEK — BATTLE OF TOLOPATOMOY CREEK, OB SHADY OROVK 
CHURCH — TOPOGRAPHY OF THE COUNTRY NORTH OF THE CHICKAUOMINY — POSITION OP 
lee's army — CAVALRY BATTLE FOR THE POSSESSION OP COLD HARBOR — THE BATTLE Of 
COLD HARBOR — DESPERATE FIGHTING OF THE SIXTH AND EIGHTEENTH CORPS — FIGHTINO 
ON OTHER PARTS OF THE LINE — THE BATTLE OP THE CHICKAHOMINY — INDECISIVE RESULT* 
OF THE GALLANT AND DESPERATE FIGHTING — THE OPPOSING LINES VERY NEAR EACH OTHER 
— LOSSES OF BOTH SIDES SINCE TUE BATTLES OP THE WILDERNESS — SKETCH OP GENERAL 

HANCOCK — Sheridan's first raid — Richmond threatened — his force surrounded at 

THE CHICKAUOMINY — REBUILDING MEADOW BRIDGE — GALLANT CHARGE ON THE ENEMY — 
HIS ESCAPE — HIS SECOND RAID — THE BATTLES OP TREVILIAN STATION — SHERIDAN WITH- 
DRAWS, AFTER PUNISHING TUE ENEMY SEVERELY, AND REJOINS THE ARMY OP TUE POTOMAC 
SOUTH OF THE JAMES RIVER. 

The temporary cessation, or rather relaxation, of hostilities which took 
place from the 12th to the 18th of May, and which wa.s only broken 
seriously by the fighting on Saturday, the 14:th, (the result of the capture 
by the Union troops of a house near the Ny river, which had been occu- 
pied by tlie enemy, and was dangerously near the Union lines, the 
desperate efforts of the Rebels to recapture it, and of the Union troops to 
recover it after losing it again,) was an absolute necessity for both armies. 
The heavy rains made extended locomotion, except on railroads, impossi- 
ble; and both contestants were so much exhausted as to require rest 
The burial of their dead, the removal of their wounded, the bringing up 
of reinforcements, and the intrenching and fortifying their position, fully 
occupied the time of those who were able to move. The rest improved 
very greatly the health and spirits of the Union troops, and when the 
order came again, with the return of fair weather, for the renewal of the 
conflict, they were eager for the tight. In all, during this and the suc- 
ceeding week, about fifty thousand new troops were brought up, making 
Grant's army larger by twenty thousand than at the beginning of the 
campaign. 

On Tuesday, the 17th of May, extensive reconnoissances were made, 
and all the previous attacks having been made on the enemy's right flank, 
and having led him to concentrate his forces on his right, it was now deter- 
mined to strike the left flank, in the hope of effecting a surprise there. A 
chan<Te of position was effected in some of the corp%and on "Wednesday 
morning, when the new line was formed, Wright's — sixth — corps, occu- 



CONTINUATION OF GRANT'S CAMPAIGN. 121 

pied the right, Hancock joined him on the right-centre, Burnside was ou 
the left-centre, and Warren on the extreme left. Wright, Hancock, and 
Burnside were to attack. The battle commenced by a heavy cannonade 
from the Union right, to which the enemy responded promptly, and be- 
tween half-past four and five A. M., a general assault was made by the three 
corps, who dashed forward, drove back the enemy's skirmish line, and 
carried two lines of rifle-pits promptly, and with comparatively slight 
loss. These carried, a formidable, and, as it proved, insuperable barrier 
interposed, preventing farther advance. In front of the whole Eebel line 
stretched abroad, dense and almost absolutely impenetrable abatis, behind 
which, in strong earthworks, lay a large body of riflemen and sharpshoot- 
ers, too secure to be dislodged, and behind them batteries of heavy artillery. 
It was impossible to penetrate this triple defence without terrible slaughter, 
and it was equally impossible to stand longer under the murderous sweep 
of artillery, and the troops were therefore withdrawn in good order, and as 
promptly as possible. The assault was abandoned about eleven o'clock, 
A. M., and all the troops recalled to their original positions, but it had cost, 
in killed and wounded, about twelve hundred men. There was no further 
fighting during the day, but with that promptness which characterized 
all his movements. General Grant sent Torbert's cavalry on Wednesday 
night to Guinney's station, on the Fredericksburg and Richmond railroad, 
ten miles southeasterly from Spottsylvania, and north of the Po, which 
receives the Ny, some distance above. This station was to the right and 
rear of Lee's position, and threatened his communications with Richmond. 
The cavalry destroyed the depot and warehouses, which contained large 
amounts of supplies, cut the telegraph wires, and broke up the railroad 
track. General Grant next ordered the preliminary changes of position 
for a new flanking movement, and on Thursday, a part of the sixth corps 
began to move from the right, and march across to the left. Lee at once 
comprehended this movement, and E well's corps was despatched to check 
it by a bold dash upon the rear of the Union army. A little after noon 
of Thursday, Ewell crossed the Ny, passed the Union right wing without 
discovery, owing to the withdrawal of the troops on the right, and about 
five o'clock, struck the Fredericksburg wagon road in rear of the Union 
right flank. Here he attaclced the wagons laden with commissary and ord- 
nance supplies, and the ambulances with wounded, which were constantly 
passing on that road. The number of these passing that point at that 
time was fortunately small, heavier trains having passed just before 
toward the camp, and others being nearer Belle Plain than the secondary 
base of supplies, but the Rebels took possession of such as were within 
reach, and fired after the others. The distance of this point from the front 
was such that Ewell might well have ht)ped to plunder at will before the 
Union troops could be upon him ; but Union troops were nearer by far 
than he supposed. Tyler's division of heavy artillery, but armed as 
46 



122 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

infantry, had been sent down from the Washington defences a day or 
two previous, and were now approaching from Belle Plain, when the stam- 
peded teamsters and ambulance drivers, rushing back, apprized them of the 
coming of the enemy. Forming his troops as soon as possible in line, 
General Tyler moved upon the enemy, who were already fighting Tan- 
natt's brigade, which was in the advance, and after a short, but severe 
battle, they drove the Eebela from the road into and through the woods, 
repulsing them thoroughly, and in admirable style. Late in the evening, 
three divisions (one each from the second, fifth, and sixth corps) hurried 
up to support Tyler, but the enemy were already defeated. The enemy 
effected uo capture of stores or animals. They killed a few horses, but 
destroyed nothing else of importance. In this sharp but brief battle the 
Union loss in killed, wounded, and missing, was about twelve hundred, 
and that of the enemy fully as great. While this attack was in progress, 
the Rebels advanced against the Union left, opening a very heavy can- 
nonade against it at the same time, but after a brief engagement were 
driven back, and the cannonading ceased. The object of this advance 
was probably to cover Ewell's movement. About three o'clock on Fri- 
day morning, the three divisions from the second, fifth, and sixth corps, 
entered the wood silently and swiftly, and sweeping through them, 
attacked the rear of the enemy's column, and cut off about four hundred 
prisoners. Ewell immediately recrossed the Ny, and retreated to his 
camp. 

On Friday night, the new flanking movement commenced in earnest. 
At midnight, Torbert's cavalry left Massaponax church, and advancing 
through Guinney's station, proceeded to Guinney's bridge, over the Po, 
just below its junction with the Ny, some two miles farther. At Downer's 
bridge, a mile or two farther down the Po, they found a body of Rebel 
cavalry threatening their further progress, but a sharp charge of the 
Union cavalry drove them back, and pushing them from the road, the 
cavalry colutnn went on to Bowling Green, a village fifteen miles south- 
east from Spottsylvania, and six miles below Guinney's; and thence, still 
pushing the enemy before them, to Milford station, from which they drove 
out the Rebel garrison, a part of Pickett's division of Ewell's corps, cap- 
turing about seventy men. 

The second corps followed on Friday night, and reached and crossed 
the Muttaponay, at Milford's bridge, on Saturday evening, forming line in 
a commanding position, about a mile from the bridge. Warren's — fifth — 
corps moved at ten o'clock Saturday morning, and reached Guinney's 
station Saturday evening. The sixth and ninth corps followed, and before 
night of Saturday the entire army had left Spottsylvania. On Sunday, 
the Union army lay along and near the line of the Fredericksburg rail- 
road, facing westward; its right at Guinney's station, its centre at Bowling 
Green, and its left at Milford statio"n. Each corps had encountered some 



MARCH TO HANOVERTOWN. 723 

opposition from the enemy's cavalry, but had easily driven it back. The 
enemy were evidently fully aware of the movement, and had anticipated 
it by removing their stores from every point on the route ; and General 
Grant had already become convinced that Lee was moving also, and had 
preceded him, in the direction of Hanover Court House. On Monday, 
the Union army were pushed on at a rapid rate, and by nightfall reached 
the North Anna river, in the neighborhood of Jericho bridge. The second 
and fifth corps were in the advance — the fifth at the right of the second. 
Here the enemy were formed in a very strong position, but the second 
corps, under their gallant leader, Hancock, rushed upon their works, and 
' by a desperate charge, carried the position, losing about three hundred 
men in so doing. The fifth corps crossed higher up the river, without 
difficulty, but were soon attacked with great vehemence. General Grant 
stated, in his despatch to Secretary Stanton, that he had never heard more 
rapid or massive firing, either of artillery or musketry. It resulted, how- 
ever, in a most destructive repulse of the enemy. 

At night, the second and fifth corps were on the south side of the North 
Anna, and the sixth and ninth, on the north side, and by Wednesday, the 
25th of May, the whole army were across, though this had not been accom- 
plished without some severe fighting, the passage of the river at Taylor's, 
or Chesterfield bridge, and between that point and Jericho bridge and 
ford, being stoutly contested by the Rebels. After crossing, the position 
of the enemy was found to be one of great strength, their right resting on 
the deep and impassable Bull swamp, and their left on Little river, while 
their front was thrown forward toward Ox ford, of the North Anna, so as 
to extend their line in the shape of a V, the apex being thrust forward 
almost to the North Anna, and partially separating the Union right and 
left wings, and its own right and left wings protecting the Virginia Cen- 
tral and Fredericksburg railroads, and especially the important position 
of Sexton's Junction, where they united. Port Eoyal, on the Eappahan- 
nock, was temporarily made the Union base of supplies and a depot for the 
wounded, but foreseeing that another flank movement would soon be 
required. General Grant ordered supplies shipped to White House, on the 
Pamunkey, the whilom base of General McClellan, in May and June, 1862. 
This precaution was wisely taken. 

The position of the enemy, which we have already described, near 
Sexton's Junction, proving too strong to be carried without incurring too 
heavy losses. General Grant again moved on the enemy's right flank. 
Two divisions of Sheridan's cavalry (Torbert's and Gregg's), were sent, on 
the 26th of May, to recross the North Anna, march southeastward, and 
take possession of Hanover ferry and Hanovertown, about twenty-five 
miles below the position the army were occupying on the Pamunkey 
river, while Wilson's division was employed in destroying the Virginia 
Central railroad, from the vicinity of Sexton's Junction westward. Still 



724 THE cmL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

better to cover the movement on which he had determined, a vigorous 
demonstration was made on the enemy's left on Thursday, the 26th, sev- 
eral divisions of infantry attacking the enemy in position. Meanwhile, 
the two divisions of cavalry had arrived at their destination, where they 
found only a Eebel vidette, of which they captured seventy-five. The 
sixth corps had left its camp on Thursday night, and crossing the North 
Anna, followed the cavalry, marching rapidly but silently. 

On Saturday morning, May 28th, the infantry had possession of Ilan- 
overtown and the crossing of the Pamuiikey. The cavalry now pushed on 
southward, the whole of Sheridan's cavalry corps co-operating, and the 
infantry followed as fast as they could. Near Howe's store, which is not 
far from Tolopatomoy creek, an affluent of the Pamunkey, Gregg's cavalry, 
which was in the advance, encountered Hampton's and Fitzhugh Lee's 
Eebel cavalry, and a severe cavalry engagement ensued. Gregg, being 
greatly outnumbered, but fighting gallantly, was on the point of being 
forced back, when Custer's brigade of Torbert's division came up, and 
being armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, soon compelled the Eebels 
to retire before their concentrated and deadly fire, leaving their dead and 
wounded in the hands of the Union tcoops. The loss on each side was 
about four hundred. Aside from this battle, there was no fighting until 
Monday, May 30th. The Union troops continued to press forward on 
the Shady Grove church and Mcchanicsville roads. The Ecbels were 
posted on the south side of Tolopatomoy creek, their right resting on the 
Mcchanicsville road, near Shady Grove church, and their left extending 
toward Atlee's station, on the Virginia Central road. On Monday, May 
30th, about noon, the enemy attacked and drove in the Union skirmishers 
on the road leading from Cold Harbor to Old Church tavern, making a 
desperate effort to 9ffcct a raid upon the rear of the Union army. Devens', 
Merritt's, and Custer's cavalry brigades came up successively, and after a 
brisk engagement, beat off the enemy and drove them back with a loss of 
eighty or ninety men. About five F. M., Warren's corps, which was 
moving out along the Mcchanicsville road, was suddenly and fiercely 
attacked by a Eebel force, consisting of one division of Ewell's corps and 
two cavalry brigades; and Crawford's division, which was a little detached 
from the rest, and near Shady Grove church, was forced back so far as to 
. endanger the turning of Warren's flank. The other divisions of the corps 
hastening up, prevented this disaster, and a severe engagement followed, 
in which General Meade, in order to relieve Warren's corps from the 
heavy pressure upon it, ordered an attack along the whole line. Only 
the second corps, however, received the order in time to attack before 
dark, and Hancock, without delay, dashed upon the enemy's skirmish 
line, captured their rifle-pits, and held them all night. At nightfall, the 
enemy had been driven at every point, and left his dead and wounded 
upon the field, but moved down a large force to prevent any further con- 



CAVALBY ENGAGEMENT AT TOLOPATOMOY CREEK. 725 

centration upon his right. General William F. Smith, with the eighteenth 
corps, from the army of the James, had, however, been already ordered to 
White House by General Grant, and was moving down upon the right of 
the enemy ; and Burnside's corps was also marching toward the same 
point. This engagement is known by the names of Tolopatomoy creek, 
and Shady Grove church, though the former more properly belongs to 
the cavalry engagement of the 28th, 

There was a brief but somewhat sharp engagement toward midnight of 
Monday, between the Rebels and Burnside's corps, but it soon terminated. 
The position of the two armies at this time, in connection with the topog- 
raphy of the country in which they were fighting, is of some importance, 
as indicating the purposes of the movements of each army. The Chicka- 
hominy river, which maintains a nearly parallel course with the Pamun- 
key, and is about ten miles southwest of it, forms, from Winston's to 
Bottom's bridge, the outer line of defences of Richmond on the north and 
northeast, and as such, was vigorously defended by General Lee, who 
saw clearly that to permit the Union army to cross it, would at once im- 
peril the Rebel capital. The ground between the Pamunkey and Chicka- 
hominy is, for the most part, open, high, dry, and favorable for military 
manoeuvres. Near the Chickahomiiiy, however, there are some swamps, 
of a similar character to those which proved so pestilential to the Union 
array in 1862 ; from this low ground the land rises soon to ridges, on 
which there are several roads running parallel to the Chickahominy, from 
near Atlee's station to Bottom's bridge. These roads, as well as the river 
bank, were firmly held by the Rebel commander, and every attempt to 
gain possession of them was repulsed pj-omptly. 

Lee's main line extended from near Atlee's to Gaines' mills and Cold 
Harbor. His cavalry, with perhaps some infantry supports, extended 
to Hanover Court House on the left, and on the right to Bottom's bridge. 
His line ran as follows : A. P. Hill's corps on the left, Longstreet in the 
centre, and Ewell on the right. Beauregard and Breckinridge were in 
reserve, so far as the army of the Potomac was concerned, but the former 
was engaged in holding the army of the James at bay. 

On Tuesday, May 31st, there was a brief but brilliant action, in which 
Birney's division of the second corps rushed at and carried a breastwork 
of the enemy on the south side of Tolopatomoy creek, capturing about 
forty prisoners. There were other desultory fights with small bodies of 
troops, at various points of the extended line, (of over six miles in length,) 
during the day. On the right, Wilson's cavalry division skirmishing suc- 
cessfully, on the extreme right of the army, with Young's Rebel brigade of 
Wade Hampton's cavalry, and Ledlie's brigade of Burnside's corps, attack- 
ing the enemy in its front, and advancing its skirmish line. The most im- 
portant action, however, was that of Torbert's division of Sheridan's cavalry 
corps, in the vicinity of Cold Harbor, whither they had been sent by General 



726 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Grant, to hold that position for the occupation of the infantry. It was the 
purpose of General Grant to extend his lines eastward, by removing his 
corps successively from his extreme right, and force a passage across the 
Chickahominy, on the enemy's right. In attempting to occupy Cold 
Harbor, the cavalry found themselves opposed by a party of Fitzhugh Lee's 
cavalry, and Clingman's brigade of Hoke's North Carolina division. A 
sliarp fight resulted, Merritt's regular cavalry brigade opening, and Devens' 
and Cu.ster's brigades quickly joining. The Union forces, after a somewhat 
severe struggle, held the desired ground, though with difEculty. 

On Wednesday, June 1st, the cavalry fighting, with artillery firing, was 
resumed on both flanks. There was heavy skirmishing also, all along the 
line. At Cold Harbor, the contest lasted longest, as the enemy were de- 
termined to drive the Union troops out, while Sheridan's orders were to 
hold it. Hoke's division was completely repulsed by Sheridan's dis- 
mounted cavalry, fighting with carbines. McLaw's division then rein- 
forced Hoke, and other portions of Longstreet's corps coming up, the 
Union troops could only stand at bay, and hold their own, though fight- 
ing with desperate bravery. The fighting died away about noon, and 
soon after, the sixth — Wright's — corps arrived, and deployed into line on 
the right of the Gaines' mill road, relieving Sheridan's cavalry. At three 
o'clock the eighteenth corps also came up, having been delayed by taking 
the wrong road, and at once deployed in line, though wearied by a long 
march. A charge was ordered immediately. In front was a ploughed 
field two-thirds of a mile wide, and beyond, a strip of pine forest, in which 
the enemy lay intrenched. The artillery on the Union left and rear fired 
sharply for an hour, and at length, ^bout six o'clock, the line dashed forward. 
Devens' division of the eighteenth corps, and Eicketts' of the sixth, were 
the assaulting force, and rushed forward across the ploughed land, through 
a patch of green plain and into the woods, while a deadly storm of artillery 
and musketry raked their ranks. The charge was made at the double- 
quickstep, and the men of both divisions dashed over the Rebel earth- 
works with great spirit, taking and holding their first line of rifle-pits, and 
capturing about six hundred prisoners. In this charge, Drake's brigade, 
in the advance of Devens' division, was badly cut up, and by the time it 
reached the abatis and entanglements in the woods, had hardly men 
enough left to surmount them. At this critical juncture. Barton's brigade 
of the same division sprang forward, and gallantly crossing the open 
under the murderous fire, swept the obstacles and carried the rifle-pits, 
capturing two hundred prisoners in them. The enemy, however, still 
held his line on the Union right, and began to enfilade the rifle-trench. 
Henry's brigade of Brooks' division, eighteenth corps, was next sent in 
to support Barton, and after a desperate struggle gained a lodgement in 
the line, but it was soon found that a redoubt in the enemy's second line 
completely commanded this position, and Henry was obliged to relinquish 



THE BATTLE OF THE CHICKAHOMJNY. 727 

it. The other divisions of the two corps were brought up, but no more 
ground was gained, though the struggle cost heavy losses. The Union 
troops held Cold Harbor after a fierce conflict, but they could not drive 
the Rebels from their position. During the night the enemy attempted, 
by a succession of desperate charges, to regain the territory they had lost, 
but they were repulsed promptly. The Union loss was not far from two 
thousand. That of the enemy was considerably less in killed and 
wounded, since they had fought behind breastworks, but they had also 
lost six hundred prisoners. 

The Union line now extended from Bethesda church, near Shady Grove, 
to Cold Harbor, and the corps were arranged thus: from riglit to left, 
Hancock, Burnside, Warren, Smith, and Wright. Cold Harbor, the object 
of this desperate fighting, consisted of only a single building, the Cold 
Harbor tavern, but it was important as the junction of the roads leading 
to White House on the east, Dispatch station and Bottom's bridge on the 
south, Richmond by way of Gaines' mill on the west, and Hanovertown 
and New Castle on the north. 

While this heavy fighting was going on at Cold Harbor, there bad been 
also hot Work in front of the other corps. During the day, there had 
been artillery firing, and some skirmishing and musketry firing, on the 
extreme right of the Union army; but the advance of Gibbon's division 
of the second, and Potter's of the ninth corps, intended to cover the with- 
drawal of the second corps from the right to the left, to follow the sixth, 
roused the fury of the Rebels, and toward evening, massing their troops, 
they made a most desperate and determined attack along the whole line. 
Regardless of the gaps the Union artillery ploughed through their dense 
columns, they came on, till the leaden hail of the musketry delivered at 
very short range, swept them down in frightful numbers. Again and 
again they charged, but with the same result, and it was late in the night 
before they desisted, their retirement being immediately succeeded by the 
advance of the Union troops to their skirmish line. The loss of the 
Rebels in this attack was fully two thousand, while the Union troops, fight- 
ing behind breastworks, lost probably less than half that number. The 
fighting of the day is known as the battle of Cold Harbor, though but a 
part of the conflict was in that vicinity. 

On Wednesday night, General Grant decided to follow up tbe occupa- 
tion of Cold Harbor, by a serious attempt to push the enemy across 
the Chickahominy, and establish for the Union troops a place for fording. 
Accordingly, that night, the second corps was drawn ofl' from the right, 
and marched across the lines to the extreme left, which point it reached 
about noon on Thursday, and with the troops already there, formed a 
very heavy force at that point. The attack was ordered for Thursday 
evening, June 2d, but a heavy thunder-storm, with torrents of rain, pre- 
vented its execution, and gave the enemy the opportunity to perfect still 



728 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STA'IKS. 

farther their defensive preparations. The attack was then ordered for 
dawn, on Friday morning, June 3d. During the afternoon, on Tliurs^lay, 
the Rebels charged upon the fifth and nitlth corps, incited thereto by a 
movement of some of the brigades, which they regarded with suspicion ; 
they were repulsed, however, with severe loss. 

The assault of the second corps on the enemy's lines on Friday morn- 
ing, June 3d — the bloody battle of the Chickahoininy — was unsurpassed 
for daring, lofty courage, and stubborn persistance, even by the gallant 
action of the same corps at the battle of Spottsylvania. The divisions of 
Gibbon and Barlow, which were in the advance, swept over the enemy's 
works, drove Breckinridge's troops from the summit, and for a few min- 
utes were masters of the position ; but in their valiant zeal, they had been 
carried a considerable distance beyond their supporting columns, and the 
enemy, aware that every thing depended upon their retaining this position, 
puslied forward A. P. Hill's corps upon them, while an enfilading fire 
swept through their already decimated columns, and they were compelled 
to fall back upon their supports, which they did in perfeot order, carrying 
back with them a captured color and three hundred prisoners, under a 
most deadly fire, and even then they would only retreat over the brow 
of the nearest ridge, where they formed anew, and intrenched, remaining 
all day within fifty yards of the enemy's breastworks. 

With no less gallantry, but with no better success, the sixth and 
eighteenth corps had made their assault. Charging through the under- 
brush and across the open, they succeeded in carrying the first line of 
intrench ments, but it was only to be received by the murderous enfilading 
fire by which all the Union troops that day found their daring repaid. 
Tenaciously and obstinately they clung to their conquests, which were at 
length wrested from them, and they were finally forced back with great 
loss. They succeeded, however, as Hancock had done on the left, in 
holding and intrenching a position considerably in advance of the starting 
point, and very close to the enemy's works. The fifth and ninth corps 
pushed out their skirmishers, and kept up a heavy cannonade along their 
lines, but soon found that there was only a thin skirmishing line in front 
of them. They did not, however, as would perhaps have been better, 
move on to join the three corps on the left in the effort to break the enemy's 
line which he had so heavily massed in defence of the passes of the 
Chickahominy. At night the whole Union line was advanced to within 
fifty yards of the enemy's breastworks and intrenched there, and the 
fighting was maintained, furious assaults being made on one side or 
the other till about nine P. M. Wilson's cavalry division had also had a 
severe fight with Hampton's Rebel cavalry during the day, but without 
any decisive results. 

For the next nine days there were no more pitched battles, but the two 
armies looked each other in the face steadily, and every officer or soldier, 



SKETCH OP MAJOR-GENERAL HANCOCK. 729 

on either side, who exposed his head or body, was sure to be brought 
down by a sharpshooter's bullet. Occasionally dashes were made from one 
side or the other, but they were repelled at once by heavy artillery and 
musketry fire. The carnage of the four weeks had been terrible on both 
sides, though a little less than in the first week of the campaign. On the 
Union side, two hundred and seventy officers, and three thousand seven 
hundred and thirty-one -enlisted men, had been killed; seven hundred 
and forty-seven officers, and seventeen thousand three hundred and eighty- 
one men wounded, and eighty-five officers, and twent^'-nine hundred and 
twenty-seven men were missing, mostly prisoners ; making a total of 
twenty-five thousand one hundred and forty-one killed, wounded, and 
missing. The loss of the Rebels had been little, if at all less. In sonje 
of the actions they had lost more than the Union troops ; in otliers, fight- 
ing behind fortifications, their killed and wounded had been less, but they 
had taken a smaller number of prisoners than the Union troops. 

In all the battles of the campaign, the commander of the second corps 
had been conspicuous, among the many brave officers of the army, for 
daring, enthusiasm, and steady valor. Wherever there was the most dif- 
ficult work to be done, and it was necessary that an attack should be 
made promptly, earnestly, and unflinchingly, there Hancock and his 
second corps were sure to be, ready to do and dare any thing that human 
courage and skill could undertake ; and if there was one post of greater 
danger than another, or requiring those special acts of gallantry which 
men will only attempt under the eye, and stimulated by the appi'obation 
of a beloved and honored commander, there Hancock was certain to be 
found, encouraging and urging his men to higher exertion, and the 
accomplishment of seeming impossibilities. A brief sketch of the life 
of this able and brilliant officer is appropriate in this portion of our 
history. 

Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock was born in Montgomery 
county, Pennsylvania, February 14, 182-i. He entered West Point in 
184:0, and graduated in 1844, not ranking very high as a scholar, but 
with an energy and activity in his manner which betokened his future 
success. He entered the army in July, 1844, with only the brevet rank of 
second lieutenant of the fourth infantry, and did not receive bis commis- 
sion as full lieutenant until the 18th of June, 1846, when he was ordered 
almost immediately to Mexico, where he distinguished himself for gallant 
conduct at Contreras and Churubusco, and was breveted first lieutenant 
therefor. He was also present and fought bravely at Molino del Key and 
Mexico. On his return to the United States, he was appointed regimental 
quartermaster, and retained that position till 1849, when he was promoted 
to be adjutant of the sixth United States infantry, and saw service on the 
plains, and afterward in California. In January, 1853, he received his 
commission as first lieutenant, and on the 7th of November, 1855, was 



730 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

appointed assistant quartermaster-general, with the rank of captain, and 
assigned to duty in California. He remained on the Pacific coast till the 
breaking out of the Rebellion, and exerted a powerful influence in pre- 
venting the secessionists from carrying the State out of the Union. When 
hostilities began, he returned to the east, and was appointed chief quarter- 
master to General Anderson, then in command of the Department of the 
Ohio, but before he reached his post, was commissioned brigadier-general 
in the army of the Potomac. On the 9th of October, 1861, his brigade 
formed part of the forces that occupied Lewinsville, Virginia. During 
the winter of 1861-2, he was engaged iu several reconnoissances, and was 
generally successful. lie went to the Peninsula with General McClellan's 
army, and was breveted major in the regular army for his meritorious 
services at Lee's mills and Yorktown. At Williamsburg, he led an in- 
fantry charge, which turned the tide of battle, and was breveted lieuten- 
ant-colonel from May 5, 1862. He was actively engaged in the seven 
days' contests, especially in the battles of White Oak swamp and Gold- 
ing's farm, and was breveted colonel in the regular army from June 27th. 
He took part in the Maryland campaign, and commanded his brigade at 
Antietam, September 17, 1862. He was in command of a division of 
the second corps, at the battle of Fredericksburg, December 13, 1862, 
and was wounded during the engagement, iu which his division lost 
heavily. He was subsequently appointed major-general of volunteers, his 
commis.sion dating from November 20, 1862. He commanded his division 
at the battle of Chancellorsville, and after the appointment of General 
Couch to the command of the Department of the Susquehanna, was pro- 
moted to the charge of the second corps. With this corps he took an 
active part in the battle of Gettysburg, and on the third day of the battle, 
July 3, 1863, was severely wounded. He did not recover so as to resume 
command of his corps till the spring of 1864, and meantime it had been 
recruited to more than forty thousand men. During the earlier battles of 
tlie campaign, and indeed till late in the autumn, General Hancock re- 
tained command of his corps, and distinguished himself on many fields, 
but his old wounds, received at Gettysburg, breaking out afresh, he was 
compelled to ask to be relieved, and was finally appointed to the com- 
mand of the middle department, after fighting there had nearly ceased. At 
the reorganization of the army, in June, 1865, he was appointed to com- 
mand the new middle department, comprising West Virginia, the greater 
part of Maryland, the line of the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, and the 
States of Delaware and Pennsylvania, which he still (November, 1865,) 
retains. 

We have not turned aside from our narrative of the movements of the 
army of the Potomac, to notice, at the time of their occurrence, the inde- 
pendent, yet co-operative expeditions of the cavalry corps, lest we might 
thereby render complicated the narrative of the progress of the main 



HOOKER 




SHEEIDAN'S EAID TOWARD RICHMOND. ^31 

army ; but the present seems a good opportunity to describe Sheridan's 
two great raids, which exerted a powerful influence in crippling Lee's 
forces and reducing his supplies. 

On the 9th of May, the cavalry, which for four days previous had been 
engaged in guarding the army trains, and the ambulances containing the 
sick and wounded, as well as in protecting the flanks of the army, was 
relieved from that duty, and General Grant ordered General Sheridan to 
select the best mounted troops of his command, and start on an expedition 
to the rear of Lee's army, and cut off his communications and supplies, 
allowing him full discretion as to the best plan of effecting the object of 
the expedition. General Sheridan issued his orders at once for this im- 
portant movement, selecting the staff of&cers who were to accompany 
him, directing the issuing of three days rations to his men, and leaving 
behind every thing in the way of a train, except the ammunition 
wagons, and two ambulances. The baggage actually indispensable was 
carried on pack mules. Thus freed from incumbrances, he perfected his 
arrangements and moved on the evening of the same day that he received 
the order, toward Fredericksburg, but before reaching that city turned 
southward on the Childsburg road, and after a short halt there, moved to 
Beaver Dam station, on the Virginia Central railroad, crossing the North 
Anna river at the fords. At Beaver Dam they found a Rebel provost- 
guard, with more than three hundred Union prisoners, who had been cap- 
tured the day before at Spottsylvania ; these they promptly released, 
taking the Eebel guard prisoners. Thence they moved toward Richmond, 
sending a detachment to Ashland station, on the Fredericksburg railroad, 
who destroyed the track, trains, station-houses, and other Rebel Govern- 
ment property, and then, after a sharp fight, rejoined the main column. 
On the 11th of May, the cavalry had reached a point within six miles of 
Richmond. Here they encountered the Rebel cavalry, under command 
of Lieutenant-General J. E. B. Stuart in person, and charging upon them 
promptly, a severe battle took place, in which General Stuart was killed, 
and some Rebel guns captured. 

The next morning before daybreak, a detachment was sent toward 
Richmond to reconnoitre, and penetjate to the second line of defences of 
that city, within less than two miles of the capital, and having captured 
a Rebel courier, withdraw. Early in the morning of May 12, Sheridan's 
advance approached Meadow bridge, on the Chickahominy, where they 
again encountered the enemy> who had destroyed the bridge, and con- 
structed defences commanding the railroad bridge, over which the Union 
troops must cross. Nothing daunted, Sheridan's gallant troopers dashed 
on ; and though compelled to traverse about half a mile of swampy 
ground, rushed on the Rebel works, and carried them, after the most de- 
termined resistance. 

Meantime, another Rebel force had come up in his rear, and surrounded 



}32 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



his command. Though remarkably fertile in resource.s, the Union com- 
mander had here a positioti which would call for bis ablest generalship. 
To attempt to retreat would inevitably be fatal ; to go forward was to 
encounter a Rebel force greatly outnumbering his own, and to cross the 
river, a difficult one, on account of its swampy shores, under their con- 
centrated fire. His decision was quickly made ; it was to reconstruct the 
Meadow bridge over the Chickahominy, and cross it with his force and 
train. This he accomplished, though under fire all the time, keeping the 
Rebels at bay with his artillery the while, and repelling their charges by 
fierce counter-charges. Once or twice his men were slowly pressed back, 
but he encouraged them, and fighting under his eye, they soon re- 
gained their position. At length, the bridge was completed, and his 
ammunition train was to be taken across it; and if the Rebel fire con- 
tinued, it could scarcely escape destruction from explosion, a destruction 
which would imperil his force, and render their capture or death inevita- 
ble. The emergency did not appal him or deprive him of self-possession 
for an instant. When the train was ready to advance, he ordered up an 
ammunition wagon, supplied his men who had fallen back with fresh carl- 
ridges, and placing himself at their head, said "Boys, do you see tho.so 
fellows yonder ? They are green recruits, just from Richmond ; there's not 
a veteran among them. You have fought them well to day, but we have 
got to whip them. We can do it, and we will!" The men responded with 
arousing cheer, and with the order "Forward! — Charge!" in his clear 
ringing tones, he led them on in a charge which sent the Rebels flying 
back to their works, and his artillery immediately opened upon them, 
greatly to their terror. Under cover of this charge, the train passed in 
perfect safety. Pressing hard upon the now beaten and demoralized foe, 
amid a most terrific thunder-storm, in which it was difficult to distinguish 
between the artillery of heaven, and the thunder of his guns, he drove 
them back to Mechanicsville, and finally to Cold Harbor, capturing a con- 
siderable number, and encamped wiili his wearied command near Gaines' 
mills. The next day he moved down the north bank of the Chickahom- 
iny to Bottom's bridge, and the day following to General Butler's head- 
quarters, not being molested in any oj his movements. He then opened 
communication with Yorktown, and thence with Washington. He 
returned to the army of the Potomac in season to take part in the 
movements from the North Anna, and in the battles of Cold Harbor and 
the Chickahominy. We have already spoken of the stubbornness with 
which he held Cold Harbor, until the sixth corps could come up and re- 
lieve him. He next led the advance of the army of the Potomac in its 
passage to and across the James, and on the 8th of June, set out upon 
a second expedition into tho heart of the Confederacy. This time his 
object was to penetrate northward and westward of Lee's lines, and cut 
the Virginia Central railroad at some point which should eflectually 



SHERIDAN'S WITHDRAWAL FROM TREVILIAN. 733 

prevent the movement of supplies or troops from the Virginia and Ten- 
nessee railroad toward Richmond. General Hunter, then in command in 
Western Virginia, was ordered to co-operate with him, and had he been 
able to do so, Gordonsville and Charlottesville might both have been cap- 
tured. Crossing the Pamunkey, he moved at once to Aylett's station ; 
thence the next day to the Fredericksburg railroad at Chestei-field station, 
where he seriously damaged the railroad ; thence to Childsburg, New 
Market, and Mount Pleasant, and crossed E. NE. creek at Young's bridge. 
On the morning of the 10th of June, he moved forward again, and having 
crossed both branches of the North Aima river, encamped at Buck Childs, 
a small village three miles north of Trevilian station, on the Virginia 
Central railroad. It had been his intention to destroy the railroad from 
this point west for some distance, and then crossing to Keswick station, 
cut the railroad in both directions from Gordonsville and Charlottesville, 
which latter town was his ultimate objective. On arriving at Buck Childs, 
however, he found the Rebel cavalry in his front, and immediately pre- 
pared to give them battle. He divided his force, and sent a part to attack 
the Rebels in rear, while he assailed them, the next morning, June 11th, 
in front. The fighting was desperate, but he at last drove them back 
from line after line of breastworks, through an almost impassable forest, 
to the station at Trevilian ; and here his detached troops attacking them 
in rear, their route was complete, and Sheridan established his headquar- 
ters that night at Trevilian, 

The next morning, June 12th, the railroad from Trevilian station to 
Louisa Court House was completely destroyed, the ties burned, and the 
rails twisted and bent, so as to be utterly unserviceable. This occupied 
from daybreak to three P. M. The Rebels meantime had concentrated in 
considerable force at Gordonsville, and advancing toward Trevilian, com- 
menced the construction of rifle-pits, at a distance of about four miles, to 
resist Sheridan's movements. After a careful reconnoissance. General 
Sheridan found the enemy too strongly posted to be effectively assailed by 
his light artillery, especially as his ammunition was running low, and he 
therefore decided not to make a general assault. On the extreme riglit, 
however, his troops assaulted and carried the enemy's lines again and 
again, but were eventually driven from them, by the long-range guns of 
the Rebel infantry ; and finding his ammunition giving out, and beino- 
unable to obtain forage for his horses. General Sheridan determined to 
withdraw ; but he carried out this determination in a characteristic way. 
Returning to Trevilian station, he ordered supper, inviting his generals to 
sup with him, and having given orders for the removal of the wounded 
who could be moved, and detailed surgeons to stay with those who were 
most severely injured, and perfected his order of march, he partook 
quietly of his evening meal, and then set about the withdrawal of his 
force from a position in which it was confronted by nearly the entire 



13* 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



cavalry of the Rebel army. While the trains and the rear divisions 
were moving off with the wouDded, he ordered forty rounds of canister 
to be fired at the Rebel position ; and when the enemy, severely cut up 
by this fire, attempted to take the battery by a bold, sudden dash, he 
charged upon them with a regiment of cavalry, at the same time pouring 
in a full round of canister at very short range, and compelled them to 
retire in confusion. While they were retiring, the gun was withdrawn, 
and as he found that the Rebels were still retreating, he moved quietly 
back, and followed the divisions which bad already set their faces south- 
ward. By day-dawn of the 13th, his men were well out of Treviliau sta- 
tion, and he marched with them to Troyman's store, without encountering 
any opposition ; and on the 14th, reached the vicinity of Spottsylvania 
Court House, the scene of so many bloody battles a short mouth previ- 
ous. Remaining here a day, to aid the wounded, who had been left in 
field hospitals, he arrived at Guinney's station on the evening of the 15th, 
and established his headquarters there for a few days, and then moved to 
White House. On the 23d of June, having marched from White House, 
he was attacked by the enemy at Jones' bridge, over the Chickahominy, 
and on the 2-4th, near St. Mary's church, between the Chickahominy and 
the James. On both occasions the Rebels were in strong force, and en- 
tirely confident of their ability to overwhelm and capture his troops. 
Sheridan acted entirely on the defensive, but produced such terrible havoc 
among the enemy with his artillery, firing at short range, that they were 
soon very willing to withdraw, and not further molest his progress. 
During the afternoon and night of June 25th, he crossed the James 
river, five miles above Fort Powhatan, ou a pontoon bridge, protected 
on either side by gunboats, without loss, though the enemy were in 
heavy force near him. 



THE TROOPS IN WEST YIRGINIA. 735 



CHAPTER LIX. 

THE TROOPS IN WEST VIRGINIA — CROOK AND AVERELL DEFEAT THE REBELS ON NEW RIVER — 
THE BATTLE OF NEW MARKET — SIGEL DEFEATED — HE IS RELIEVED OF COMMAND, AND SENT 
TO MARTINSBURO AS POST COMMANDANT — GENERAL HUNTER SnCCEEDS HIM — BATTLE NEAR 
MOUNT CRAWFORD — THE REBELS DEFEATED, AND THEIR GENERAL KILLED — HUNTER CAP- 
TURES STAUNTON AND LEXINGTON, AND BURNS THE LEXINGTON MILITARY INSTITUTE, AND 

GOVERNOR Letcher's house, but fails to join sheridan, and is compelled by early 

TO fall back from LYNCHBURG INTO THE KANAWHA VALLEY, AFTER A LOSING FIGHT- 
EARLY TAKES ADVANTAGE OF THIS TO DESCEND THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY TO THE POTO- 
MAC — hunter's EFFORTS TO RETRIEVE HIS BLUNDER — ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — CROSSING 
THE JAMES — CAVALRY RECONNOISSANCE TO MALVERN HILL — THE ATTACK ON PETERS- 
BURG — PARTIAL SUCCESS — BUTLER CUTS THE RAILROAD — THE ASSAULTS OP THE SECOND 

AND NINTH CORPS ON THE DEFENCES OF PETERSBURG INCOMPLETE SUCCESS — THE REBELS 

RETIRE TO THEIR INNER LINE OF DEFENCES — FAILURE OF THE ATTEMPT TO CARRY THESE — 
THE ATTACKS ON THE WELDON RAILROAD — THE DISASTROUS REPULSE OP JUNE 22d — THE 
POSITION NEARLY REGAINED, BUT NO ADVANCE MADE — WILSON's AND KAUTZ's RAID ON 
THE WELDON AND SOUTBSIDE RAILROADS — GREAT DESTRUCTION OP RAILROAD TRACKS 
AND PROPERTY — HEAVY LOSSES OF THE EXPEDITION IN ITS RETURN MARCH — EARLY's 
FORAY INTO MARYLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA — TERROR OF THE INHABITANTS — THE BATTLE 
OF MONOCACY — WALLACE DEFEATED — THE SIXTH AND NINETEENTH CORPS ORDERED INTO 
MARYLAND — GENERAL ORD SUCCEEDS GENERAL WALLACE — RAILROADS BROKEN UP AND 
TRAINS CAPTURED BY THE REBELS — WASHINGTON THREATENED — REBELS DEFEATED BY 

GENERAL AUOUR THEIR RETREAT ACROSS THE POTOMAC FIGHTING AT SNICKEr's AND 

ASHBY's gaps — AVERELl's battle near WINCHESTER — DEFEAT OF THE REBELS — BATTLE 
OF WINCHESTER, JULY 24tH — CROOK DEFEATED, AND MULLIGAN KILLED — SKETCH OF MUL- 
LIGAN — THE PANIC IN MARYLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA RENEWED — ABSURD REPORTS- 
BURNING OF CHAMBERSBURG MOSBY's LITTLE RAID— GOVERNOR CURTIN CALLS A SPECIAL 

SESSION OP THE LEGISLATURE — THIRTY THOUSAND MILITIA CALLED OUT — EAELY's RE- 
TREAT — FIGHTING NEAR CUMBERLAND, MARYLAND — REBELS DEFEATED BY AVERELL AT 

MOOREFIELD, VIRGINIA- — THE MINE AT PETERSBURG DEMONSTRATION ON THE ENEMY's 

LEFT — FIGHT AT DEEP BOTTOM — EXPLOSION OF THE MINE — FATAL BLUNDERING REPULSE 

AND HEAVY LOSS. 

"We have referred incidentally, in connection with other operations, to 
the movements of the army under Sigel, in the Shenandoah valley, and 
to those troops in Western Virginia, under Crook and Averell, whose 
office it was to threaten the Rebel communications by way of the Vir- 
ginia and Tennessee railroad. The movements of these troops, though 
not, on the whole, successful, and perhaps contributing but little, one way 
or the other, toward the final result, was yet of sufficient importance to 
merit some notice. 

The force under Crook and Averell fought three battles about the mid- 
dle of May, near the west line of the State, on New river, with the Rebel 
Generals Sam. Jones and A. G. Jenkins, and were successful in all. In 
one of them General Jenkins fell into the hand? of the Union troops 



736 THE CIVIL WAR L\ Till'; UNITED STATES. 

mortally wounded ; and in tlie three, about six hundred of the Rebels 
were killed and wounded, and three hundred taken prisoners. Averell 
also succeeded in cutting the Virginia and Tennessee railroad, burning 
the bridge over New river, and destroying several miles of the track. 
The loss of these troops, who were, perhaps, one half of them, guerrillas 
and bushwhackers, was not a very serious one to Lee, and the injury 
done to the railroad was but temporary. 

General Sigel, in the Shenandoah valley, did not meet with success. 
He moved, early in ifay, up the valley as far as New Market, where, on 
the 15th of Ma}"^, he encountered a Rebel force of seven or eight thou- 
sand, under the command of General Breckinridge, with Echols and 
Imboden under him as subordinate generals. General Sigel chose an 
untenable position, and after some hard fighting was defeated, with a loss 
of about six hundred killed and wounded, fifty taken prisoners, and five 
pieces of artillery. On receiving the report of this mishap, the "War 
Department promptly relieved General Sigel of his command, and or- 
dered him to Martinsburg, as post commander, while General David 
Hunter succeeded him in the command of the army of the Shenandoah 
valley. 

Breckinridge, after defeating Sigel, hastened, as we have seen, to rein- 
force Lee, whose numbers had been seriously leduced by the battles of 
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania, and General Hunter found few Rebel 
troop.s to oppose his progress toward Staunton, which town he reached 
and captured on the 6th of June, having the previous day fought and 
defeated a Rebel force under General W. E. Jones near Mount Crawford. 
The Rebels were very heavy losers in this battle, their commander. 
General Jones, being killed, a large number of their troops killed or 
wounded, fifteen hundred prisoners, and three guns cau^ured, and the 
remainder of their forces driven from Staunton to Waynesboro. On the 
8th, a junction was effected between Hunter's force and those commanded 
by Crook and Averell, from Western Virginia. 

He had received instructions, after this reinforcement, to march toward 
Charlottesville, tearing up the track of the Virginia Central railroad as 
he went, and driving the Rebels before him toward Charlottesville and 
Gordonsville, and there to form a junction with Sheridan, who, as we 
have seen, was pushing toward the latter point. Had he done so, the 
Rebels, somewhat too strong for either force separate, might have been 
driven out of Gordonsville by the combined force with heavy loss, and 
Lynchburg, one of the most important depots of supplies for the Rebels, 
have been captured. Owing to some misunderstanding, for we cannot in 
justice ascribe to so meritorious an officer as General Hunter any other 
motive, he failed to join the cavalry commander; and while he delayed, 
to destroy the Lexington Military Institute and Governor Letcher's house, 
Sheridan was compelled to fall back for want of support ; and when at 



MOVEMENTS OF THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC. 731 

last he approached Lynchburg, it was too strongly fortified and gar- 
risoned to make success possible. 

Lee now sent General Early, who had taken command of Ewell's 
corps in consequence of the illness of Ewell, to drive Hunter out of the 
valley. Early at once assumed the offensive, and marching out from 
L3'nchburg with a large and well appointed force, he compelled Hunter 
to fall back — and he adopted what he believed to be the most judicious 
course, but, as it proved, was a very unwise one. He abandoned the 
Shenandoah valley — having previously had a fight with the Eebels, in 
which only a part of his troops were engaged, and in which he lost in 
killed, wounded, and prisoners, about six hundred, and several pieces of 
artillery — and moved westward into the Kanawha valley, leaving the 
Shenandoah valley open to the Rebel forces. Early took immediate ad- 
vantage of this blunder, and marched at once down the valley, capturing 
Winchester, flanking Martinsburg, where General Sigel was in command, 
and compelling him to evacuate the town, and retreat to Harper's Ferry, 
on the 3d of July. This in turn was evacuated by Colonel Mulligan, and 
Sigel took possession of Maryland heights, and the Rebels of the town 
and the Virginia side. Of Early's subsequent movements we shall speak 
by and by. Hunter saw his mistake too late, and made desperate efforts 
to retrieve it, and to reach the Potomac ; but in attempting to cross the 
mountains, the greater part of his train and seven cannon were lost, and 
his troops were placed on short allowance, and suffered severely. The 
blunders of Sigel and Hunter in this campaign were not the result of 
cowardice, for there were not two braver generals in the army, but they 
indicated a want of capacity and generalship for the somewhat difficult 
situations in which they were placed, and resulted in serious and exten- 
sive disaster to^aryland and Southern Pennsylvania. 

We return to the army of the Potomac, which we left face to face with 
its enemy on the banks of the Chickahominy. Convinced that the small 
gains which could be made by a series of determined and persistent as- 
saults upon the very strong positions occupied by the Rebels would only 
be purchased by a heavy and excessive sacrifice of life, and having, be- 
sides, resolved, as a part of his plan for the utter overthrow of Lee's army, 
to approach it from the south and southwest, and by cutting off its commu- 
nications compel it to surrender, General Grant now made the bold stroke 
of transferring the army of the Potomac to the south side of the James 
river. In this campaign he had already three times changed his base of 
supplies, to Belle Plain and Fredericksburg, to Port Royal, and to White 
House. He now proposed to change it again, to City Point, and at the 
same time to make a flanking movement with bis whole army of about 
fifty-five miles around the enemy's base, and by routes nowhere more than 
six or eight miles distant from his fortified lines. It was in this case as in 

all the previous ones, the enemy's right which he flanked. The move- 

47 



738 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ment was a daring and extremely hazardous one ; two rivers, both too 
deep for fording, and one a wide and formidable stream, were to be 
crossed; a difficult, swampy region, luxuriant in its undergrowth, and 
offering great facilities for ambushes, was to be traversed ; and if practica- 
ble, this was to be done so quietly that the enemy should not become 
cognizant of it in season to offer any serious obstruction to his progress. 

The preparations for this transfer had been made with equal secrecy, 
promptness, and skill, in the period between the 3d and the 12th of June, 
and at the latter date, though frequent reconnoissancesof the enemy had tes 
tified his uneasiness at the quiet which reigned throughout the Union lines, 
yet he had failed to discover the secret, and all was ready for an advance. 

On the night of Sunday, June 12th, the army began its march. As we 
have already stated in the preceding chapter, the enemy's line extended 
along the Chiukahominy as far as Bottom's bridge, where it was intrenched. 
The Union forces lay north of the enemy, in a line generally parallel, and 
were also well intrenched opposite his right. Of course, Bottom's bridge 
could not be used for crossing. The next two bridges below are Long 
bridge and Jones' bridge, the former about seven, and the latter about 
twelve miles below Bottom's bridge. 

On Sunday night, Wright's — sixth — and Burnside's — ninth — corps 
marched to Jones' bridge, crossed the Chickahominy, and moved rapidly 
thence to Cliarles City Court House, a mile from the James river, and 
nearly nine miles south of Jones' bridge. At the same time, Hancock's — 
second — and Warren's — fifth — corps moved to Long bridge, crossed there, 
and took the road to Wilcox's wharf, on the James, about twelve miles, 
by the road, almost due south, and about one and a half miles west of 
Charles City Court House. Meanwhile, Smith's — eighteenth — corps 
inarched to White House, there took transports to Fortfess Monroe, and 
without pausing, passed directly up the river to Bermuda Hundred, oppo- 
site City Point, and just above the Appomattox, on the south side of the 
James. This was the headquarters of Butler's army. The place desig- 
nated for crossing the other four corps to the south side of the James, was 
Powhatan Point, near Wilcox's wharf. General Butler had carefully pre- 
pared pontoon bridges for crossing. 

The whole movement was conducted with consummate skill. The men 
moved cautiously from their intrenchments, which for miles lay under 
the Rebel guns. Only a few shells thrown at the rear, as it moved off, 
indicated that the enemy had taken the alarm. All night and all day 
Monday, the troops moved forward, with hardly more skirmishing or 
impediment than they experienced in their first march from Culpepper to 
Chancellorsville. On Monday evening the advance had reached Wilcox's 
landing, where also headquarters were. Before noon of Tuesday the 
forces had all arrived at Charles City Court House and Wilcox's landing, 
having made their movement in perfect security, the only fighting being 



THE ATTACK ON PETERSBURG. 739 

a little cavalry skirmishing at the close of their march. On Tuesday the 
crossing of the James was commenced, the army transferred without diffi- 
culty to the south side of the river, and the change in position fully con- 
summated. 

General Grant, having thus skilfully brought his army across the James, 
was disposed to lose no time in attacking the enemy at his most vulnera- 
ble points. On Wednesday, the 15th of June, the cavalry made a recon- 
noissance toward Malvern Hill, on the north side of the James, and 
ascertained that A. P. Hill's corps were holding the defences of Richmond 
in that region in strong force. The movement, however, on which the 
Union commander particularly relied for beneficial results, was one 
against Petersburg. At one o'clock A. U. Wednesday morning, the 
eighteenth corps, which had arrived at Bermuda Hundred the previous 
evening on transports from White House, marched for Petersburg, Kautz's 
cavalry being in the advance. Kautz moved out toward the Norfolk rail- 
road and the Baxter road, on the extreme left, hoping to carry the position 
of the enemy there, but found it too strong, and after some hard fighting, 
reluctantly retired. The eighteenth corps, operating on the outer de- 
fences of the city on the northeast and east, after fighting all day, carried 
the enemy's line of intrench ments, the outer defences, about two miles 
from the city, a little before sunset, by a determined assault, driving the 
Rebels out, and capturing sixteen guns, a battle-flag, and three hundred 
prisoners. General Grant ordered up the other corps to their support as 
fast as they came in, the advance of the second corps coming up at dusk, 
and the entire corps being on the ground before morning. During the 
night, the enemy attempted to wrest these strong intrenchments from their 
captors, but failed, Birney's division of the second corps holding them 
firmly. The Rebels in the intrenchments in front of Butler's position at 
Bermuda Hundred, during Wednesday night, left their works and hurried 
to Petersburg, to prevent its capture, and early Thursday morning, Gene- 
ral Butler took advantage of their absence to penetrate to and destroy 
the Richmond and Peter.sburg railroad, in the vicinity of Port Walthall 
Junction. Two miles of the track were torn up, and portions of the tele- 
graph wire cut ; but Beauregard, who in the recent battles had been rein- 
ibrcing Lee, hurried down from Richmond with such a force as to compel 
the Union troops to retire, after having interrupted his transit one day at 
least. 

In front of Petersburg, the attempt of the Union picket-lines to push 
forward ♦ oward the inner defences of the enemy in the early morning 
was stubbornly resisted, and a heavy cannonade followed, which was 
briskly responded to by the Uniou troops. On attempting to advance, 
it was found that the Rebels had been so strongly reinforced during the 
night, that it was necessary to wait till Burnside's corps could come up. 
At six o'clock P. M., an assault was ordered, and Burnside's troops being 



^40 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

on the ground, it was made promptly by the second and ninth corps, and 
maintained for three hours. Birney's division of the second corps carried 
the crest in his front, and held it firmly. Barlow's division of the second, 
and part of Potter's of the ninth, succeeded after a desperate and pro- 
tracted struggle in gaining a foothold in the rifle-pits outside of the 
stronger works, but being greatly annoyed by the enemy's fire from the 
inner works. Barlow determined to assault them also, and Burnside made 
ready a column to help him ; but the enemy opened upon Burnside with 
so destructive a fire that he was forced to desist, and all further progress 
was suspended till morning. 

At four A. M. on Friday, the 17th, General Burnside ordered Potter's 
division to take the works in his front. Two of Potter's brigades moving 
at once with great rapidity, dashed gallantly upon the Rebel position, and 
carried it as by a whirlwind, capturing six guns, sixteen officers, four hun- 
dred men, and a stand of colors. Brisk skirmishing, and a constant but 
moderate artillery fire was now maintained till afternoon, when Ledlie's 
division of the ninth corps, which had relieved Potter, was ordered to 
advance, under cover of a brisk artillery fire, and charging over a broad 
field under an oblique fire on either side, reached the enemy's intreuch- 
ments, and after a brief but bloody conflict, drove them out, and carried 
the position, the combatants fighting desperately across the brea.stworks 
for some time. Burnside was now a mile and a half from the city, into 
which he threw some shells from his batteries. Several attempts were 
made by the enemy to regain their lost intrenchments. but they were all 
yifforously repulsed. Burnside now occupied tiie left, Warren's — fifth — 
corps, having come up, and massed on his left and rear. The second corps, 
now commanded by Birney, in consequence of Hancock's illness, from the 
breaking out of his old wounds, occupied the centre, and the sixth corps 
the rii'ht, while Martindale's division of the eighteenth corps were on the 
extreme right, the remainder of that corps having returned to Bermuda 
Hundred. At nine o'clock Friday night (17th), the Rebels, after trying 
at all points along the Union lines, made a sudden and desperate attack 
on Burnside, and succeeded in recapturing the works, taken by Ledlie's 
division in the afternoon, pushing the Union troops out. 

General Grant had determined to make a strong push on Saturday 
raorninc, and had ordered an assault along the entire line at four a. m., 
but upon sending out skirmishers, it was found that the enemy had aban- 
doned the works in the immediate front of the Union lines for an inner 
series of defences. Having reconnoitered these, an advance upon them 
by the second, ninth, and fifth corps, was ordered at noon. The second 
corps made two assaults, but was driven back both times, notwithstanding 
their most strenuous eftbrts, by the murderous artillery fire of the enemy. 
The ninth corps pushed forward, and established their line firmly across the 
Petersburg and Norfolk railroad, driving the enemy before them for some 



THE ATTACK ON THE WELDON RAILROAD. 741 

distance, but could not carry tlie enemy's lines. The fifth corps gained 
some ground in two assaults, but was only partially successful. Attempts 
made by the sixth, and part of the eighteenth corps, to advance on the 
right, had also met with but indifferent success. The losses in these four 
days had been heavy, eighty-five officers, and one thousand one hundred 
and thirteen men having been killed ; three hundred and sixty-one offi- 
cers, and six thou.sand four hundred and ninety-two men having been 
wounded, and forty-six officers, and fifteen hundred and sixty-eight men 
missing, most of them prisoners, making a grand total of casualities of 
nine thousand six hundred and sixty-five. 

After two days of comparative qniet, General Grant ordered another 
advance around the south side of Petersburg, to take possession of the 
AVeldon railroad, one of the two principal lines of communication over 
which the Rebels now received their supplies. Over this road came the 
ammunition, fire-arms, shoes, and clothing, thrown into Wilmington from 
England by the blockade-runners, and if it could be possessed and firmly 
held by the Union troops, the Rebels would be reduced to a single line of 
communication for all their supplies, the Southside railroad, and goods 
from Wilmington could only reach this by wagon trains, driven a long 
distance. 

The movement toward this road was commenced on Tuesday, June 
21st, Wilson's and Kautz's cavalry divisions marching out ten miles 
below Petersburg, and cutting the railroad at that point. This would, 
however, prove only a temporary blockade of the road, and accordingly, 
the same day. General Grant renewed his old tactics, extending the left 
flank of his army, by ordering the second corps, which formed the right- 
centre, to move out of its intrenchments to the extreme left, the ninth 
and a part of the eighteenth corps closing up the gap. The second corps 
moved out to the Jerusalem plank road, which bisects the region between 
the Norfolk and Weldon railroads, and near that road encountered the 
enemy in strong force, and their progress was not only checked, but they 
received a counter-attack from the enemy, and a severe skirmish ensued. 
The result of the action was indecisive, and during the night the sixth 
corps was brought up to the left of the second, while the fifth formed on 
their right, east of the Jerusalem plank road. The sixth corps, and Mott's 
and Barlow's divisions of the second, were ordered to advance at day- 
break, Gibbon's division of the second being already up with the enemy 
on the right. There was some difficulty in regard to the movements of 
the two corps, each waiting for the other to lead off. At length each corps 
received orders to start at once, independently of the other, each being 
cautioned to protect its flank, in case connection was not made by the other. 
As they moved forward, Barlow's division began to open a gap between 
itself and the sixth corps, and he had hardly reached his position when 
Hill's (Rebel) corps having discovered this gap, came rushing through it, 



743 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

rolling up in succession Barlow's flank, capturing several hundred pris- 
oners, pushing back Mott, with the loss of about as many more, and finally 
falling upon Gibbon's front and rear at the same time, and driving hia 
division out ot their intrenchmenta, sweeping off several entire regiments, 
and McKnight's battery. 

At length the tide of disaster was staid by the exertions of a single 
regiment, the twentieth Massachusetts, which, under the skilful handling 
of its commander, Captain Patten, and the coolness and courage of the 
men, checked the triumphant and dangerous advance of the enemy, and 
profiting by this, the reserve brigades were brought up, what remained of 
Gibbon's division rallied, and the line, being formed anew, dashed upon the 
enemy, and regained, before evening, considerable of the lost ground, and 
even at some points pushed the enemy back from his old line. Heavy firing 
continued through the night. On Thursday, the 23d, there was a slight 
further advance gained on the left; but the enemy proved to be strong in 
numbers, and to occupy a position of great advantage. The Vermont 
brigade of the sixth corps, attempting to seize and hold the railroad 
farther south, were pounced upon by Anderson's (Rebel) division, enveloped 
and repulsed, with a loss of several hundred of their number taken pris- 
oners, and a considerable number killed and wounded. There was now 
for more' than a month a lull in the fighting in front of Petersburg, except 
occasional artillery duels, the sharpshooting practised on both sides,, and 
one or two attacks and reprisals at particular points of the line. 

On the 22d of June, General Grant had sent Brigadier-General Wilson, 
with his own cavalry division, and Kautz's brigade, his entire force num- 
bering from six thousand to eight thousand men, with three batteries of 
four guns each, half rifled ordnance, and half light twelve pounders, and 
one battery of four small mountain howitzers, to break up the Weldon 
and Southside railroads. They left their camps, near Prince George Court 
House, on the morning of the 22d of June, and moved to the Petersburg 
and Weldon railroad, at Reams' station. There they took up and burned 
the track for several hundred yards, as well as the water-tank, depot, and 
public buildings. Thence they marched to Sutherland's station, on the 
Southside railroad, and in the evening advanced to Ford's station, where 
they found two locomotives, sixteen cars, a depot, and a few stores, and 
. destroyed several miles of the track. The next morning. General Kautz 
advanced toward Burkesvill^, the important junction of the Petersburg 
and Lynchburg, and the Richmond and Danville railroad. Here he de- 
stroyed depots, cars, and similar property, and several miles of the track, 
east and west. Meanwhile, the main column followed, and in the after- 
noon encountered a Rebel brigade near Nottoway. A sharp conflict 
ensued until night, when the enemy retired. On the 24th, the column 
reached Keysville, and bivouacked for the night, Kautz's men having de- 
stroyed eighteen miles of railroad track, besides other property. The next 



EARLY'S FORAY INTO MARYLAND. 743 

day they readied the bridge over Staunton river, which they were very 
anxious to burn, but it was found to be too strongly guarded and de- 
fended by the enemy. 

They now commenced their return march, but were harassed at every 
step by the enemy, who was thoroughly exasperated by their daring and 
success, and who, confronting them at every turn, hanging upon their 
rear, putting obstructions in their way, and fighting them whenever he 
could fiad opportunity, reduced them to extremity. The men and horses 
were worn and jaded beyond description, and only escaped into the lines 
by making wide detours. Their entire wagon train, the ambulance train, 
their guns, (sixteen in number,) nearly all their caissons, and many horses, 
and about twelve hundred men, of whom about one thousand were pris- 
oners, were lost, in efforts to regain the Union line. Still, the expedition 
had been to some extent, a success. More than fifty miles of the track of 
the Danville and Southside railroads had been destroyed, and their rolling- 
stock so much crippled that they could not, during the war, restore them 
to their former condition of efficiency. More than a thousand negroes 
had been collected, and followed the column, and though many of them 
had been recaptured by the Rebels, yet a considerable number found their 
way to the Union lines. The expedition had very seriously embarrassed 
the enemy, and rendered their supplies, never over-abundant, more scanty 
than they had been hitherto. The cavalry came in by squads, from the 
30th of June to the 3d of July. An infantry force sent out by General 
Meade to relieve them, was too late to be of service. The intense heat and 
drought which prevailed at this time, rendered active movements almost 
impracticable, and greatly increased the sickness and suffering in the 
camps, while the exhaustion consequent on such continuous and superhu- 
man exertions, impaired, in a marked degree, the morale of the army. 

While comparative quiet was maintained along the lines in the vicinity 
of Petersburg and Kichmond, in consequence of this extreme heat and 
exhaustion, there was no lack of activity in other and not distant portions 
of the eastern departments. We have already noticed that Early, in com- 
mand of what was Ewell's (Rebel) corps, the original " Stonewall" Jackson 
corps, had moved down the Shenandoah valley, after driving Hunter into 
the Kanawha, valley ; that he had recaptured Winchester, so often the 
battle-ground of the war ; flanked Martinsburg, compelling Sigel to fall 
back to Harper's Ferry; and had finally occupied the Virginia side of 
that town, while Sigel intrenched himself on Maryland Heights. 

Early now proceeded with his main column (a small detachment only 
having occupied Harper's Ferry), to move, by way of Martinsburg and 
North mountain, toward Hagerstown. The people, panic-stricken, fled 
with such property as they could hastily seize and remove. On the 5th 
of July, the government stores at Frederick, Md., were all put upon rail- 
road cars, and preparations made for an immediate evacuation of the city. 



744 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

On the same day, Uagerstown was occupied and the stores plundered, and 
a requisition made on the inhabitants for twenty thousand dolhirs. This 
amount was paid, and the raiders left. The Baltimore and Ohio railroad 
was held by the enemy as far down as Sandy Hook, and much of the 
track torn up. 

On the 5th of July, the President issued a call for twelve thousand 
militia from Pennsylvania, twelve thousand from New York, and five 
thousand from Massachu.setts. The Governors of those States issued proc- 
lamations calling out the troops, and they began to assemble. On the 
6th, there was some skirmishing between the Union and Rebel cavalry, 
between Hagerstown and Frederick, and the Federal troops fell back 
toward Chambersburg. On Thursday, July 7th, a reconnoitering force 
sent out by General Lewis Wallace, who was in command of the Depart- 
ment of Annapolis, was quickly repulsed by the enemy. The Rebels 
occupied Boonsboro and Middletown, and approached near enough to 
Frederick to throw some shots into the city, but withdrew before morning 
of the next day. Small bands of Rebel soldiers scoured the region about 
Hagerstown, plundering, stealing horses, and burning buildings. On the 
evening of the 8th, General Wallace withdrew with his force from Fred- 
erick to Monocacy Junction, and at sunrise the next morning (July 9th) 
the Rebels entered, and levied a contribution on the inhabitants. 

About nine A. M. they advanced against General Wallace, who occupied a 
position on the east side of the Monocacy river, with his batteries protect- 
ing the railroad and turnpike. They attacked his left, which was under 
the command of General Ricketts, and the battle continued with varying 
success, for several hours, but at last Ricketts' division was forced to give 
way. At the same time, they had succeeded in out-flanking General 
Wallace's right, and pouring in a reverse fire upon his rear, swept ofl 
about six hundred men and ofHcers, including General Tyler. General 
Wallace now fell back, and the enemy pursued him some miles, toward 
Ellicott's Mills, on the Baltimore turnpike. In the battle, he lost about 
twelve hundred men in killed, wounded, and prisoners, and six pieces of 
artillery. He was greatly outnumbered in the fight, his entire command 
consisting of only five or six thousand men, while that of the Rebels was ■■ 
from fourteen to sixteen thousand. The object of Lee in sending this 
expedition under Early into Maryland was two-fold. The grasp of Grant 
upon the throat of the Rebellion was growing tighter and more oppressive 
every day, and the only chance of compelling him to relax that grasp, lay 
in threatening the capital of the Union. If that could be put in peril, he 
reasoned, the outcry from the President and Cabinet and the officials, for 
aid and protection, would be so strong that Grant wouhi be compelled to 
march his army thither, and relinquish the siege of Richmond. With the 
generals previously in command of the army of the Potomac, such a result 
would probably have followed ; but he had not appreciated correctly 



"WASHINGTON THREATENED. fiS 

General Grant's firmness, perseverance, and persistency. While a small 
body of troops (the sixth corps) were sent to take care of Early, and the 
nineteenth corps, then on its way from Louisiana to reinforce General 
Grant, was ordered to Washington, the pressure upon the throat of the 
Rebellion was not relaxed for an instant ; indeed, it was rather increased. 
But another object had in view by General Lee was the plunder of the 
rich granaries and the well supplied stables of southern Pennsylvania. 
His cavalry were poorly mounted, and his troops but scantily fed. If 
Early could obtain a good supply of superior horses to remount the cav- 
alry, and an abundance of grain to feed his troops, it would grieatly relieve 
his army, and meantime, while in the loyal States, they were living on 
the country they ravaged, not drawing their supplies from his compara- 
tively scanty stores. 

The defeat of General Wallace created great excitement in Washington 
and the northern States. The arrival of the sixth and nineteenth corps 
did much to calm the minds of the citizens, and the change in command 
of the forces in Maryland, General Ord relieving General Wallace, aided 
in restoring a better state of feeling. Meantime, the enemy, after destroy- 
ing the Baltimore and Ohio railroad for some distance below Frederfck, 
turned their attention to the Northern Central railroad, which connects 
Baltimore and Harrisburg. They destroyed twenty-five miles of this 
railroad, and on Monday, July 11th, a considerable force appeared on the 
line of the Philadelphia, Wilmington, and Baltimore road, and captured 
and set on fire the trains at Magnolia station, seventeen miles south of 
Havre de Grace. Major-General Franklin was on board of one of these 
trains, and was captured, but though suffering from wounds received in 
Louisiana, he made his escape soon after. The track was slightly dam- 
aged, and the bridge over Gunpowder river partially burned. Having 
accumulated a large amount of plunder, the Rebel cavalry approached to 
within six miles of Baltimore, and finding a force there prepared to meet 
them, turned off, and joined a larger body of Rebels, who were in the 
vicinity of Washington. They approached within less than two miles of 
the city, taking a position in front of Fort Stevens, on Seventeenth street. 
Here their sharpshooters became so annoying, and their presence and 
threatening position before the capital was felt to be so humiliating, that 
General Augur, the military commandant of the city, resolved to attempt 
to dislodge them. The garrison of the city was not large, the greater part 
of the troops being in Maryland; but a brigade of veteran infantry was sent 
out upon the continuation of Seventeenth street, which encountered them, 
and after a sharp battle drove them off. They left about a hundred dead 
and wounded on the field, and departed during the night from that 
vicinity, after burning some fine residences. The Union loss was between 
two and three hundred. 

The number of the enemy who thus audaciously threatened the capital 



746 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

was undoubtedly much smaller than the Union troops supposed, and be- 
fore moruing they had joined the remainder of Early'a force, which, 
pressed by a part of Ord's troops, was now making its way as rapidly as 
possible toward the Potomac, which it crossed in the vicinity of Harpers 
Ferry. General Wright, with the sixth corps, and a division of the nine- 
teenth, crossed the Potomac at Edwards's ferry, and moved to Leesburg 
in pursuit ; while General Crook, with a part of the Union cavalry, cap- 
tured a portion of one of the Rebel trains, and drove their rear through 
Snicker's gap, after a sharp fight. The enemy succeeded, however, in 
crossing the Snicker's gap ferry over the Shenandoah, and holding it, with 
a battery, against the Union cavalry. On the 18th, Wright's corps came 
up, and attempted to force a passage across the ferry; but after a severe 
fight, a part of his troops having gained the west side of the Shenandoah, 
he was compelled to recross, and fall back toward Snicker's gap, with a 
loss of about three hundred. At Ashby's gap, the Union troops drove 
the enemy through the gap and across the river, but, crossing in pur- 
suit, they were compelled to retire to the gap, with a loss of about two 
hundred. 

The Rebel commander now moved leisurely toward Winchester and 
Strasburg, and General Wright crossed the Shenandoah with the sixth 
corps, but soon halted, and recrossing, returned to Leesburg; and thence 
General Crook, with the nineteenth corps, moved to Ilarper's Ferry, and 
General Wright to Washington. On the 19th of July, General Averell 
moved from Martinsburg toward Winchester, and encountered a Rebel 
cavalry force near Darksville. The next morning, July 20th, he pressed 
ou toward Winchester, where he met the enemy, and a severe battle en- 
sued for three hours — and Averell captured four guns, several hundred 
small arms, and about two hundred prisoners. 

General Crook, after retiring toward Harper's Ferry, joined General 
Averell, and on the 23d of July there was considerable skirmishing at 
Kernstown, four miles beyond Winchester, and the Union cavalry were 
pushed back to the main army. On the 2'4th the enemy pressed his ad- 
vantage, and the cavalry were driven in great disorder through Winches- 
ter toward Bunker Hill. The breaking of his cavalry forced General 
Crook to retreat. His command consisted only of the two small divisions 
of cavalry under Generals Averell and DuflBe, and two divisions of in- 
fantry — in all not far from ten thousand men. Early's force here exceeded 
somewhat fifteen thousand men, (he had taken about that number across 
the Potomac, and had left a considerable force to guard his rear,) and 
taking advantage of these numbers, he outflanked General Crook and 
compelled his retreat from point to point. After a brief battle, Early 
halted his main force about five miles north of Winchester, but his cavalry 
kept up a hot pursuit to Martinsburg. General Crook's loss in all was 
about twelve hundred, among whom was Colonel (acting Brigadier-Gen- 



SKETCH OF COLONEL MULLIGAN. 747 

eral) Mulligan, mortally wounded * On tbe next day a sharp artillery 
engagement occurred, but General Crook having gained time to get off 
most of his trains, again fell back, and on the succeeding day crossed the 
Potomac into Maryland, without molestation by the enemy. The losses 
in killed and wounded in these affairs were considerable. The enemy now 
held the west bank of the Potomac from Williamsport to Shepardstown, 
and the panic in northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania was re- 
newed with still greater intensity. The most absurd reports were circu- 
lated, and however extravagant they were, they were readily believed by 
the credulous. " Early was coming into Pennsylvania with forty thousand 
men ! No, it was Lee himself who was in command, with a hundred 
thousand — and Longstreet's, Hill's, Early's, and Breckinridge's corps, were 
certainly known to have entered Pennsylvania !" Meantime, on the 27th 
of July, the Union troops h:id rallied, and found that the enemy had not 
crossed the Potomac. On the 28th, General Kelly crossed the Potomac 
into Virginia with a small body of Union troops and occupied Martins- 
burg, which the enemy had evacuated. On the 29th, a small body of the 
enemy, not exceeding twenty-five hundred, mostly cavalry, crossed the 
Potomac below Martinsburg, and advanced toward Chambersburg, Penn- 

* Colonel James A. Mulligan had acted so conspicuous a part during the war, that 
he deserves a brief notice. He was born at Utica, New York, June 25, 1830, and was 
of Irish family, his parents having emigrated to this country a few years before his 
birth. In the autumn of 1836, the family removed to Chicago, and after a few years 
residence he entered as a student in the University of St. Mary's of the Lake. He 
graduated in 1850, in the first graduating class of the university, and the same year 
commenced the study of the law. In 1851 he accompanied John L. Stephens, the 
celebrated avithor and traveller, on his expedition to the isthmus of Panama. After 
remaining at Panama about a year, he returned to Chicago, was admitted to the bar 
in 1855, and immediately commenced practice in the city. In the winter of 1857 he 
was appointed to a clerkship in the Department of the Interior at Washington. At 
the outbreak of the war he raised a regiment, mostly composed of Irishmen, the 
twenty-third Illinois infantry, afterward known as " Mulligan's brigade," and being 
ajjpointed Colonel, left for the front in July, 1861. He was actively engaged in ser- 
vice, first in Virginia, and afterward in Missouri, till September, when he was ordered 
to the defence of Lexington, Missouri, The particulars of that siege are given in the 
earlier portion of this work. For nine days he held the town against heavy odds, but 
not being reinforced, and his troops being cut off from water, and pressed by an over- 
whelming force, he at length surrendered to the enemy. He was exchanged Novem- 
ber 25th, and returned to Chicago, where he reorganized his regiment, and in January, 
1862, was ordered to New Creek, Virginia. He was, during the remainder of his career, 
stationed in Western Virginia, and participated in many hard-fought battles, being 
most of the time in command of a brigade. He was offered a commission as brigadier- 
general, but finding it would take him from his gallant troops, who almost idolized 
him, he declined it. In the battle of Winchester, and the retreat of General Crook, 
he was mortally wounded while leading a charge, but seeing that the colors of his 
brigade were endangered, he turned to his bearers, saying, " Lay me down and save 
the flag," and repeated the order till they obeyed him. Before their return he waa 
borne off by the enemy, and died soon after. 



748 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Bylvania. On the 30th they dispersed some troops at Carlisle barracks, 
and their advance-guard of two or three hundred men entered Chambers- 
burg, from which place a considerable number of the inhabitants had fled 
the previous day. The Rebels demanded a ransom of five hundred thou- 
sand dollars, which not being paid, they set fire to the town, and about 
two thirds of it (about two hundred and fifty houses) was burned. The 
inhabitants who remained offered no opposition to the Rebels. During 
the forenoon the enemy withdrew, and within an hour General Avercll, 
who had retreated before them two days previous, passed through the 
place in swift pursuit, and drove them back to their reserves, eight miles 
below McConnellsburg, where he skirmished with them till night. The 
next morning General Averell continued the pursuit to Hancock, on 
the upper Potomac, where the enemy checked his pursuit by felling 
trees and burning bridges. On the same day on which Chambersburg 
was burned, Saturday, July 30th, Mosby, the notorious partizan ranger, 
crossed the Potomac with about fifty men, at Cheat ferry, captured 
pickets, cut the telegraph wires, robbed a few stores, and retreated across 
the Potomac again, after a slight skirmish with a superior force at 
Conrad's ferry. This, and the burning of Chambersburg, increased the 
panic, and business was suspended, and public meetings called on Sunday, 
July Bl.st, to prepare for defence. On the 1st of August, Governor Curtin 
called a special session of the State Legislature for the 9th of August, to 
take prompt measures in so great a crisis. The defences on the Ohio and 
Monongahela rivers were examined by General Couch, and the sixth 
corps, which was at Georgetown, D. C, on the 26th of July, marched 
with all haste toward Harper's Ferry to join the nineteenth, and Hunter's 
army of Western Virginia, and drive the Rebels from western Pennsyl- 
vania, which they were said to be ravaging. They reached Halltown, 
three miles fiom Harper's Ferry, on the 30th, and made long and rapid 
marches on the 31st of July and 1st of August, notwithstanding the 
inten.se heat, but could find no enemy. On the evening of August 1st, 
they arrived at Frederick, Maryland, greatly exhausted, and rested for a 
day. The small force of the enemy which Averell had pursued to Han- 
cock, moved, on the night of July 31st, toward Cumberland, Md., and 
approached that place on Monday, August 1st., in the afternoon, when 
they met a Union force under General Kelly, and fighting till dark, were 
repulsed by the Union troops, and fell back to Oldtown, leaving their 
killed and wounded, some wagons and ammunition. There was sharp 
skirmishing the next morning between them and Colonel Stough, who 
was posted at Oldtown, with about five hundred men, and whom they 
finally repulsed and routed, with considerable loss. On Thursday, August 
4th, the enemy made an attack on General Crook, but were foiled, and 
retreated toward Moorefield, Va. There they were overtaken by General 
Averell, and routed, with the loss of their artillery, the larger portion of 



THE OPERATIONS BEFORE FETERSBURG. 'Hi 

their train, and five hundred prisoners. Meanwhile, the panic continued 
in Pennsylvania, and a proclamation was issued by Governor Curtin, calling 
out thirty thousand militia. 

The Kebels did not again cross the Potomac, but the experience of the 
month of July led to the organization of an efficient army of defence for 
that region, to be under a single commander, of which we shall have 
more to say hereafter. 

We return once more, and to describe a single movement, to the armies 
around Petersburg. General Grant had, in the latter part of June, at the 
suggestion of Lieutenant-Colonel Pleasants, of the forty-eighth Pennsyl- 
vania regiment, who had been a mining engineer before the war, ordered 
the running of a mine under one of the enemy's largest forts in front of 
Petersburg. The mine had been commenced on the 25th of June. The 
distance to be mined was about five hundred feet. The tunnel' rose as it 
advanced, the fort being situated on high ground, and when it reached 
the fort, was about twenty feet below its foundations. Here wings were 
extended to right and left, so as to follow the outer walls of the fort. The 
charge was about four tons of powder, connected by a fuse with the 
exterior. It was completed about the 25th of July, and the attempts at 
concealment had been so well managed that the enemy had no suspicion 
of it, and only a small part of the Union troops were aware of it. General 
Grant now ordered a demonstration in strong force to be made on the 
north side of the James, to distract the attention of the Rebel commander, 
and lead him to draw off a part of his troops from Petersburg. 

The Union right extended to the north side of the James, and the ex- 
treme right wing, consisting of Foster's division of the tenth corps, occu- 
pied a strongly intrenched position at Deep Bottom, the valley of Deep 
run or creek, a small tributary of the James. The Rebels held Malvern 
Hill as the right of their forces, north of the James, but were prevented, 
by the Union occupation of Deep Bottom, from making any efforts to 
blockade the gunboats and transports by batteries on the river bank. 
The Union position also furnished a good base for threatening Richmond 
from the southeast, or making feints in that direction. Such a feint 
General Grant now proposed to make, to call as large a proportion of the 
troops in Petersburg to the north side of the James. 

One pontoon bridge, protected by gunboats, already crossed the James 
in the rear of General Poster's position ; but the proximity of the enemy 
prevented the crossing of any considerable force over that bridge with- 
out a battle. A second pontoon was thrown over at Strawberry plains, 
a little lower down, on the 21st of July, and a brigade of the nineteenth corps 
crossed to support General Foster; there was heavy skirmishing for 
several days, and the enemy sent a division over to maintain their position. 
On the 26th of July, a heavy cannonading of the Rebel lines was com- 
menced, and continued through the day, the Union gunboats joining ia 



750 TIIK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

it. Uiicler cover of this fire, the second and fifth corps were, with great 
pretence of secrecy, marched across the bridges, which had been muffled 
with grass. On the 27th and ,28th there was considerable fighting, and the 
Rebel force were driven back more than a mile, and compelled to abandon 
some strong positions. On the 29th of July, about four hundred empty- 
wagons were driven across the lower pontoon, and the enemy, in great 
alarm, hurried a large body of troops to the James, to cross and oppose 
the Union force they supposed to be concentrating there. During the night, 
the second corps and the cavalry were withdrawn, and before morning 
had reached their old position in front of Petersburg, the fifth corps 
following rapidly. 

The early morning of the 3d of July was the time assigned for the ex- 
plosion of the mine, which was to be followed immediately by an assault 
by the ninth corps, supported by the eighteenth, and having the second 
corps in reserve on the right, and the fifth on the left, the whole to be 
closely massed. The fuse was lighted at half-past three o'clock A. M., but 
owing to dampness, it went out, without exploding the mine. It was 
lighted again after considerable delay, but did not explode till twenty 
minutes of five, when, after a heaving and trembling of the earth, huge 
masses of earth, and the fort, with all its contents, guns, caissons, and about 
two hundred Rebel soldiers, were suddenly thrown into the air. A crater, 
one hundred feet or more in length, fifty feet wide, and twenty feet deep, 
yawned where the fort had stood. The Union artillery immediately 
opened fire from a hundred guns; and the enemy, recovering from their 
surprise, soon began to respond. The assaulting column, headed by 
Marshall's brigade of Ledlie's division, ninth corps, now advanced, and 
the supporting brigades spread out, enveloping the flanking rifle-pits, 
and capturing about two hundred prisoners. Having gained the crater, the 
troops began to reform for the assault, but committed the fatal mistake of 
stopping to throw up intrenchments, and bringing two guns to bear upon 
the enemy. The Rebels rallied during this delay, and poured a terrible 
enfilading fire from all their adjacent forts and rifle-pits upon the assault- 
ing column, and when it was ready to move, its onward progress was to 
be made under a *'ront, fiank, and rear fire, which would speedily destroy 
every man of the i.'cvoted band. The charge was checked on the side of 
the crest: there was a halt, and finally the whole line, wavering under the 
terrible fire, recoiled to the fort. The colored division of the corps, which 
had been in reserve, was now, by the stupidity of some commander, 
despatched to attempt what the other three divisions had failed of accom- 
plishing. It rushed forward over the four hundred yards which had 
separated it from the enemy, only to share the flite of its comrades, and 
when once broken, plunged headlong into the crater, upon which the 
enemy now concentrated their fire. Attempts were made by a division 
of the eighteenth, and another of the tenth corps, to distract the attention 



UNION LOSSES BEFOEE PETERSBURG. 751 

of the enemy, so as to enable the Union troops to save this ill-fated 
division, but in vain ; the crater was a complete slaughter-pen, from which 
all attempts to retreat were sure to result in death. After some hours, a 
^e\v succeeded, in a lull of the enemy's fire, in escaping; but the greater 
part not slain were captured. The whole affair had been badly managed, 
and the investigation of the Committee on the Conduct of the War indi- 
cated that the blame was due to the disagreement of some of the com- 
manding oflScers, and that General Meade was not altogether without 
fault in the matter. The Union loss in this disaster was four thousand 
and eight, of whom one thousand nine hundred and ten were missing, 
mostly prisoners, four hundred and nineteen killed, and one thousand six 
hundred and seventy-nine wounded. The losses in the previous battles 
before Petersburg, and north of the James, from June 20th to July 30th, 
had been five thousand three hundred and sixteen ; but there were gains 
as well as losses to count in these, while this assault had accomplished 
nothing. The enemy's loss was only about one thousand, of whom two 
hundred were prisoners. 



763 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LX. 

BHKRMAn's ATLANTA CAMPAIGN — SHERMAN'S PREPARATIONS — THE FORCE UNDER HIS COM- 
MAND, AND THE SEVERAL ARMIES COMPOSING IT — THE ARMY OF THE ENEMY — ITS POSITION 
AND COMMANDER — SKETCH OF JOHNSTON — THE DEMONSTRATION ON ROCKY FACED RIDOK, 
AND BATTLES THERE — FLANKING MOVEMENT THRODGH SNAKE CREEK GAP ON RESACA — 
BATTLES AT RESACA — FLANKING MOVEMENT TOWARD KINGSTON — CAPTURE OF ROME — 
CROSSING THE ETOWAH — MOVEMENT TOWARD DALLAS — BATTLES OF NEW HOPE CHURCH 

AND DALLAS SHERMAN MOVES TO THE LEFT OCCUPATION OF ALLATOONA PASS, AND BIO 

SHANTY — THE PASS MADE A SECONDARY BASE OF SUPPLIES — THE ENEMY DRIVEN FROM 
PINK AND LOST MOUNTAINS — THE AFFAIR OF "THE KULP HOUSE" — ASSAULT ON THE 
ENEMY ON KRNESAW MOUNTAIN — REPULSE — FLANKING AGAIN — THE REBELS COMPELLED 
TO FALL BACK TO THE CHATTAHOOCHIE — OCCUPATION OF MARIETTA — THE UNION ARMY 
CROSS THE CHATTAHOOCHIE — BURNING OF ROSWELL FACTORIES. 

The general order of the War Department of the 12th of March, 
1864, vesting in General Grant, as Lieutenant-Geiiei'al, the chief control of 
the armies of the United States, also assigned to Major-General W. T. 
Sherman the command of the division of the Mississippi, the position 
previously held by Grant. This division, including the military Depart- 
ments of the Ohio, the Cumberland, the Tennessee, and for a time, 
Arkansas, comprised a force of over one hundred and fifty thousand 
troops, commanded by such able lieutenants as Major-Generals Thomas, 
McPherson, Schofield, Hooker, Logan, Uurlbut, and Howard, besides 
many other corps and division commanders equally distinguished for skill 
and bravery, such as Kilpatrick, Stoneman, Palmer, Wood, Davis, Rous- 
seau, Newton, Williams, Geary, and Baird. Sherman at once started 
upon a tour of inspection of the several armies and military posts within 
his command in Tennessee and Alabama, holding interviews with his 
generals, and arranging with them, in general terms, as to the lines of 
communication to be guarded, the strength of the respective armies and 
garrisons, etc., fixing upon the 1st of May as about the time when the 
advance was to be made. Leaving to these officers the completion of the 
details of organization and preparation, he returned to NasliviUe, and 
bent all his energies to the work of collecting at Chattanooga the im- 
mense quantities of supplies necessary to his proposed utidertaking. The 
time which remained to him before the 1st of May, seemed all too brief for 
the herculean task of concentrating at one point, arms, ammunition, and 
provisions ; of uniting, and reorganizing the various and widely scattered 
army ; corps of mounting his cavalry, and making all the preparations for 
a gigantic campaign. Yet his remarkable energy and executive ability, 
aided by that of his able subordinates, accomplished the work with such 
celerity and success that, on the 6th of May, the grand army of the 



SKETCH OP GENERAL JOHNSTON. f53 

Mississippi, fully organized, equipped and provisioned, was ready for its 
share in the great movements which were to decide the fate of the Union. 
It numbered ninety-eight thousand, seven hundred and ninety-sevea 
effective men, and two hundred and fifty-four pieces of artillery, and was 
divided as follows : ^ 

The Army of the Cumberland, Major General Thomas commanding 
— infantry, fifty-four thousand five hundred and sixty-eight; artillery, 
two thousand three hundred and seventy-seven ; cavalry, three thousand 
eight hundred and twenty-eight; total, sixty thousand seven hundred 
and seventy-three, with one hundred and thirty guns. Army of the 
Tennessee, Major-General McPherson commanding — infantry, twenty- 
two thousand four hundred and thirty-seven ; artillery, one thousand four 
hundred and four ; cavalry, six hundred and twenty-four ; total, twenty- 
four thousand four hundred and sixty-five, with ninety-six guns. Army 
of the Ohio, Major-General Schofield commanding — infantry, eleven 
thousand one hundred and eighty-three ; artillery, six hundred and seventy- 
nine ; cavalry, one thousand six hundred and ninety-seven; total, thirteen 
thousand five hundred and fifty-nine, with twenty-eight guns. These 
numbers continued relatively the same during the campaign, the losses in 
battle and from sickness being about compensated by recruits, and returns 
froni^ furlough and hospitals. The three Union armies on the 6th of 
May, occupied the following positions : that of the Cumberland, at or 
near Ringgold ; that of the Tennessee at Gordon's Mills, on the Chicka- 
mauga ; and that of the Ohio near Eed Clay, on the Georgia line, north 
of Dalton. In and about Dalton, lay the Eebel army, superior to the 
Union army in cavalry, and comprising three corps of infantry and ar- 
tillery, viz : Hardee's, Hood's, and Polk's, numbering in all about sixty 
thousand men, the whole commanded by General J. E. Johnston.* 

* General Joseph Eccleston Johnston, the able commander of the Eebel forces which 
were opposed to General Sherman's army, was born in 1808, in Prince Edwards county, 
Virginia. He graduated at West Point in 1829, ranking high, and was appointed on 
the 1st of July of that year, brevet second lieutenant in the fourth artillery. In 1836 
he was promoted to a first lieutenancy, and made commissary of subsistence. In 1838 
he was transferred to the corps of topographical engineers, with the rank of first 
lieutenant, and served in that capacity in the Florida war, where he distinguished 
himself for bravery and skill, and was brevetted captain. His regular promotion to a 
captaincy came in September, 1846, and in February, 1847, he was brevetted lieuten- 
ant-colonel of voltigeurs, and sailed for Mexico with General Scott's expedition. He 
was severely wounded in a daring reconnoissance on the advance to Mexico, near 
Cerro Gordo, but recovered sufficiently to take part in the concluding battles of the 
war. He distinguished himself at Chapultepec and Molino del Rey, and in the latter 
battle was again wounded. His regiment having been disbanded, he remained captain 
of topographical engineers, with a brevet of lieutenant-colonel, till March 3, 1855, 
when he was appointed lieutenant-colonel of the first cavalry. In June, 1860, he was 
appointed quartermaster-general of the United States, with the rank of brigadier- 
general. This position he held at the outbreak of the war, and retained it, to the ad- 



754 THE CIYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Dalton was in itself a position of great strength, being completely cov- 
ered by a ridge or spur of the Cbattoogata mountains, known as the 
Eocky Faced Ridge, through which a high and narrow defile, called 
Buzzard's Roost gap — traversed by the railroad and wagon-road — offered 
the only approach to the town from the northwest. This narrow pass, 
obstructed by abatis, flooded by water, caused by dams across MiU creek, 
and commanded thoughout its whole length by batteries stationed on the 
spurs on either side, efl'ectually barred any attempt which the Union 
armies might make in that direction, and the town, on its northern aspect, 
was well defended by strong lines of defence behind Mill creek. On their 
left, however, General Sherman found in Snake Creek gap — a crooked 
defile of the Chattoogata mountain — an opportunity to reach and disturb 
the enemy's railroad communication at or near Resaca, eighteen miles 
south of Dalton. The plan which he quickly conceived and promptly 
put into e^cecution, was to send McPherson's column, via Ship's gap, Vil- 
lanow, and Snake Creek gap, toward Resaca, or the railroad below 
Dalton, with orders to break up the road as thoroughly as possible, after 
which he was to fall back to some good defensive position on Snake creek, 
and await his opportunity to strike the enemy's flank, in case he should 

vantage of the Rebels, till April 22, 1861, when he resigned, and immediately went 
over to the Rebel army, where he was commissioned major-gencrul, and placed ia com- 
mand of their army of the Shenandoah, where he confronted General Patterson, and 
eludiiipr him, marched to Manassas, which he reached at noon of July 2l)th. the day 
before the battle of Bull Run. lie took part in that battle, though under conmiand 
of General Beauregard. He remained in command of the army of Virginia through 
the siege of Yorktown and the battle of Williamsburg, and at the battle of Seven 
Pines was severely wounded, and for three or four months was unable to resume com- 
mand. In November, 1862, he was put in command of the Western army east of 
the Mississippi, having Bragg's, Kirby Smith's, and other armies, under his command. 
His health was not fully recovered, and he therefore directed rather than commanded 
in person. He commanded at Jackson, in the Vicksburg campaign, and it was owing 
to Pembcrton's disobedience to his orders that he was shut up in Vicksburg, and 
finally compelled to surrender. Sherman compelled him to retreat from Jackson in 
July, 1863. Directing the movements of the Rebel troops in the West, he did not 
take active command till General Bragg fell into disgrace after the battles of Chatta- 
nooga. 

In the Atlanta campaign he proved himself, as the narrative shows, a skilfid and 
able strategist ; his retreats were performed with great skill and success, and w ithout 
loss of supplies or material, and his removal and supersession by General Hood, was 
regarded by General Sherman as a matter of congratulation. lie was subsequently 
restored to command in the Carolina campaign, but the Rebel cause was past hope, 
and though he exhibited his abilities in the two battles of Averysboro and Beuton- 
ville, he promptly made overtures for surrender on learning of Lee's capitulation. Of 
the conferences and propositions then submitted, we shall give a full account in the 
proper place. After his surrender. General Johnston indicated his disposition to return 
fully and heartily to liis allegiance, and has entered upon his duties in civil life, in a 
spirit which does him credit 



OPERATIONS OF SHERMAN'S ARMY. 755 

retreat. Meanwhile, the enemy's attention at Dalton was to be diverted 
by a strong feint of attack in front from General Thomas' force, and the 
approach of General Schofield's army from the north. 

In accordance with this programme, General Thomas, on the 7th, oc- 
cupied Tunnel Hill, opposite Buzzard Koost gap, with but slight opposi- 
tion, the enemy's cavalry retreating well through the gap ; General 
MePherson took possession of Snake Creek gap on the 8th, completely 
surprising a Eebel cavalry brigade which was on its way thither 
with similar intent ; while, on the 9th, General Schofield pushed down 
close on Dalton from the north. Then Thomas renewed his demonstra- 
tion against Buzzard Roost and Rocky Faced Ridge, pushing it almost 
to a battle, in the course of which General Newton's division of the fourth 
corps — General Howard's — carried the ridge, and turning south toward 
Dalton, found the crest too narrow, and too well protected by rock epaul- 
ments, to permit their approach to the pass ; while General Geary's 
division (of Hooker's command) making a bold push for the summit, to 
the south of the pass, found the road to strongly held by the enemy to be 
carried. This action, which has received the name of the battle of 
Rocky Faced Ridge, was fought with great gallantry, and was attended with 
considerable loss, yet it was fully successful as a feint to cover the move- 
ments of MePherson, who was thereby enabled to march within a mile of 
Resaca, almost unopposed. Finding, however, that Resaca was too 
strongly fortified to be carried by assault, and being unable to discover 
any road passable for his artillery, by which he could reach and destroy 
the railroad between Dalton and Resaca, he fell back to a strong position 
near the west end of Snake Creek gap. 

General Sherman, who, although appreciating the advantage gained, 
was not satisfied with any result which did not fully accomplish his plan 
of striking a decided blow upon the enemy's railroad communications, 
then sent Hooker's and Palmer's corps, of General Thomas's division, and 
the whole of General Schofield's command, through Snake Creek gap, to 
the support of MePherson, leaving only Howard's corps to threaten Dalton 
in front. On the 12th, the Union forces moved against Resaca ; and 
Johnston, finding that he was outflanked, fell back to that place from 
Dalton, over excellent roads which he had previously constructed, How- 
ard following so closely on his heels, that he entered Dalton as the Rebels 
left it. 

Resaca, strong by nature, had been rendered so impregnable by the six 
months' labor which the enemy had bestowed upon its fortifications, that 
the main body of the Union army as they approached it saw that it was 
useless to attempt its capture by assault. Sherman therefore threw a pon- 
toon bridge across the Oostanaula, at Lay's ferry, near Calhoun, over 
which he sent a division of the sixteenth corps to demonstrate against 
the town. General Garrard's division was also moved from Villanow 



756 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

down to Rome, where, crossing the Oostanaula, they were instructed to 
destroy the railroad below Calhoun and above Kingston, if possible, thus 
compelling a farther retreat, in any event, while, with the main army, 
Sherman pressed against Resaca at all points, his lines extending from 
the Oostanaula below the town westward to Sugar valley, and then east- 
ward in the form of a semcircle to the railroad — the ground thus occu- 
pied being mostly a dense forest, intersected with two or three creeks with 
deep and muddy bottoms. On the 13th, there was considerable fighting 
along the lines, chiefly by Schofield's corps ; and again the next day, 
when the fourth corps pushed the enemy vigorously toward Resaca. 

During the afternoon and evening of the 15th, a heavy battle ensued, 
in which General Hooker drove the enemy from several strong hills, and 
captured four hundred prisoners and four guns. The most thrilling epi- 
sode of the day occurred in the afternoon, when Stanley's brigade, of one 
Ohio and two Indiana regiments, stationed on the extreme left, were 
apprised that two divisions of the Rebels were approaching, with the 
object of breaking their line. As they fell back from this superior force, 
the Rebels dashed from the woods, across a flat and tolerably open space, 
on the left of which were woods in which were concealed a large part of 
Hooker's corps, just arrived, and Simonson's Indiana battery, of the fourth 
army corps. As the Rebels emerged upon the open ground, this battery 
opened rapidly upon them with grape and canister at short range ; and 
before they could recover from their surprise, Hooker's men, from the 
edge of the wood, poured in volley after volley of musketry, until, appalled 
and staggered by the murderous fire to which they were exposed, the 
Rebel column broke and ran for cover. Riding to the battery, and in- 
quiring whose it was, General Hooker threw himself from his saddle, and 
saying, " You are heroes, every one of you," shook each man warmly by 
the hand. 

That same night, Johnston, finding himself in danger of being again 
flanked, evacuated Resaca, and escaped southward across the Oostanaula, 
his retreating columns being treated to a pretty vigorous shelling by 
McPherson. They left in Resaca a large amount of commissary supplies, 
and a four-gun battery, and burned four spans of the railroad bridge, 
besides making an unsuccessful attempt to burn the turnpike bridge over 
the river. The Union loss in these three days' battles amounted to 
nearly thirty-five hundred in killed, missing, and wounded, while the 
Rebel loss was somewhat less, owing to the fact that, except in the battle 
of the 15th, they fought behind intrenchments. As soon as Johnston's 
retreat was discovered, the whole army started in pursuit, General 
Thomas close upon his heels, General McPherson by Lay's ferry, while 
General Schofield made a wide detour by obscure roads on the left, by 
Fue's and Field's ferries, across the Connasauga and Coosawattee rivers. 
About nightfall of the 17th, General Newton's division, in the advance, 



MOVEMENT TOWARD DALLAS. 757 

overtook tlie Rebel rear-guard near Adairsville, and after a brisk action, 
drove them from a temporary lodgement which they had made in a house 
called " Oak Grove." 

Eenewing the pursuit the next morning, they brought the Rebel army 
to bay at a point four miles beyond Kingston, on ground comparatively 
open and adapted to a general battle. Again declining battle, the enemy 
moved southward to Gassville, six miles east from Kingston, where they 
occupied intrenchments in a strong position. Upon being pressed, how- 
ever, by our forces, they again retreated across the Etowah river, burning 
the bridges near Cartersville, and leaving the whole valuable region north 
of the Etowah in full possession of the Union army, which rested from 
its labors for six days, during which time General Sherman brought for- 
ward supplies, and strengthened the communications with his base, by 
repairs of railroads, roads, etc. 

Meanwhile, General Jefferson C. Davis, who had been sent by General 
Thomas along the west side of the Oostanaula to take possession of 
Rome, had met with most gratifying success, capturing its forts, with 
eight or ten heavy guns, valuable mills, foundries, and various railroad 
communications. Sherman then seized and held two bridges over the 
Etowah, near Kingston, and having garrisoned that place, as well as 
Rome, and supplied his wagons with twenty days' rations, he again set 
his army in motion toward Dallas, nearly south from Kingston, and fifteen 
miles west of Marietta. 

This circuit to the right was made for the purpose of turning AUa- 
toona pass, a gap in the mountains through which the railroad ran, and to 
which Johnston had retreated, in complete confidence that its impregnable 
position protected him perfectly from any attack in front. Crossing the 
Etowah river, at Conasene creek, near Kingston, McPherson moved to his 
position north of Dallas, via Van Wert ; Davis's division marched directly 
from Rome to Dallas, via Van Wert ; General Thomas by Euharlee and 
Burnt Hickory, and Schofield moved along other roads to the eastward, 
designing to come well up on Thomas's left. The country was mountain- 
ous, rugged, densely wooded, and with but few and obscure roads. Gen- 
eral Thomas's advance, skirmishing with the enemy's cavalry near Burnt 
Hickory, captured a courier with despatches from General Johnston, 
showing that he understood the movements of the Union army, and was 
prepared to meet them near Dallas. On the 25th, General Thomas, moving 
on Dallas, his troops on three roads. General Hooker in the advance, as he 
approached Pumpkin Vine creek, on the main road, met a considerable 
body of Rebel cavalry at a bridge on his left. Pushing them rapidly across 
the creek, and saving the bridge, which was already on fire, he drove them 
about two miles eastward, where he found infantry, whose pickets he 
pressed closely, until he met the enemy's line of battle, with which his 
leading division, General Geary's, had a smart encounter. He immedi- 



•}58 TIIK CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

atcly called in General Hooker's other two divisions, which were on other 
roads, and as soon as that whole corps were well in hand, about four 
o'clock p. M., it was ordered to make a bold push for the possession of 
"New Hope ehnrch," at the junction of the three roads from Ackworth, 
Marietta, and Dallas. Here ensued a hard battle, in which the enemy 
was driven back to the church, where they hastily intrenched themselves, 
and a dark stormy night intervening, General Hooker found himself un- 
able to dislodge them. The next morning they were well intrenched, 
mainly across the road from Dallas to Marietta, and Hooker's corps being 
inveigled into a narrow pass, whose sides were lined with concealed 
batteries, was met with a terribly destructive enfilading fire, which told 
heavily on them — especially on Geary's corps — their loss being not less 
than four hundred and fifty. 

This compelled the Union commanders to make more extensive dispo- 
sitions of their forces. General McPherson, with Garrard's cavalr}', 
moved up to Dallas, General Thomas looked after New Hope church, and 
General Schofield, aided by Stoneman's cavalry, watched his opportunity 
to tui-n the enemy's right, while General McCook guarded the rear. The 
density of the forest, and the diflScult nature of the ground, was such that 
several days were emploj'ed in deploying close to the enemy, and 
Sherman determined to work gradually toward the left, and, at the proper 
moment, make a push for the railroad east of Allatoona. While thus 
slowly developing his plans, several sharp encounters occurred with the 
enemy, and on the 28th, as the Union lines were working quietly to the 
left, with the purpose of enveloping the enemy's right. General McPher- 
son's men were suddenly attacked with great violence. Fortunately, 
however, having good breastworks, they gave a warm reception to the 
Kebels, who retired from the contest with a loss of over twenty-five 
hundred men, their own loss being but two hundred and eighty-six in 
killed, wounded, and missing. After a few days' delay, until things should 
become somewhat quieted down, Sherman moved bis lines successfully 
five miles farther to the left, and, by the 1st of June, they held all the 
roads leading back to Allatoona and Ackworth. General Stoneman's 
cavalry was now pushed rapidly into the ea.st end of Allatoona pass, while 
General Garrard's cavalry were sent to its west end, and the original de- 
sign of turning the pass was accomplished. 

Still continuing to move his lines farther and farther to the left, 
Sherman, by the 4th of June, had decided to leave Johnston in his in- 
trenchmcnts at New Hope church, and occupy Ackworth, when suddenly 
Johnston abandoned his position, and moved toward Kenesaw, Pine, and 
Lost mountains. Sherman, therefore, moved to Ackworth, and taking 
certain positions along the railroad, proceeded to satisfy himself, by personal 
inspection, of the capabilities of Allatoona pass for the purposes of a 
secondary base. Finding it all that he desired, the repairs on the railroad 



THE ENEMY DEIVEN FROM PINE MOUNTAIN. 759 

were rapidly completed, and on the 8th, supplies were brought into camp 
by rail. Oq the same day, also. General Blair arrived at Ackworth, with 
two divisions of the seventeenth corps and a brigade of cavalry — a rein- 
forcement which amply compensated for Sherman's losses in battle, and 
the troops left in garrison at Resaca, Rome, Kingston, and Allatoona. On 
the next day, the 9th, with well secured communications to the rear, and 
with ample supplies for the advance, the entire army moved forward to 
Big Shanty, the next station on the railroad. Here they found themselves 
surrounded by scenery of peculiar and lofty beauty. They were on the 
broad and uneven plateau which reaches from the base of the easternmost 
hills of the Appalachain chain toward the Chattahoochee river. To their 
left, and on the east of the railroad, were Sweat mountain and Black Jack, 
while to the westward, and nearly in front of their position, rose Kenesaw, 
the bold and striking Twin mountain. To the right was the smaller hill, 
known as Pine mountain, and still more distantly to the right was Lost 
mountain. All these mountains, though links in a continuous chain, had 
sharp conical peaks, which rendered them peculiarly prominent in the 
vast and roughly-moulded landscape which surrounded them. Here they 
found the Rebel General Johnston holding a strongly fortified position on 
the northern slopes of Pine, Kenesaw, and Lost mountains — the first 
named forming the apex, and the two latter the base, of a triangle, com- 
pletely commanding the town of Marietta, and the railroad as far as 
the Chattahoochie. On each of these peaks the enemy had established 
signal stations, wliile the summits were crowned with batteries, and the 
spurs alive with men, busily engaged in felling trees, digging pits, and 
preparing for the impending crisis of battle. General Sherman says, in 
his official report: "The scene was enchanting; too beautiful to be dis- 
turbed by the harsh clamors of war ; but the Chattahoochie lay beyond, 
and I had to reach it." On a closer approach, he found that the enemy 
was holding a line full two miles long, and one which he could not 
properly maintain with the force at bis disposal. With a view, therefore, 
to break this over-extended line at some weak point. General Sherman 
ordered General McPherson to move toward Marietta, with his right on 
the railroad. General Thomas on Kenesaw and Pine mountains, and Gen- 
eral Schofield toward Lost mountain ; while General Garrard's cavalry 
hovered on the left, General Stoneman's on the right, and General 
McCook looked to the rear, and communications with the depot at Big 
Shanty. 

On the 11th of June, having closed his lines well up to the enemy's 
position, Sherman prepared to break the line between Kenesaw and Pine 
mountain — that point being apparently the weakest — and for a few daya 
there was some very severe and protracted skirmishing. On the 14th, 
Hooker's and Howard's corps opened a sharp cannonade upon the Rebels 
on Pine mountain, in the course of which the Rebel Lieutenant-General 



760 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Polk was killed, and on the morning of the 15th, it was ascertained that 
the enemy had abandoned their position at that point, and had fallen back 
upon the line of rugged hills connecting Kenesaw and Lost mountains. 

McPherson was now thrown forward, gaining substantial advantages 
on the left, and constant pressure being firmly kept up on the enemy's 
lines, an assault was ordered by Sherman on the 17th ; but the enemy had 
abandoned, that very morning, both Lost mountain and the long line of 
admirable breastworks which connected it with Kenesaw. Following 
him closely, so as to keep up an uninterrupted pressure upon his lines ; 
skirmishing amid dense forests and difficult ravines, the Union army 
again came upon and found Johnston, strongly intrenched, with Kenesaw 
as his salient, his right wing covering Marietta, and his left behind Nose's 
creek, in position to protect the railroad as far as the Chattahoochie — his 
lines being thus contracted and greatly strengthened. From his eyrie on 
the twin summits of Kenesaw, he could look down upon the Union camp, 
and watch every movement of the troops, whom he constantly cannonaded, 
although with little effect, owing to the extreme elevation of his position. 

Here, lying closely up against the mountain town, and under the 
con.stant fire of the enemy's guns, Sherman's army passed three weeks, 
during a season of heavy rains, which fairly flooded the whole surround- 
ing country and rendered a general movement impossible. The men, 
however, kept daily working their way closer to the intrenched foe, main- 
taining an incessant picket fire, and embracing every opportunity of 
advancing the general lines. Thus, slowly gaining, step by step, McPher- 
son had reached within two miles of Marietta, Thomas had swung from 
the left, where he joined McPherson, around to the west and southwest 
of Kenesaw, and Schofield was steadily pressing southward and eastward 
along the old Sandtown road. 

Suddenly, on the 22d, the enemy, who were restive under this inter- 
mitting pressure, rallied and attacked General Hooker, the blow falling 
chiefly on General Williams's division and a brigade of Schofield's army. 
The ground was quite open, and the enemy easily drove in the skirmish 
lines — an advanced regiment purposely thrown forward by General Scho- 
field as a temporary check to the assailants. Their point of attack was 
evidently a wooded ridge running in a southeasterly direction, and 
diagonally across the front of the Union lines, and which had been gained 
by Butterfield's division that morning after some severe and very deter- 
mined fighting. It was occupied, at the moment of the attack, by 
Williams's division of the same corps, who had come upon it about noon, 
but before they had time to fortify it the Rebels dashed out upon them 
from the distant woods, moving at the quick-step, in three lines of battle. 
The danger was imminent; but our batteries opened fiercely upon them, 
and as they came within short range, Williams's men, who had hitherto 
reserved their fire, delivered such rapid and deadly vollies that they fell 



ATTACK ON KENESAW MOUNTAIN. T61 

back, their confusion greatly increased by a sudden enfilading fire, which 
came from some batteries placed in position by General Geary, of the 
same corps. 

They rallied, and made repeated attempts especially to drive Whit- 
taker's division of the army of the Ohio from its position of the morning, 
but each attempt was repulsed with very heavy loss, and tliey finally 
retired, leaving their dead and wounded in the hands of the Union troops. 
This action is known as the battle of "Kulp's house." With the return 
of fair weather, General Sherman determined to drive the foe from his 
stronghold, either by assault or by flanking. 

Either alternative presented its own diflBculties and dangers. If he 
assaulted the Rebel lines at their weakest point, he might, by capturing 
Marietta, divide and defeat the enemy's force in detail. But then, the 
attempt to carry by arms a position so strong by nature, and so improved 
by military science, would be attended with uncertainty of success, and, 
in any event, with a heavy loss of life. If, however, he should, as the 
enemy and his own officers evidently expected him to do, flank the po- 
sition by a detour to the right, and seize the railroad near the crossing 
of the Chattahoochie, he would commit his army to a single method of 
offence, which would involve much loss of time, and would be attended 
with peculiar hazards. The evident expectation of both friend and foe, 
that he would renew the flanking policy which had hitherto characterized 
his progress in this campaign, seems to have decided him to do just the 
opposite. Believing, as he says, that " an army, to be efficient, must not 
settle down to one single mode of offence, but must be prepared to exe- 
cute any plan which promises success," he resolved to avail himself of 
the moral effect which would result, to friend and foe alike, from a suc- 
cessful assault upon the enemy behind his breastworks, and at that point 
where success would yield the largest fruits of victory. This point, in 
his opinion, was the Rebel left-centre, through which, if he could push a 
strong column, it could reach the railroad below Marietta by a bold and 
rapid march of two and a half miles, thus cutting off from their line of 
retreat the enemy's right and centre, either of which could then be over- 
whelmed and destroyed. 

On the 2-4th of June, General Sherman ordered that two assaults should 
be simultaneously made on the 27th, one by General McPherson's troops 
near Little Kenesaw, and another by General Thomas's command, about 
a mile further south. The assaults were made in the time and manner 
prescribed, and both failed, in spite of the indomitable bravery and per- 
severance of the troops engaged, with a loss of over three thousand 
killed and wounded, including Generals Uarker and McCook. The 
Rebels, fighting behind breastworks, suffered a comparatively slight loss. 
Sherman, however, was not the man to allow his men to rest long under 
the influence of a mistake or a failure, and he accordingly ordered General 



762 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Schofield to work farther along toward the Rebel left; and relieving General 
McPherson in front of Kenesaw by General Garrard's cavalry, the former 
quickly moved his whole command by the right, down to Nickajack creek, 
which, as well as Turner's ferry, he threatened ; while Stoneman's cavalry 
was also sent to the river near Turner's ferry. General McPherson com- 
menced his movement on the night of the 2d of Jul}^, and the effect was 
instantaneous. The next morning Kenesaw was abandoned by the Rebel 
hosts, and at early dawn our skirmishers had occupied its summits. 

General Thomas's whole line was immediately moved forward to the 
railroad, and turned southward to the Ghattahoochie, in pursuit of the 
Rebels, while General Sherman rode into Marietta at eight o'clock that 
morning, just as the Rebel cavalry left it. The rear-guard of McPhcrson's 
army, under Logan, was ordered back to Marietta, while McPherson and 
Schofield were instructed to cross Nickajack creek, attacking the enemy in 
flank and rear, and, if possible, to catch him in the confusion of crossing the 
Ghattahoochie. Johnston, however, foreseeing this danger, had succeeded 
in covering his movements well by establishing a strongly intrenched iete 
da poni at the Ghattahoochie, and an advanced line of intrenchnicnts 
across the road at the Smyrna camp-meeting ground, five miles from Mari- 
etta. Here, with his front well protected by good parapets, and his flanks 
behind the Nickajack and Rottenwood creeks, he was found by General 
Logan's advance-guard. 

Detailing a garrison for Marietta, and directing General Logan to rejoin 
his own army, then near the outlet of the Nickajack, General Sherman 
himself overtook General Thomas at Smyrna. On the 4ih of July they 
pushed a strong skirmish line down the main road, capturing the entire 
line of the enemy's rifle-pits, at the same time making strong demonstra- 
tions against Turner's ferry, and along the Nickajack creek — and the next 
morning the enemy had fled across the Ghattahoochie. The Union army, 
therefore, moved down to the river, General Thomas's left resting on it near 
Paice's ferry. General McPhcrson's right at the mouth of the Nickajack, 
while General Schofield's command was held in reserve. Opposite to them 
lay the enemy, behind an intrenched line of unusual strength, covering the 
railroad and pontoon bridges, and beyond the Ghattahoochie ; and the 
heavy skirmishing along the whole front during the 5th, clearly demon- 
strated the strength of the position, which could only be turned by cross- 
ing the river, a deep and rapid stream, only passable at that point by 
bridges, and a few very difficult fords. Difficult as this was, however, 
General Sherman wisely deemed it best to attempt it while the enemy 
was still suffering from the partial demoralization incident to their rapid 
retreat, and before they should have time to oppose further obstacles, in 
the form of additional fortifications. Acting under his orders, General 
Schofield's corps, on the 7th, successfully crossed the Ghattahoochie, near 
the mouth of Soap creek, capturing one gun, surprising the guard, laying 



BURNING OF ROSWELL FACTORIES. 763 

a good pontoon and a trestle bridge, and making a lodgement on the east 
bank, on high and commanding ground, with good roads leading east- 
ward. 

While this was being done, General Garrard's cavalry captured Roswell, 
and destroyed the factories, which, during the war, had supplied the 
Eebel armies with cloths. Over one of these, the nominal owner had 
hoisted the French flag, as a ruse for its protection, but the building met 
the same fate as the others, General Sherman declining to recognize the 
right of neutrals, any more than our own citizens, to make cloth for hostile 
uses. A shallow ford near Roswell was then secured by Garrard, under 
Sherman's orders, and held until relieved by General Newton's division 
of Thomas's corps, who were shortly after relieved in turn by the whole of 
General McPherson's army, which had been transferred from the extreme 
right. 

Meanwhile, General Howard's corps had built a bridge at Powers' ferry, 
two miles below Schofield's, and crossing over, had taken position on that 
general's right. This was effected on the 9th, and General Johnston find- 
ing that the Union army had secured three good and safe crossings over 
the Chattahoochie, had no other resource, on the 10th, than to abandon 
his tete de pont, burn his bridges, and leave the country, north and west 
of the river, to the undisputed control of the Federal forces. 



764 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXI. 

BOUSSEAU'S EXPEDITION TO OPELIKA, AND THE WEST POINT AND MONTGOMERY RAILROAD— 
THE POSITION OF THE UNION ARMY — FIRST BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK, JULY 20Tn — 
SECOND BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK, JULY 22d — DEATH OF MCPHERSON — BIOOKAPHICAL 
SKETCH OF GENERAL MCPHERSON — OARRARd's EXPEDITION TO COVINGTON — STONEMAN 
AND MCCOOK UNDERTAKE CAVALRY EXPEDITIONS — FAILURE OF STONEMAN — PARTIAL SUC- 
CESS OF MCCOOK — BATTLE OP JULY 28th BEFORE ATLANTA — SIEGE OF ATLANTA — ITS 
STRENGTH — TENACITY OP HOOD IN HOLDING THE RAILROAD LINES — SHERMAN EXTENDS HIS 
LINE TO THE RIGHT, BUT HOOD HOLDS THE RAILROAD — BOMBARDMENT OF ATLANTA — 
wheeler's RAID TO CUT SHERMAN'S COMMUNICATIONS — SHERMAN SENDS KILPATRICK TO 
CUT THE RAILROAD BELOW ATLANTA — PARTIAL SUCCESS — SHERMAN RAISES THE SIEGE, 
AND SENDS WILLIAMS BACK TO THE CHATTAHOOCHIE, WHILE THE MAIN ARMY MOVES 
TOWARD JONESBORO — BATTLES NEAR JONESBORO — HARDEE DEFEATED AND DRIVEN SOUTH- 
WARD — HOOD EVACUATES ATLANTA — THE UNION ARMY TAKE POSSESSION OF THE CITY — 
REMOVAL OF THE CITIZENS FROM THE CITY — RESULTS OF THE CAMPAIGN. 

Atlanta, with its fortifications, its magazines, stores, arsenals, work- 
shops, foundries, etc., and especially its railroads, which converged there 
from the four cardinal points, was now only eight miles distant from the 
Union army; but General Sherman foresaw that much heavy fighting 
must ensue before he should be able to plant the flag of the Union upon 
its spires. The men, also, had been hard worked, and needed rest after 
their arduous labors ; so that he determined to give them a little breathing 
spell while he repaired the railroad and brought up his supplies for the 
final struggle of the campaign. Foreseeing this necessity of resting his 
army awhile, General Sherman had previously determined to employ the 
time in destroying the enemy's communications and supplies from Mont- 
gomery, Ala., as well as from southern and central Alabama and Missis- 
sippi. 

To this end he had collected at Decatur, Ala., a fine and well-equipped 
force of cavalry, two thousand .strong, under command of General Lovell 
H. Rousseau, whom he had directed, on receiving orders by telegraph, to 
push rapidly south, cross the Coosa at the railroad bridge, or the Ten 
Islands, and make his way by the most direct route to Opelika, on the 
Montgomery, West Point, and Atlanta railroad, at its junction with the 
Columbus and Southwestern road, from which point he was to destroy the 
railroad in both directions. 

Tills being the only finished railroad which connected the channels of 
trade and travel between Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi, its destruc- 
tion would most efiectually cut off the supplies of the Rebel army from 
that source. Rousseau received his orders on the 9th, and started on the 
10th, fulfilling his instructions to the very letter, whipping the Rebel 



BATTLE OP PEACH TREE CKEEK. f65 

General Clanton, en route, passing through Talladega, and reaching the 
railroad on the 16th, about twenty-five miles west of Opelika. He broke 
it up well at that place, also at a point three miles west of the branch to 
Columbus, and at another two miles from West Pomt. 

Having thus accomplished his object, he returned to Marietta, where he 
arrived on the 22d, having, in the space of fifteen days, marched four 
hundred and fifty miles, captured and paroled two thousand prisoners, 
brought off eight hundred able-bodied negroes, and as many horses and 
mules, having also rendered thirty one miles of railroad useless, burned 
thirteen depots, a large number of cars, and two locomotives, and im 
mense quantities of cotton, tobacco, quartermaster's and commissary stores, 
all of which he had effected with a loss of less than thirty of his own 
command, in killed, wounded, and missing. 

All this time the main army was quietly encamped on the Chattahoochie, 
while supplies were being collected at Allatoona, Marietta, and Vining's 
station, piers, bridges, and roads improved, and railroad guards and 
garrisons strengthened. General Stoneman's and McCook's cavalry were 
sent on a scout down the river to a considerable distance, in order to 
divert the attention of the Eebels in that direction ; and all things being 
in readiness, Sherman issued his order for a general advance on the 17th 
of July; Thomas, with the army of the Cumberland, crossing at Power's 
and Paice's ferry bridges, and marching by Buckhead; Schofield's army 
of the Ohio moving by Cross Keys ; and the army of the Tennessee, under 
McPherson, proceeding from Eoswell directly against the Augusta road, 
at some point east of Decatur, near Stone mountain. With this latter 
division Garrard's cavalry acted in concert, while General Stoneman and 
McCook w£Jtched the river and the roads below the railway. 

Thus the evening of the 17th found the whole Union army in line along 
the Old Peach Tree road. Continuing on a general right wheel, McPher- 
son, on the 18th, reached the Augusta railroad, at a point seven miles 
east of Decatur, and broke up a section of about four miles, while General 
Schofield pushed forward and captured the town. On the 19th, General 
McPherson entered the town by the railroad, while Schofield moved out by 
the distillery road toward Atlanta, and General Thomas's command crossed 
Peach Tree creek, by means of numerous pontoon bridges, and in the 
face of the enemy's line of intrenchments. Along the whole line heavy 
skirmishing at once commenced, strongly indicating a battle. 

At this juncture, the Rebel General Johnston, whose conduct of the 
campaign had not met with the approval of the Confederate authorities, 
was relieved of his command, which was given to General John B. Hood. 
This general possessed the reputation of being a bold leader, and desper- 
ate fighter, but as events subsequently proved, he lacked the essential 
qualities of skilfulness and caution which the peculiar circumstances of 
the campaign demanded. He immediately inaugurated his assumption of 



7G6 THE CIVIL WAK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the command, by planning a surprise, by which he hoped to arrest per- 
manently the steady advance of the Union army. 

By this time (the 2ilth) all the Union armies had closed in, converging 
toward Atlanta, McPherson on the extreme left, Schofield on his right, 
both facing nearly to the west ; between Schofield's and Hooker's corps 
of the army of the Cumberland, was an interval of three miles distance, 
occupied only by pickets, and to the right of these the balance of the 
army of the Cumberland facing to the south. This gap between the 
army of the Cumberland and Schofield's, marked the position of the 
Rebel lines on the previous day along the Peach Tree creek ; and 
although apparently abandoned, was in reality occupied by them in 
strong force. 

Hoods plan, then, was, by making a feint on the left of the Union lines, 
to compel Schofield and McPherson to close up, and to occupy this gap 
in ambush with his main force. Then the army of the Cumberland was 
to be allowed to push forward, its advance upon Atlanta, without much 
opposition, and as soon as the two wings of the Union army were thus 
separated, the Rebel force, arising from ambush, should be hurled upon 
the flank of the left wing, cut off the bridges in its rear, and drive it 
routed back to the Chattahoochie. The plan was a most excellent one, 
and its progress at first was encouraging to the Rebel chief; his feint on 
the left compelled the closing up of Schofield's upon McPherson's 
column ; Thomas moved forward on Atlanta, picking up a few prisoners, 
who gave information that there were but few Rebel troops in the imme- 
diate vicinity, and satisfied that his plans were working favorably, Hood, 
about four o'clock P. M., threw his army boldly and fiercely upon Newton's 
■division, which held the above mentioned three-mile gap, expecting to 
roll it up and destroy it with ease. Much to his surprise, the Union line 
met the assault like a rock of iron, for it so happened that a temporary 
defence of rails and earth had been thrown up by the men ; and only twenty 
minutes previous to the assault, ten pieces of artillery had been brought 
over from the north side of the creek, which, together with two pieces 
already on the ground, opened a terrific storm of grape and canister 
upon the too confident Rebels. Their column, torn and shattered by the 
deadly vollies, which opened great gaps through their ranks, halted 
and fired wildly upon the batteries, with but little effect. Forming anew, 
thev again advanced, but four guns of a Michigan battery united their 
welcome to those previously in position, and again dismayed, they fled 
from the field. Again and again, with desperate courage, they hurled 
their force upon the Union lines, which now, reinforced, became each 
moment stronger and firmer, until, at length abandoning all hope, the 
Rebels re reated in confusion. While this was going on, General Hook- 
er's corps were sustaining the impetuous attacks of other portions of the 
Rebel army, and though fighting uncovered, and on very open ground, 



SECOND BATTLE OF PEACH TREE CREEK. 767 

not only repulsed the enemy, but drove him fairly back to his intrench- 
ments. In this melee, Butterfield's division, under temporary command 
of General Ward, met the Eebel force in a counter-charge on the crest of 
a hill, from which they drove them flying, and with terrible slaughter, 
while Williams' division, unprotected by breastworks, maintained a des- 
perate fight for nearly four hours, without giving a foot. The enemy left 
on the field over one thousand one hundred and thirteen dead, about one 
thousand severely wounded, seven stands of colors, and a large number 
of prisoners. His loss, probably, was not far from six thousand, while 
the Union loss was one thousand seven hundred and fifty killed, wounded, 
and missing, the larger part of which was sustained, in consequence of its 
more exposed condition, by General Hooker's corps. 

During the next day, July 21st, both armies seemed disposed to keep 
tolerably quiet, the Union force having made a slight advance along 
their lines, and the seventeenth corps, by some hard fighting, having occu- 
pied a high hill southeast of the railroad, commanding the city. The 
other corps also felt the enemy in his intrenchments, which crowned the 
heights overlooking the valley of the Peach Tree creek. 

On the 22d, General Sherman, to his surprise, found that the whole of 
the enemy's line was abandoned, and that the Eebels were occupying 
their first line of finished redoubts, about a mile and a half nearer to 
Atlanta, and which covered all the roads leading to that city. These 
redoubts the Eebels were then busy in connecting with curtains, strength- 
ened by rifle-pits, abatis, and chevaux de frise. The Union army now 
occupied a line in the general form of a circle of about two miles radius 
around the city, and immediately proceeded to take possession of the 
enemy's abandoned intrenchments ; which, as they faced outwardly, had to 
be somewhat changed to render them available defences against the foe. 

The contraction of the Union lines consequent on this advance, threw 
out of line the sixteenth army corps, temporarily commanded by General 
Dodge, who was ordered to move to the left, and take position on the flank 
of the somewhat more exposed seventeenth corps, General Blair's. This 
position would have taken him across and nearly two miles below the 
Augusta railroad, and he was on his way thither, when, about eleven 
o'clock A. M. of the 22d, the left flank was attacked with great energy 
by the Eebel General Hardee. Had the blow fallen earlier, at daylight, 
as Hood's orders specified, the consequences would probably have been 
very disastrous. As it was, however, the delay was fatal to his hopes. 
His plan of attack may be best understood by a reference to the position 
of the Union forces at the time. McPherson, with the army of the Ten- 
nessee, who, advancing along the railroad from Decatur to within two 
miles of Atlanta, had, with some desperate fighting, gained a high hill to 
the south and east of the railroad, which gave him a most commanding 
position within easy view of the very heart of the city, and was preparing 



7G8 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to fortify and occupy it with batteries, this being the position to which 
General Dodge was ordered. The sixteenth corps at this juncture was 
north of the railroad and turnpike, the fifteenth on either side of, and the 
seventeenth south of, the railroad, with its extreme left stretching some two 
miles below. At the right of the sixteenth, although not close up, was 
the twenty-third corps, and beyond, across the Western and Atlantic rail- 
road, and with a southward curve to the Atlanta and Sandtown road, was 
General Thomas's army of the Cumberland. 

Hood's hope, therefore, was to repeat the manoeuvre of the 20th, by 
massing his force on McPherson's left, which would naturally draw the 
main part of Sherman's army to its support, and having turned this wing, 
to face suddenly upon tlie weakened right wing, and demolish it. In pur- 
suance of this plan, Ilardee's (Rebel) corps, about eleven o'clock a. m., 
suddenly dashed out from the woods upon the seventeenth corps, who were 
holding a slightly built line of defence in an open field, and rushed upon 
them with the peculiar southern yell. 

Under the sudden and overpowering pressure of the Rebel column, 
massed in several lines, the Union troops, although bravely contesting 
every inch of ground, were slowly pushed back, and the movement un- 
covered the trains of the corps, upon which the Rebels rushed in great 
fury. Fortunately, just at the moment when the rout of the entire 
seventeenth corps seemed most imminent, the fourth division, and a bri- 
gade of the second, sixteenth corps, came upon the field, and gave the first 
decisive check to the enemy, and gave time also to the seventeenth to 
throw up a slight line of defence in the rear, which they held during the 
rest of the day. 

It was at this time, and quite early in the action, that General McPher- 
son was mortally wounded by a Rebel sharpshooter, as he was riding 
from General Dodge's column to the left and rear of General Giles A. 
Smith's position, being at the time accompanied only by an orderly, 
having dispatched all his stafl' oflUcers on various errands to difl'ereiit 
parts of the field. The last order which he had ever given was to hurry 
Wangelin's brigade, fifteenth corps, across the railroad, to fill up a gap 
which intervened between the head" of Dodge's column and General 
Blair's line. It came on the double-quick, and checked the advance of 
the foe in that direction. Hardee's attack in front was to have been ac- 
companied with one by Stuart upon the Union front, but fortunately the 
two attacks were not made simultaneously. Sweeping over the hill which 
the Union troops were fortifying, and bearing down upon their left, the 
enemy came upon General G. A. Smith's division of the seventeenth 
corps, which was obliged to fight first from one side of the old rifie-para- 
pet and then from the other, until, gradually withdrawing regiment by 
regiment, it was enabled to form a flank to General Leggett's division, 
which was holding the apex of the hill. Here, in this position, and aided 



SKETCH OF GENEEAL McPHERSON. 769 

by the sixteenth corps, the Union forces stubbornly held their own for 
nearly four hours, checking and repulsing six Rebel attacks, punishing 
them so severely that by four p. M. they virtually gave up the attempt to 
force that flank. 

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the absence of General Garrard's 
cavalry division, which had been despatched on a raid to Covington, 
thirty-four miles east of Atlanta, the Rebel cavalry General Wheeler 
made an attempt to cut off and capture the Union wagon trains at Decatur. 
In this, however, he was foiled by the tact and coolness of Colonel (since 
General) Sprague, who withdrew, and sent them to the rear of Generals 
Thomas and Schoficld, with the loss of only three wagons, which had 
been deserted by their drivers, and their horses cut loose. 

To return to the battle. Up to four o'clock, the enemy had captured 
eight guns ; and shortly after, breaking through the lines of the fifteenth 
army corps, they captured twelve guns more, and drove back Lightburn's 
brigade to a considerable distance. General Sherman immediately ordered 
forward some batteries from General Schofield's corps to a commanding 
position, from which such a constant fire was maintained upon the 
enemy's left flank as most effectually prevented his reinforcement. General 
Logan, who had succeeded the lamented McPherson in command of the 
army of the Tennessee, was ordered to cause the fifteenth corps to regain 
its old ground at any cost, which was promptly done, by the most des- 
perate hand-to-hand fighting, in which, while Wood and Schofield swept 
the enemy's parapet with grape and canister, the fifteenth corps, at the 
point of the bayonet, regained its position, and all but two of the guns 
which it had lost. With this fierce struggle the battle closed, and night 
spread its sombre mantle over the retreating Rebel foe, leaving his dead 
and wounded upon the field. Three thousand two hundred and forty dead, 
and three thousand two hundred prisoners and wounded were left in the 
hands of the Union army, indicating a loss which General Sherman 
estimated as exceeding eight thousand, and General Thomas at over ten 
thousand. Three thousand seven hundred and twenty-two killed, wounded, 
and missing, was the Union loss ; and the loss of ten guns was offset in 
some degree by the capture of eighteen battle-flags. The greatest loss, 
however, which was entailed upon our arms by the second battle of Peach 
Tree creek, was the death of the gallant and beloved General McPher.son. 

James Birdseye McPherson, born in Sandusky county, Ohio, November 
14th, 1828, was admitted, at the age of twenty-one years, to the military 
academy at West Point, where his success was of the most flattering 
character, ranking second in the fourth class of 1850, first in the third 
class of 1851, first in the second class of 1852, and graduating, June, 1853, 
at the head of his class. He immediately received the appointment of 
brevet second lieutenant of engineers, and assistant instructor of practical 
engineering at the academy, a compliment never before nor since awarded 
49 



770 THE CIVIL WAR IN TUE UNITED STATES. 

to so young an officer. In September, 1854, he was made assistant engi. 
neer in the defences of New York harbor, and on the improvement of tho 
navigation of the Hudson river, which duties he fulfilled until December, 
185f), when he was commissioned full second lieutenant of engineers. In 
1857, he had charge of the construction of Fort Delaware, and also of 
fortifications on Alcatras Island, California, being also connected with the 
Pacific coast survey ; and in December, 1858, became first lieutenant of 
engineers. In August, he was ordered to the command of fortifications 
of Boston harbor, and was advanced to the junior captaincy of his corps. 
When, in November, 1861, General Halleck took command of the 
Department of the West, Captain McPherson became his aide-de-camp, 
with rank of lieutenant-colonel, and, until the beginning of 1862, was 
chiefly engaged on engineer duty in Missouri. Ue was next assigned to 
General Grant as chief engineer in the Forts Henry and Donelson expedi- 
tions, in which his services recommended him to an appointment {dated 
February 16th, 1862) as brevet major of engineers. After the battle of 
Shiloh, he joined Halleck, who had assumed the command in the field, 
and for his services in that conflict was nominated for brevet lieutenant- 
colonel of engineers, and on may 1st, was made colonel on the staflf. At 
the investment of Corinth, he had charge of the engineering department, 
in which his abilities and skill resulted in driving the enemy from the 
most valuable strategic point south of the Ohio, and west of the Tennessee 
rivers. In May, 1862, he was commissioned brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, and in June following was appointed by General Grant the general 
superintcndeat of all the United States military railroads in the Depart- 
ment of West Tennessee. At the battle of Corinth, his skill as a soldier 
was displayed in successfully conveying reinforcements to the besieged 
garrison, when the enemy was between him and the point to be reached, 
and gallantly routing them from the vicinity in the attack of the next 
day. For these and other services, he was nominated as major-general 
of volunteers. Shortly after, in November, 1862, he drove the Eebels out 
of Lagrange, and established his headquarters there; and on the 11th of 
that month, making a strong reconnoissance, he met Price's Rebel army 
at Lamar, fought and defeated them, and having accomplished his object, 
returned safely to Lagrange. In this, the first battle in which he was the 
only responsible commander, McPherson displayed that sagacity and 
prudence, combined with impetuosity of attack, and indomitable tenacity 
of purpose, which his after life developed upon a broader field ; and in 
the advance which followed through central Mississippi, McPherson com- 
manded the entire right wing of Grant's army, with the utmost ability, 
always in the lead when advancing, and in the rear on the retreat. 
When, in December, 1862, General Grant made a division of his army 
into four corps, one of them, the "seventeenth," was awarded to McPher- 
son, who, about the same time, was confirmed a major-general of volun- 



SKETCH OF GENERAL McPHERSON. 771 

teers. In the campaign and siege terminating with the fall of Vicksburg, 
General McPherson filled a conspicuous part. At the battle of Port 
Gibson, it was under his direction that the enemy was driven, late in the 
afternoon, from a position which they had held all day against an obstinate 
attack. His corps, the advance, always under his immediate eye, were the 
pioneers in the movement from Port Gibson to Hawkinson's ferry. From 
the north fork of the Bayou Pierre to the Black river, it was a constant 
skirmish, the whole skilfully managed, the enemy being so closely pressed 
as to be unable to destroy their boat-bridge after them. From Hawkinson's 
ferry to Jackson, the seventeenth corps marched over roads not travelled 
by other troops, fighting the entire battle of Raymond alone, and the bulk 
of Johnston's army was fought by this corps, entirely under McPherson's 
management. At Champion's hill, the battle was fought by McPherson's 
corps, and a division of the thirteenth corps. In the assault of the 22d 
of May on the fortifications of Vicksburg, and during the entire sie"e, 
General McPherson and his command won unfading laurels ; and at the 
conference wliich preceded the capitulation of that Rebel stronghold, 
General McPherson was named by General Grant as one of the two, 
besides himself, who were to represent the national army, and was subse- 
quently recommended by that general for the rank of brigadier-general 
in the regular army, which was awarded promptly by the Senate, in 
December, 1863. The officers of his corps also awarded him a medal of 
honor for the gallant manner in which he had commanded them during 
the siege of Vicksburg. After the capitulation of Vicksburg, he attacked 
and defeated the Rebels near Canton, Miss., with great loss of men and 
stores. During the winter of 1863-4, he had command of all the region 
bordering on the Mississippi, from Helena, Ark., to the mouth of the Red 
river, with headquarters at Vicksburg. In February, 1864, the general 
again entered the field at the head of his old corps, participatino- in 
Sherman's great raid to Meridian, Miss., bearing in this campaign, as in 
all others, the brunt of labors and fighting. 

In March following, Grant becoming Lieutenant-General, Sherman 
was raised to the command of the military division of the Mississippi, and 
General McPherson succeeded him in the command of the army of the 
Tennessee, which embraced the fifteenth, sixteenth, and seventeenth corps, 
(with one exception) all the veteran corps of Grant's old army of the Mis- 
sissippi. Postponing his intended marriage, the general hastened to his 
new command, which, though widely scattered, was concentrated and 
organized in an incredibly short time, and occupied its place on the right 
of Sherman's army. 

Of his services in the campaign which followed, the reader has been 
informed in the preceding pages. Until his death on the battle-field of 
Peach Tree creek, he was the pride of the army, the right-hand of Sher- 
man, the idol of his men. Lieutenant-General Grant, when he heard of 



772 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

his death, exclaimed, " The country has lost one of its best soldiers, and 
I have lost my best friend," and retiring to his tent, gave way to those 
tears which only a soldier can shed. 

General Sherman says of him in his official report of the Atlanta cam- 
paign, " lie was a noble youth, of striking personal appearance, of the 
highest professional capacity, and with a heart abounding in kindness, 
which drew toward him the affections of all men." As a soldier, he was 
brave, almost to a fault, with tireless industry, and indefatigable energy, 
devotion of purpose, and quickness of perception. As a man he was 
affable, corteous, warm in his friendships, and forgiving toward his 
enemies. In short, he possessed all the virtues, and very few of the faults, 
of a gentleman and an officer. 

In the same battle the Rebels lost Major-General W. H. T. Walker, 
and Brigadier-General George M. Stevens. 

On the day succeeding the battle (the 23d) General Garrard returned from 
Covington, where he had destroyed the railroad bridges over the Ulcofau- 
hatchee and Yellow rivers (one of which was five hundred and the other 
one hundred feet long), besides burning a train of cars, two thousand 
bales of cotton, the depots and stores of Covington and Conyer's station, 
and bringing in two hundred prisoners, and a considerable number of 
horses, losing in all but two men, one of whom was killed by accident. 
The Augusta, and the West Point and Montgomery roads, being thus 
effectually crippled, General Sherman next turned his attention to the 
destruction of the Macon road, which now formed the only source of sup- 
ply to the Rebel army at Atlanta. Feeling that Schofield and Thomas 
were perfectly competent to hold the enemy behind his inner line of 
intrenchments at the north of Atlanta, he shifted the army of the Tennes- 
see again to the right wing, and ordered Schofield to extend up to the 
Augusta road. Shifting General Stoneman's division of cavalry to the 
left flank, he made good his place at the river near Sandtown, by General 
Rousseau's two thousand cavalry, which had just returned, somewhat jaded, 
from Opelika. Stoneman's command was then increased to an effective 
force of five thousand men, by the addition of Garrard's cavalry, and 
General McCook received the command, in addition to his own, of some 
new cavalry brought on by Rousseau, and commanded by Colonel Harri- 
son of the eighth Indiana cavalry, making in all about four thousand. 
To these two well mounted and appointed bodies was assigned the task 
of cutting the Macon railroad, on a designated night, the 28th of July, at 
or near Lovejoy's station. At the moment of starting. General Stoneman 
requested and received permission, after destroying the road and defeating 
Wheeler's (Rebel) cavalry, to push on with his own command to Macon 
and Andersonville, and there release the Union prisoners of war confined 
at those places. Both bodies of cavalry started at the same time. Stone- 
man moving by the left around Atlanta to McDonough, and McCook by 



EXPEDITIONS OF STONEMAN AND McCOOK. IIS 

the right on Fayetteville. " The expedition was only a partial success, 
owing to the strange divergence of General Stoneman from his proposed 
route ; for, sending General Garrard to Flat Rock to cover his own move- 
ment on McDonoiigh, he immediately went to Covington, thence to Clin- 
ton, sending off detachments to the east, which heavily damaged the ene- 
my's railroad lines, by burning the bridges of the Walnut creek and 
Oconee, and destroying a large number of cars and locomotives, and 
appeared in force before Macon, from which the Union prisoners had 
been previously removed. He did not succeed in crossing theOcmulgee 
at that point ; nor did he, for some reasons, attempt to go to Andersonville, 
but finding himself surrounded and harrassed by Rebel cavalry, under 
General Iverson, he proposed to a council of officers to surrender to the 
foe. This proposition not meeting with their approbation, he consented 
that two thirds of his force should escape, if they could, while he with a 
remainder of seven hundred men and a section of light artillery, would 
hold the enemy in check. This strange plan was carried into efiect, one 
brigade escaping almost intact, another surprised, scattered, and pretty 
well broken up in the retreat, while the general, after a sharp conflict, 
surrendered his small command, and was held as a prisoner by the Rebels 
until November, 1864. McCook, meanwhile, carried out his part of the 
programme, by tearing up a portion of the West Point road at Palmetto 
station; then moving rapidly to Fayetteville, he found and burned five 
hundred wagons, and killed eight hundred mules belonging to the Rebels, 
besides taking others along, and capturing two hundred and fifty prison- 
ers, and pushing on to Lovejoy's station, reached it at the appointed 
time. 

Here he vigorously plied the work of destruction until compelled to 
desist by the accumulating numbers of the enemy ; and hearing nothing 
of General Stoneman, he moved south and west, to Newnan, on the West 
Point road, where he fell in with a large infantry force, whose progress 
from Mississippi to Atlanta had been stopped by his destruction of the 
railroad at Palmetto station. Finding himself hemmed in, he accepted 
the wager of battle, and dropping his prisoners and captures, managed to 
fight his way out of the position, with a loss, however, of five hundred 
officers and men, and reaching the Chattahoochie, crossed and reached 
Marietta without further loss. The raid, though General McCook's part 
was well carried out, was yet, owing to Stoneman's failure, only a partial 
success ; for the breaks made in the enemy's communications were so 
slight that they were soon repaired, while the slender advantages gained 
were more than counterbalanced by the heavy losses in men and horses 
sustained by the Union troops. 

In accordance with Sherman's general plan of operations, the army 
of the Tennessee, leaving its position near the Decatur road during the 
night of the 26th of July, moved the next day along the rear of the main 



tT4 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

army to Proctor's creek, and prolonged its line due south, facing to the 
east. This movement, which was under the command of its new com- 
mander General Howard, was made en echelon, the sixteenth corps. Gen- 
eral Dodge, being on the left, nearest the enemy, the .seventeenth. General 
Blair's, next on its right, reaching an old meeting-house known as Ezra 
church, near some large open fields near the Poor-house, on the Bell's 
ferry or Lickskillot road. Here the fifteenth corps. General Logan's, 
joined in, along a well wooded ridge, partially commanding the same 
^fields. By ten o'clock on the morning of the 28lh, the army of the 
Tennessee was fully in position, and was busily engaged in rapidly 
throwing up a log barricade, and a temporary fortification. About cloven 
o'clock the Union lines in the vicinity of Ezra church were somewhat 
vigorously .shelled by the Rebel batterie.s, and about twelve o'clock their 
right was assailed by a heavy column of Rebels, who, coming out of At- 
lanta by the Bell's ferry road, advanced in magnificent style directly 
against the fifteenth corps, confidently expecting to take that flank " in 
air." They were, however, most bitterly and speedily undeceived. 

Coolly and steadily the Union troops delivered their fire, and swept 
their ranks with deadly missiles until, despite the entreaties and threats 
of their officers, the Rebels broke and fled. Six times they rallied to the 
attack, and six times were hurled back by the same resistless line of fire, 
the few who did reach the Union barricade alive, being hauled over the 
rails as prisoners. At length, about four P. M., the enemy disappeared, 
leaving his dead and wounded upon the field, tlieir loss being over five 
thousand, besides prisoners, while that of the Union army, all told, was 
less than six hundred. 

Expecting that the enemy would try to repeat his game of the 22d, 
General Sherman had ordered General Davis's division of Palmer's corps, 
to move by Turner's ferry and Whitehall or East Point, and come in on 
the flank of General Howard's new line, so that, in case of an attack, it 
would catch the attacking Rebel force in flank or rear, in an unexpected 
moment. This excellent plan was rendered abortive by the sickness of 
General Davis, and the mistake of roads made by Brigadier-General 
Morgan, who assumed the command temporarily, by which his arrival at 
the point designated was delayed from noon until night. Ilad the division 
arrived in time, the terrible repulse which the enemy received would 
have become, in all probability, a crushing rout of the Rebel army. 

After the battle of Ezra church, Sherman found the enemy quite indis- 
posed to interfere with his attempts to extend by the flank, which move- 
ments were thereafter conducted with comparative ease; although he met 
our extensions to the south by well though hastily constructed rifle-pits 
and forts, reaching to East Point, remaining, however, entirely on the 
defensive. Subsequent movements of General Sherman to extend his 
lines southward, by bringing Schofield's army of the Ohio, and Palmer's 



OPERATIONS BEFORE ATLANTA. TfS 

fourteenth corps, of the army of the Cumberland, further to the right, 
which were effected by the 1st of August, elicited no opposition from the 
enemy, who contented himself with a corresponding extension of his own 
lines and fortifications. 

About this time also, several changes of important commands took 
place, such as the promotion of General Howard to the command of the 
army of the Tennessee, as McPherson's successor, the appointment of 
General Slocum to the command resigned by General Hooker, of the 
twentieth army corps ; the appointment of General Jefferson C. Davis 
to the command of the fourteenth corps, vice General Palmer, resigned ; 
and the succession of General Stanley to the place of General Howard, at 
the head of the fourth corps. 

From the 2d to the 5th of August, Sherman continued the extension 
of his lines to the right, demonstrating strongly on the left, and along 
the entire line, and on the last named day, General Reilley's brigade of 
Cox's division, Schofield's corps, made an unsuccessful attempt to pierce 
the enemy's line about a mile below Utoy creek, which cost them about 
four hundred men. 

The next day, however. General Hascall turned the position, and Scho- 
field advanced his line closely to that of the enemy along the creek, 
although without gaining the desired foothold upon either the West Point 
or Macon railroads. These roads Hood had hitherto been able to con- 
trol by means of a large force of State militia, and though his line from 
Decatur to East Point was nearly fifteen miles long, yet his position was 
so masked by the natural advantages of the ground, as to conceal its weak 
points. So long as he could hold these roads, he felt confident that Sher- 
man could not flank Atlanta, but Sherman had made up his mind with 
equal confidence that he must and would break them up in the most 
effectual and thorough manner. Satisfied that in order to do this he 
would have to move his whole army, he resolved, before beginning, to 
try the effect of four four-and-a-half inch rifled guns, which he ordered 
down from Chattanooga, in bombarding the city. These arrived on the 
10th, and were served night and day, producing considerable annoyance 
to the enemy in the city, causing frequent fires and constant alarms. 

On the 16th of August, Sherman issued his orders for a grand move- 
ment by the right flank, which was to begin on the 18th. This movement 
contemplated the withdrawal southward of the whole army, except the 
twentieth corps. General Williams, who was to occupy the intrenched 
position at the Chattahoochie bridge; but it was postponed, in conse- 
quence of the receipt of information that the Eebel cavalry leader 
Wheeler, with a force variously estimated at from six thousand to ten 
thousand men, had struck the Union lines of communication near Adairs- 
ville, breaking the road at Calhoun, and capturing nine hundred of their 
beef cattle. Pleased at such a movement, which left the enemv deficient 



YTG THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

in cavalry, while he was in a position to dispense with railroad commuDi- 
cation with Chattanooga for several weeks without injury, he suspended 
his orders for a general advance for the time being, and despatched Gen- 
eral Kilpatrick with a force of five thousand cavalry, on the 18th, to the 
West Point road, with orders to break it thoroughly near Fairborn, then 
cross to and tear up the Macon road, avoiding as far as possible any con- 
flict with the enemy's infantry, but attacking the Rebel cavalry whenever 
the opportunity afforded. 

Kilpatrick started, and broke the West Point road; then reaching 
the Macon road near Jonesboro, whipped Ross's cavalry, and held the 
road for five -hours, during which he did considerable damage. The ' 

sudden interference of a Rebel brigade of infantry obliged him to desist, } 

and making a detour eastward, he again struck the railroad near Love- | 

joy's station, where, being again annoyed by the enemy, he boldly charged 
upon their cavalry, capturing seventy prisoners, and a four gun battery, 
which he destroyed with the exception of one gun, which he brought ' 

safely in, and returning by a circuit north and east, reached Decatur on i 

the 22d. I 

Sherman, however, convinced that the damage done by this gallant 
officer, was not sufficient to produce the desired results, renewed his orders \ 

for the movement of tlie entire army. A train of three thousand wagons j 

with supplies for fifteen days, and one thousand ambulances were in readi- ', 

ne.ss ; all surplus wagons and effects, with the sick and wounded, were i 

sent back to a secure position at the Chattahoochie, under a force ample 
for their protection ; and on the night of the 25th, the movement com- 
menced by ihe withdrawal of General Williams's corps to the Chattahoo- 
chie, and the advance of General Stanley's fourth corps from their position 
on the extreme left to a point below Proctor's creek. 

On the night of the 26th, the second movement was made by the army 
of the Tennessee drawing out from their lines, and moving rapidly in a 
circuitous route toward Sandtown and across Camp creek, the army of the 
Cumberland, General Schofield, below Utoy creek, remaining in position. 
The third movement brought the army of the Tennessee to the West 
Point railroad above Fairborn, the army of the Cumberland well up to 
Red Oak, and General Schofield to Digs and Mins. 

All this was accomplished with the loss of only one man. One day's 
labor was then devoted to the destruction of the West Point road, result- 
ing in the tearing up of twelve and a half miles, the ties being burned, 
and the rails heated and twisted into all conceivable shapes, with all the 
ingenuity which could be devised by old hands at the work ; while cuts 
in the road were filled up with trunks of trees, logs, rock, and earth in 
which loaded shells prepared as torpedoes, threatened explosion to any 
one who should attempt their removal, all of which was done under Gen* j 

eral Sherman's personal supervision, and to his entire satisfaction. ! 



BATTLE OF JONESBORO. nt 

On the following day, the array moved eastward on several roads; 
General Howard on the right toward Jonesboro ; Thomas, in the centre, 
by Shoal creek church to Couch's, along the Decatur and Fayetteville 
road, and General Schofield about Morrow's mills, on the left. The 
possession of these points gave to General Sherman the advantage of 
shorter and interior lines, owing to the peculiar course followed by the 
railroad from Atlanta to Macon, along the ridge dividing the Flint and 
Ocmulgee rivers, and making a wide bend eastwardly between East Point 
and Jonesboro. 

General Sherman was by no means slow to improve the advantage 
which he had thus obtained, and on the 29th, the columns of his army 
moved forward punctually. General Thomas, in the centre, reached 
Couch's early in the afternoon, having met with but little opposition, 
except such as arose from the narrowness of the roads ; Schofield nearer 
to the enemy, who were close to East Point, moved cautiously on a small 
circle around that place, coming into position at Eough-and-Ready. Gen- 
eral Howard, having the outer circle, and consequently a greater distance 
to travel, met cavalry which he drove to Shoal creek crossing, where the 
enemy had artillery. Here, after some skirmi.shing, he pushed them on 
before him, and passing Renfro on the Decatur road, the position indicated 
for him in the orders of the day, wisely pressed on toward Jonesboro, 
saved the Flint river bridge, and halted only at nightfall, within half a 
mile of Jonesboro. 

The next morning, he found the enemy in front of him, in large force, 
and deploying the fifteenth corps, with the sixteenth and seventeenth on 
its flanks, he threw up temporary fortifications, and prepared to act 
offensively or defensively as the emergency might require. Sherman 
immediately sent to Renfro, a division of Davis's corps, and Stanley's and 
Schofield's corps marched toward Rough-and Ready, with orders to recon- 
noitre and strike the railroad near that place. Meanwhile, Hood, who 
until the 29th of August had serenely imagined that Sherman was in full 
retreat across the Chattahoochie, suddenly had his eyes opened to his own 
real danger by the news of the Union operations on the West Point 
railroad. 

He found himself again flanked, and all efforts to delay Sherman's 
advance rendered futile, inasmuch as that general, having the interior 
lines, could easily keep ahead of any force which might be sent upon his 
track. Consternation reigned in Atlanta when the position of affairs 
besame known, and catching, with the desperation of a drowning man, at 
the last hope. Hood resolved to push forward Lee's and Hardee's corps to 
Jonesboro, to hurl them upon the Union forces before they should have 
time to intrench, or to damage the railroad line irretrievably. 

Accordingly, on the morning of the 31st of August, Howard, who, as 
we have before seen, had reached Jonesboro the night before, found him- 



7Y8 THE CIVIL WAR IN TTTE UNITED STATES. 

self suddenly attacked by these two Rebel corps. He was, however, ad- 
mirably prepared for the onset, and after a stubborn contest of over two 
hours, the foe retired, leaving over four hundred dead on the field, with 
some two thousand five hundred wounded, three hundred of whom were 
left in Joiiesboro. 

While this was being done by Howard, the left and centre were vigor- 
ously pushed forward, and before four o'clock p. M. Sherman had the satis- 
faction of hearing that Howard had thoroughly defeated the Rebels at 
Jonesboro; Schofield had reached within a mile of Rougb-and-Ready, 
breaking up the railroad as he advanced ; that Stanley, of Thomas's army, 
was destroying the same road to the south of Schofield's position, and 
that General Baird, of Davis's corps, was playing havoc on the same line 
of communication, still lower down, within four miles of Jonesboro. 

The whole army was immediatelv concentrated on Jonesboro; General 
Howard keeping the enemy busy while Thomas came down from the 
north, with Schofield to his left, destroying the road as they went, 
Garrard's cavalry watched the road in the rear, on the north ; Kilpatrick 
went south, along the west bank of the Flint river, menacing the railroad 
below Jonesboro, and the whole army was expected to close upon that 
town by noon of the 1st of September. 

The programme was promptly carried out ; General Davis, having a 
shorter line to travel, came in on time, and deployed, facing south, his 
right connecting with Howard, and his left on the railroad ; Stanley and 
Schofield were steadily doing their work of destruction as they advanced 
along the Rough-and-Ready road and the railroad. 

General Blair's corps, thrown into reserve by the connection of Davis's 
line with Howard's, was sent to the right, below Jonesboro, acting against 
the flank with Kilpatrick's cavalry. At four p. M., General Davis assaulted 
the enemy's lines handsomely across an open field, and carried them, 
capturing Govan's brigade, with its commander, and two four gun batteries. 
Stanley and Schofield, however, owing to the difficult nature of the 
roads, and the absence of roads, failed to get in position before nightfall ; 
and the next morning the enemy had disappeared, having retreated 
southward. 

About two o'clock that night, the Union army heard the sounds of 
heavy explosions in the direction of Atlanta, twenty miles distant, followed 
by a series of minor explosions, and by what seemed rapid vollies of 
cannon and musketry, continuing for nearly an hour. About four o'clock 
A. M., there occurred another series of similar detonations, apparently 
nearer. 

At daybreak, finding the enemy's lines at Jonesboro abandoned, a 
general pursuit oouthward was ordered. General Thomas taking the left, 
and General Howard the right of the railroad, while Schofield kept off 
about two miles to the east. At Lovejoy's station, the enemy was over- 



RESULT OF THE CAMPAIGN. 779 

taken, occupying a strongly intrenched position on "Walnut creek, with 
the evident purpose of covering his communication with the McDonough 
and Fayetteville road. 

News arriving at this juncture that Atlanta had been abandoned on the 
night of September 1st; that Hood had blown up his ammunition trains; 
that Stewart's corps had retreated toward McDonough, and the militia 
toward Covington, Sherman ordered the destruction of the railroad to 
cease, and held his army in hand for any movement which the news from 
Atlanta might warrant. 

He was not long in suspense. On the night of September 4th, a courier 
from General Slocum announced that he had entered Atlanta at eleven 
A. M. of the 2d, the enemy having evacuated it the night previous, retreat- 
ing toward McDonough, having destroyed his stores, and burned and ex- 
ploded seven trains of cars loaded with ammunition. His object being 
now fully attained, and deeming it idle to pursue the enemy in that 
wooded region of country, Sherman, on the 4th, ordered the army to 
move slowly back to Atlanta, and on the 8th the several corps reached 
the positions assigned them, the army of the Cumberland going into camp 
near Atlanta, the army of the Tennessee at East Point, and the army of 
the Ohio at Decatur. In this expedition, which formed the last grand 
move of the campaign, he had lost less than one thousand five hundred 
killed, wounded, and taken prisoners ; while the Rebel loss was fully 
double ; and the Union army had captured more than three thousand 
prisoners, and twenty-seven guns. 

Having decided to make Atlanta a strictly military post. General Sher- 
man issued an order, on the 14th of September, requiring the immediate 
removal from it of all families which had male representatives in the 
Rebel armies, to be sent within the Rebel lines, and for all non-combat- 
ants to go North, and to expedite such removal, he entered into a ten 
days truce with General Hood, with whom he made arrangements for for- 
warding the said citizens beyond the Federal lines. 

AVheeler's raid, which, as we have seen, was planned against Sherman's 
lines of communications about the middle of August, was practically 
abortive, and after a futile attempt to carry Dalton by assault, he was 
routed by General Stoneman, and fled to East Tennessee, but being hard 
pushed by several Federal generals, from point to point, finally passed 
southward, through Alabama. Other expeditions under Forrest, Morgan, 
and others were also planned, but all failed in the attainment of their ob- 
ject, which was to force Sherman to loosen his grasp upon Atlanta ; while, 
on the contrary, several expeditions undertaken by Union forces against 
the Rebels, as an offset to their raids, were almost uniformly successful. 

Thus closed the Atlanta campaign, which, although it did not end the 
war, was at least "the beginning of the end," severing for a second time, 
the already divided Rebel Confederacy, so that henceforth neither frag- 



780 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ment could long maintain the pressure of the Union arms. Starting from 
Cliattanooga, a secondary base was held by force of arms in the heart of 
an enemy's country, and itself three hundred and thirty-six miles distant 
from Louisville, the real primary base ; dependent for supplies almost 
entirely upon a single line of railroad, General Sherman pushed his way one 
hundred and twenty-eight miles farther into the enemy's territory, whose 
topographical difficulties was sufficient to intimidate a less courageous 
commander, and with which his antagonist was perfectly acquainted, 
and forced that antagonist to evacuate successively six almost impregna- 
ble positions, by flank movements, which in boldness of conception, and 
successful execution, have never been surpassed in the history of any 
wars. Yet amid such herculean labors and difficulties, such was his fore- 
sight, tact, and care for his soldiers, that his entire losses during the cam- 
paign in killed, wounded, and prisoners, were only, killed, five thousand 
two hundred and eighty-four ; wounded, twenty -six thousand one hundred 
and twenty-nine; missing, five thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, 
making a total of thirty-seven thousand one hundred and ninety-nine, and 
very many of the wounded returned to our lines before the close of the 
campaign ; while the Rebels lost during the last days of July alone, 
over thirty thousand, and during the entire campaign, over fifty thou- 
sand men, of whom about thirteen thousand were prisoners, the Rebel 
army, according to the admission of the Rebel authorities, having been 
entirely changed within thut time, the losses of veterans being made up 
by conscripts and militia. Atlanta, thus gained, was a most serious loss 
to the Confederate Government, and when it fell, they felt the walls of 
their temple reel and totter around them. From this point the doom of 
the Rebellion was sealed, and from this city Sherman commenced upon 
other campaigns, which, as he pithily expressed it, " crushed through the 
Confederacy, as through an egg-shell." 



THE DEPARTMENT OP NORTH CAROLINA. 781 



CHAPTER LXII. 

THE DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA AND SOUTHEAST VIRGINIA — CAPTURE OF THE UNDER- 
WRITER — ATTACK ON NEWBERN — ATTACK ON PLYMOUTH, NORTH CAROLINA — DESPERATE 

FIGHTING BY THE GARRISON OF THE FORT CAPTURE OP PLYMOUTH THE ALBEMARLE's 

FIRST APPEARANCE SHE DRIVES THE UNION GUNBOATS FROM THE RIVER THE BATTLE 

BETWEEN THE ALBEMARLE AND THE SASSACUS — DARING CONDUCT OF COMMANDER ROE 
— THE ALBEMARLE CRIPPLED — EXPLOSION OF THE BOILER OF THE SASSACUS — THE HERO- 
ISM OF THE CREW — THE SASSACUS DISABLED — RETREAT OP THE ALBEMARLE — HER SUBSE- 
QUENT FATE — DARING EXPLOIT OP LIEUTENANT CUSHING MORGAN'S LAST RAID INTO 

KENTUCKY— CAPTURE OF CYNTHIANA, AND SURRENDER OP GENERAL HOBSOn's TROOPS — 
DEFEAT OF MORGAN BY GENERAL BURBRIDGE — THE GUNBOAT DISASTER — THE REBEL TRAP 

RETREAT OF STURGIS THE TRAIN IN A SLOUGH — COMPLETE ROUT AND DISORDER, AND 

LOSS OF TRAIN AND GUNS — BRAVERY OF THE NEGRO TROOPS — FORREST'S RAID ON MEM- 
PHIS — THE FORTS AT THE ENTRANCE OF MOBILE BAY — FARRAGUT's ANXIETY FOR THEIR 
CAPTURE — THE ATTACK ON THE FORTS — THE BATTLE WITH THE RAM TENNESSEE-^HER 
SURRENDER — RESULTS OF THE BATTLE — SURRENDER OF THE FORTS — SKETCH OF COMMAN- 
DER CRAVEN — SKETCH OF FARRAGUT. 

In passing in rapid review the great events of the battle summer of 
1864, we have necessarily omitted reference to several Union opera- 
tions, intended to be subordinate, on the one side or the other, to the 
main campaigns, but occuring at a distance from them. We will now 
gather up these broken threads, before proceeding to a continuation of 
the general narrative. 

The Department of North Carolina and southeast Virginia had been 
subject, before the commencement of the May campaign, to occasional 
disturbances from the vigilant Eebels, ever on the alert for the opportu- 
nity to do the Union troops, garrisons, or gunboats, a mischief Thus 
they had on the ith of February, 1864, captured the Union gunboat 
Underwriter, in the Neuse river, near Newbern, North Carolina, by a 
sudden surprise, and had intended with her to capture the other Union 
gunboats, and transports in the Neuse, but she grounded opposite Fort 
Stevenson, and the commandant of that fort, ascertaining that she was in 
Rebel hands, opened upon her with shell, and soon set her on fire, and the 
Rebels escaped in great haste, leaving some prisoners. They had durino- 
the two or three preceding days, made an attack in strong force on New- 
bern, but though they captured some of the outposts, and took two or 
three guns, they were, on their approach to the city, effectually repulsed, 
and though they tried to erect an earthwork about a mile west of Fort 
Roman, they were speedily driven off, by the shells from the steel guns 
of the monitor iron-clad car, which ran out toward them, and made terri- 
ble havoc in their ranks. 

On the 17th of April, Hoke's Rebel division, about ten thousand strong, 



783 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

approached Plymouth, N. C, and at first attacked Fort Gray, on the 
Roanoke, about two miles above the town, but were repulsed with con- 
siderable loss, though they sunk a small Union gunboat in the river by 
their artillery fire. On Monday, the 19th, they fired all day at Fort Wea- 
sels, a small earthwork one mile from the town, having a garrison of 
sixty men and four thirty-two pounders, and on Monday night carried it 
by assault, after a most desperate fight, in which the little garrison killed 
more than their own number of the assailants. They next attacked Fort 
Williams, in which General Wessels had his headquarters, but were met 
by a fierce and determined resistance, one of the gunboats joining in the 
fight. After more than two hours of desperate fighting, they retired to 
the woods, having suffered very heavy losses. At about four o'clock the 
next morning, the Eebel iron-clad ram Albemarle came down and drove 
the gunboats down the river, and lying in front of Plymouth, kept up a 
fire on the town during the day. Early the following morning five brig- 
ades of the Rebels, under command of General Ransom, assaulted Cornfer 
redoubt, on the left of the town, garrisoned by two hundred men and 
four thirty-two pounders, and after a long and desperate fight carried it, and 
soon after entered the town. Wessels still held out with his garrison of 
two hundred men in Fort Williams, but finding further resistance useless, 
surrendered on Wednesilay evening, April 21st, at ten o'clock p. m. The 
entire Union force in Plymouth was not over two thousand. Of these 
one hundred and fifty were killed, about the same number wounded, and 
one thousand seven hundred surrendered. The Rebel force was full ten 
thousand, and their loss in killed and wounded was over one thousand 
five hundred. The Rebels shot many of the colored soldiers after the 
surrender. 

The Rebel iron-clad Albemarle now reigned supreme on the Roanoke, 
having driven the small Union gunboats into the sound, but her triumph 
was destined to be short. On the afternoon of the 5th of May, the Mat- 
tabesett, Sassacus, and Wyalnsing, three of the double-ender side-wheel 
gunboats which had been commissioned to encounter and if possible 
destroy the Albemarle, cast anchor in Albemarle Sound, twenty miles 
south of Plymouth, and sent four or five of the small gunboats with the 
Miami to decoy the Rebel ram from under the protecting batteries of 
Plymouth into the open waters of the sound. They were successful in 
this, and soon after three p. M., the Mattabesett signaled to get under way, 
and the three doubleenders proceeded up the sound in the order already 
named. The Albemarle was accompanied by two other Rebel gunboats 
not iron-clad, the Bombshell and the Cotton-Plant. As the Union gun- 
boats approached, stripped for action, and under full steam, the Cotton- 
Plant was sent back to Plymouth. As she left, the other gunboat, the 
Bombshell, closed up on the ram's quarters, in position for the impending 
action. As the Mattabesett approached the enemy, she hauled up to allow 



BATTLE BETWEEN THE ALBEMARLE AND SASSACUS. ^83 

her to come up, followed by the Sassacus and "Wyalusing in line, when 
the Miami, which was some distance astern, fired over, making a very 
good shot, which struck the Albemarle, and to which she quickly re- 
sponded. When abreast of the ram the Mattabesett delivered her broad- 
side, and passing around the stern, ran by the Bombshell as that vessel 
lay on the port-quarter of the ram. The Sassacus now approached ; and 
as she cajjne up, the ram, having failed to get near the Mattabesett, turned 
her bow for her ; but the Sassacus, measuring the distance, sheered 
slightly, and passed about one hundred and fifty yards ahead of the mon- 
ster, delivering as she went a whole broadside of solid shot, which 
bounded off from the iron armor of the foe without penetrating. Sweep- 
ing around the stern of the Albemarle, she then poured into the hull of 
the Bombshell a full broadside, which brought its Eebel ensign down, and 
sent the white flag up. Orders were given for the vanquished steamer 
to drop out of fire and anchor, which was promptly done, and the Sassacus 
moved on. 

Meantime, the Mattabesett had again passed the ram, delivering a well- 
directed fire ; and the Wyalusing, which had previously passed, serving 
its guns with a skill equal to that of its consorts, had now come up astern 
of the Sassacus, diverting the attention of the Albemarle from the latter, 
to which her whole side presented a fair mark. The ram was steaming 
slowly, as if awaiting events, but using her guns rapidly all the time, 
throwing shot and shell with spirit and energy. Fortune seemed pro- 
pitious, and the intrepid commander of the Sassacus, determined to close 
with his antagonist, seized the opportunity without hesitation. Ordering 
,the pre-arranged signal, "four bells," to be again and again repeated, the 
ship was headed straight for the weakest part of the ram, the point where 
her casemate or house joined the hull. With throttle wide open, under 
a pressure of thirty pounds of steam, the Sassacus dashed at her grim 
adversary, and with a speed of nine or ten knots, struck]her a fair, perfect, 
right-angled blow, without glance or slide. At the moment of the col- 
lision, the Albemarle drove a hundred pound Brooke shot through and 
through her antagonist, from starboard-bow to port side. But the stern 
of the Union vessel was forced into the side of the ram, and as the Sas- 
sacus kept up her headway, the Albemarle was careened down, and pushed 
forward, like an inert mass — while in profound silence the gunners of 
the Sassacus were training their heavy ordnance to bear on the astonished 
enemy. The ram now protruded a black muzzle from its open port, and 
the loaders of the Sassacus's Parrott rifle, standing on the slide, served the 
gun within fifteen feet of that yawning cannon-mouth. 

Still the Sassacus pushed her adversary, broadside to, before her, press- 
ing her bow deeper and deeper into her side, and still she gave way. The 
other vessels dared not fire, lest their shot should injure the Sassacus, and 
the interval which elapsed was too brief, though to her anxious crew 



T84 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

seeming an age, to permit them to traverse the space which intervened 
between them and the ram. There was not a sound — not a movement — 
not a gun. All was quiet as the grave throughout the fleet. It was a 
grapple for life — a silent but fearful struggle for the mastery — relieved 
only by the sharp scattering volleys of mu.sketry, the whizzing of leaden 
bullet.s, and the deep muffled explosions of hand-grenades, which the 
brave fellow in the foretop of the Sassacus was flinging into the enemy's 
hatch, driving back their sharpshooters, and creating consternation and 
dismay among the closely packed crew of the iron-clad. As yet, no one 
on board the Sassacus had fallen. Presently a movement was felt in the 
two ships. A crashing of timber was heard, as at the moment of col- 
lision. The ram was swinging under the starboard bow of her antagonist, 
and the Sassacus trembled with the shock as her hundred pounder rifle 
and that of the enemy thundered at each other with a simultaneous roar. 
Then came another sound, more appalling than bursting shells or the roar 
of cannon — the terrible sound of unloosed, unmanageable steam, rushing 
in tremendous volumes, seething and hissing as it spread, till both com- 
batants were hidden and enveloped in a dense, suffocating cloud of stifling 
vapor. The shot of the ram had pierced the boiler of the Sassacus, and 
all was lost. No, not lost yet 1 the sharp false stern which had cut deeply 
into the side of the ram, had given way, and the two vessels swung side 
by side. 

Then came the fierce duel for life. The guns were served and fired 
muzzle to muzzle, the powder from those of the Albemarle blackening 
the bows and side of the Sassacus, as they passed within ten feet of each 
other. A solid shot from the hundred pounder Parrott struck the port sill 
of the Albemarle, and crumbling into fragments, one piece rebounded to 
the deck from which it had been fired, while the rest flew into that threat- 
ening port-hole and silenced the enemy's gun. A nine-inch solid shot 
and a twenty pounder shell followed through the same opening in rapid 
succession, as the ram drifted clear of its adversary ; while the starboard 
wheel of the Sassacus crushed and wrenched its iron braces in srrindins 
over the quarter of the ram, smashing the launches she was towing into 
a shapeless mass of drift-wood, and grating over the sharp iron plates 
with a most dismal sound. As the Albemarle passed the wheel of her 
adversary, the crew of the after-guns of the latter, watching their moment, 
drove their solid shot into her ports. 

All this cool gunnery and precise artillery practice transpired while the 
ship, from fire-room to hurricane deck, was shrouded in one dense cloud 
of fiery steam. The situation was appalling. The shrieks of the scalded 
and dying, as they rushed up frantically from below, with their shrivelled 
flesh hanging in shreds upon their tortured limbs; the engine, beyond 
control, surging and revolving without guide or check, abandoned by 
all save one, who, scalded, blackened, sightless, still stood like a hero at 



DARING EXPLOIT OP LIEUTENANT GUSHING. 785 

his post, alone, amid the mass of escaping steam and uncontrollable 
machinery, the chief-engineer df the Sassacus remained, calling to his 
men to return with him into the fire-room, and drag the fires from beneath 
the uninjured boiler, which was now in imminent danger of explosion. 
His calls were effectual, and the fires were removed in season to save two 
hundred lives from destruction. 

All this time the other vessels of the fleet, looking toward the two 
vessels in their deadly contest, could discern only a thick white cloud, 
lighted up incessantly by the flashes of the rapidly served guns of the 
Sassacus, as she rose gloriously above the storm of disaster that sur- 
rounded her, and challenged the admiration of her anxious comrades by 
the stubborn thundering of her battery. The ship still moved, working 
slowly ahead, on a vacuum alone. The cloud of steam at last lifted, and 
revealed the grim enemy of the Sassacus gladly escaping from that em- 
brace of death in which she had been held for nearly a quarter of an 
hour, and retreating, discomfited and demoralized, toward the port from 
which she had sallied so defiantly only a few hours before. The broad 
ensign which had waved so proudly over her casemate, now lay draggled 
and torn, with its shattered flag-staflf on her deck. The Sassacus turned 
around, and again passed by her antagonist. The divisions still stood at 
their guns, and her brave commander, the gallant Roe, firmly enunciating 
his instructions and orders, and guiding every movement of his ship with 
a coolness, precision, and relentless audacity that have found no parallel 
since the days of Decatur and Bainbridge, kept his guns at work on the 
retiring foe as long as they could be brought to bear, till the Sassacus was 
carried by her disabled engine slowly, gracefully, and defiantly, out of 
range. 

The contest was manifestly a most unequal one. The Sassacus, a 
delicate river steamer, built rather for speed than strength, had assailed 
one of the most formidable iron-clads the Rebels had yet constructed, and 
exposed her slight wooden walls against the mailed and impenetrable 
sides of her antagonist, while, muzzle to muzzle, they had fought a battle 
hardly rivalled since that famous one of Paul Jones in the waters of the 
Texel; yet, as a result, the Albemarle was compelled to retreat, her guns 
disabled, her hull shaken, and her frame so racked that she leaked so 
badly as to be kept afloat with difficulty, and never ventured out again 
from her moorings. But, though unable to patrol the sound, or even the 
Roanoke river, she served to hold Plymouth in the possession of the 
Rebels. This the Union naval officers felt to be a reproach, and Lieu- 
tenant W. B. Gushing, a young officer of decided genius and daring, 
volunteered to go in a picket boat and sink her with a torpedo, as she 
lay at her wharf. The attempt was one of great hazard, but it was 
accomplished successfully on the night of the 28th of October. Lieutenant 
Gushing and one of the crew of the picket boat escaped, though not 
50 



786 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

witlioul severe exposure and terrible suffering; one was drowned, and 
tea taken prisoners. 

Not long after, as a military necessity, the garrison being insufficient 
to hold it, and no troops being available for a sufficient reinforcement, 
Washington, N. C, was abandoned as a military post, and almost imme- 
diately visited and plundered by Rebel guerrillas. In June, General 
Palmer, in command of the department, sent an expedition toward 
Kiiiston, which was partially successful, capturing some prisoners and 
several guns. 

During Sherman's Atlanta campaign, already described, the Rebel 
commander. General Johnston, who controlled the entire Rebel armies of 
the Mississippi valley, ordered several expeditions to be undertaken in 
Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi, with the intention of breaking 
Sherman's line of communications, or otherwise distracting his attention, 
and then compelling him to relinquish his campaign. These were all 
unsuccessful in effecting that object, but some of them were affairs of con- 
siderable importance. 

One of these was a raid by Morgan, the notorious partizan chief, into 
the Blue Grass region, in Kentucky, as well as a number of the northern 
and central counties of the State, not usually reckoned as belonging to 
that region. In each successive summer during the war, Kentucky was 
visited by these prowling bands of rough raiders, and sometimes also by 
the better organized bands of the Rebel army. The object principally in 
view was plunder, and the horses, mules, and grain of the Slate were 
transported southward in large quantities. On the 12th of June, Morgan, 
at the head of about three thousand of his cavalry, attacked two Ohio 
regiments, under command of General Hobson, at C^-nthiana, Harrison 
county, Ky., and, after a severe engagement, compelled him to surrender, 
on condition that his men should be immediately exchanged. About 
twenty houses in the village were burned by the Rebels. Ho'oson's loss 
in killed and wounded was fifty-five, and the number surrendered some- 
what more than twelve hundred. The following morning, General Bur- 
bridge came up with a large Union force, and attacked Morgan at 
Cynthiana; after an hour's hard fighting, he completely routed the Rebel 
force, killing three hundred, wounding nearly as many, and taking four 
hundred prisoners, besides liberating one hundred of General Ilobson's 
command, lie also captured over one thousand horses. Burbridge's loss 
in killed and wounded was about one hundred and fifty. Morgan's band 
was completely demoralized and broken up. 

A serious disaster occurred to a body of Union troops under General 
Sturgis, which, on the 1st of June, had left Memphis on an expedition 
against the Mobile and Ohio railroad, in retaliation for the numerous 
raids of Forrest, Wheeler, Rhoddy, and S. D. Lee. The Union force com- 
prised two brigades of infantry, two of cavalry, two regiments of colored 



DISASTER AT GUNTOWN, MISSISSIPPI. Y8Y 

infantry, and a company of light artillery, numbering in all about three 
thousand cavalry and five thousand infantry. They had with them also 
a train of more than two hundred wagons, heavily laden with supplies, 
and eighteen pieces of artillery. Having advanced as far as Salem, a 
detachment of three hundred men was sent on a raid through Ripley, 
Eiga, and Danville. The main body remained at Salem for three days ; 
and, on the 9th of June, moved through Ripley in a southwest direction, 
camping for the night eight miles from Oldtown creek. The cavalry, 
under General B. H. Grierson, which was several miles in advance of the 
main body, crossed the creek on the following morning, and soon after 
became engaged with a small force of Rebel cavalry, which Forrest had 
put forward as a decoy, and which fell back after delivering a volley, 
closely pursued by Grierson. The Union infantry were thus left about 
five miles in the rear, but Grierson pushed forward for about two miles, 
near the little hamlet of Guntown, Miss., when he suddenly found him- 
self in a trap, a strong Rebel force confronting him, and their flanks ex- 
tending through the woods on both sides, so as to be able to pour front 
and enfilading fires into his lines. Unaware at first of their flank move 
ment, he pushed on boldly, and charged the force in front, but the cross 
fires soon threw his command into some confusion, and he gave the order 
to fall back. He succeeded in extricating himself from the difficult 
position, and retreated across Oldtown creek in tolerable order, though 
pursued closely by the Rebels, who somewhat outnumbered the entire 
Union force. He had hardly reached the western side of the creek when 
the Rebels appeared in full force on the eastern side. Grierson immedi- 
ately formed in line of battle, and the infantry began to come up and 
take their places. The Rebel position was an admirable one, their troops 
being protected in a great degree by the heavy timber, while the position 
of the Union troops was open, and though otherwise desirable, afforded 
no such protection. Finding that in consequence of this the Rebels were 
making sad havoc with his lines, General Sturgis ordered a retreat; but 
his large train was in the way. He ordered this faced about, and when it 
was well under way, the retreat commenced ; but the enemy pursued 
rapidly, and heavy skirmishing was kept up for ten miles, when the 
retreating column came upon the train floundering in a swamp, through 
which the road led. Forming his line again, General Sturgis attempted 
to hold the enemy at bay, until the teams could emerge from the swamp ; 
but the Rebels charged upon them with such fury that they gave way, 
centre and flanks. Then commenced a fearful rout ; the two negro regi- 
ments alone retained their organization, and fought like madmen, till they 
were literally pushed along by the surge of the indiscriminately mingled 
mass of pursuers and pursued. The animals were cut loose from the trains, 
and the wagons burned, the artillery spiked and abandoned, and the 
remainder of the column once more started in retreat, the accumulated 



788 THE CrVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

mass of burning wagons and artilleiy delaying the Rebels for an hour or 
more; but nearly a thousand killed and wounded were left on the field, 
and twelve or thirteen hundred more were prisoners. The retreating 
troops fled on, and still on ; all organization lost, and all thoughts, save 
that of self preservation, banished. They only halted when, twenty-five 
miles distant from the first battle-field, they were too much exhausted to 
go further, and flung themselves upon the ground for sleep. In August, 
Forrest made a raid upon Memphis, and took a few prisoners and some 
plunder. 

In August, 1864, one of the most remarkable naval battles of the war 
was fought at the entrance to Mobile bay. The map shows the position 
of Mobile, at the head of the bay, about thirty miles from the Gulf of 
Mexico. The bay, a broad but not deep expanse of water, is almost en- 
tirely land-locked by a sandy spit stretching westward from the eastern 
shore of the bay, and by Dauphin island, a similar sandy barrier, extending 
almost to its western shore. The strait between this island and the sandy 
cape we have already named, is the only one having sufficient water for 
large vessels. On the western extremity of this cape is Fort Morgan, and 
one of the largest, strongest, and best equipped forts in the United States, 
and which was held by the Rebels with a large garrison, ample supplies 
and ammunition. It mounted sixty guns. Opposite to Fort Morgan, and 
about four miles distant, on the point of Dauphin island, is Fort Gaines, 
a strong work mounting twenty-six guns, and well equipped. A mile or 
more above Fort Gaines is Fort Powell, also a strong work, mounting 
eighteen guns, and connected with its sister fort by a water battery and 
some earthworks. 

Fort Morgan commands the ship channel which passes clo.se to the point 
on which it is situated. A space of fifteen hundred yards of this channel 
had been left open, swept as it was in every foot of its distance by the 
guns of the fort, the remainder of the distance to Dauphin island being 
obstructed by piles, chains, and torpedoes. Inside the bay, and keeping 
still further guard over this entrance, were four Rebel war vessels, three 
of them— the Gaines, Selma, and Morgan— being gunboats of large size, 
and one — the Tennessee — one of the most formidable iron-clad rams built 
by the Rebels. 

Rear-Admiral Farragut, tbe able commander of the West Gulf block- 
ading squadron, had long felt annoyed and dissatisfied at the holding of 
these forts by the Rebels. Mobile was one of the two ports entered most 
frequently by the blockade-runners, and notwithstanding the utmost vigi- 
lance of the admiral, such was the protection afforded by the forts to the 
blockade-runners, that they would often slip into the pass or strait, where 
they were beyond his reach. If the forts were once captured, the port of 
Mobile would be hermetically sealed against blockade-running, and thua 
a grand step would be taken toward crushing the Rebellion. Fully im- 



ATTACK UPON THE DEFENCES OP MOBILE BAY 789 

pressed with the necessity of this, Eear-Admiral Farragut had repeatedly 
urged upon the Government the importance of attacking and carrying 
the forts by storm, as soon as possible. Partial preparations for such an 
attack had been made at different times, but the pressure of other emer- 
gencies had caused them to be abandoned. In February, 1864, the admi- 
ral had bombarded the forts for five or six days, but they were held by 
such strong garrisons, that he became convinced that a co-operative land 
force would be necessary for their reduction. He was promised this in 
April, but the demands of the Red river expedition were considered para- 
mount, and he was doomed to further disappointment. At length, General 
Cauby, commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, promised him the 
necessary assistance, and on the 4th of August five thousand troops under 
command of General Gordon Granger, were landed on Dauphin island. 
The enemy thereupon threw a considerable number of additional troops 
into Fort Gaines, all of whom were captured a few days later. The 
early morning of the 5th of August was the time selected for the assault, 
and in anticipation of the severe fighting which would occur. Admiral 
Farragut had issued his orders for the protection of the wooden vessels by 
such means as former experience had proved desirable, and for rendering 
such assistance as might be needed to any vessel which should be disabled. 
It was his intention to lead the assault in his flag-ship, the Hartford, but 
the officers of the other gunboats, who valued the life of their noble com- 
mander higher than he did, unanimously protested against his taking the 
risks of the torpedo strewn passage, and the commander of the Brooklyn 
claiming for that vessel the post of honor, the sturdy old viking, with 
great reluctance, yielded the point. The squadron consisted of fourteen 
gunboats and sloops of war, and four iron-clad monitors. By Admiral 
Farragut's order they were arranged as follows, the gunboats being lashed 
together two and two : the Brooklyn and Octorara, the Brooklyn being 
on the starboard side, or that nearest Fort Morgan ; the Hartford — the 
flag-ship — and the Metacomet ; the Richmond and Port Royal; the Lack- 
awanna and Seminole ; the Monougahela and Kennebec ; the Ossipee and 
Itasca, and the Oneida and Galena; the first named of each pair being ou 
the side nearest to Fort Morgan. Still nearer to the fort, and in single 
line, parallel to the double line of gunboats, moved the monitors, the Te- 
cumseh, Commander T. A. M. Craven, taking the lead, followed by the 
Manhattan, Commander Nicholson, the Winnebago, Commander Storms, 
and the Chickasaw, Lieutenant-Commander Perkins. 

The Rebel squadron, the Tennessee, the Selma, Morgan, and Gaines, 
were drawn up in battle array, just beyond Fort Gaines. The Union fleet 
steamed steadily up the channel, the Tecumseh firing the first gun, at 
thirteen minutes before seven A. M. Fort Morgan replied at six minutes 
past seven, and the Brooklyn answered its fire, after which the action 
became general. 



790 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The Brooklyn soon checked her speed, for the monitor Tecnmseh, near 
her, had struck a torpedo, and its explo-ion perforated her bottom, and 
caused her to careen and sink almost instantly. Sending boats from his 
consort, the Metacomet, to rescue the survivors of the ill-fated vessel (of 
whom all but twenty-three were drowned or killed by the explosion) 
Admiral Farragut, now crowding steam on the Hartford, took the lead, 
though the bay was thickly sown with torpedoes ; " yet," he says in his 
report, "believing that from having been some time in the water they 
were probably innocuous, I determined to take the chance of their explo- 
sion." The admiral had mounted the rigging, and lashed himself near the 
maintop, a position of great danger, but one which enabled him the better 
to witness the conflict, and there he remained throughout the fight. Turn- 
ing to the northwestward to clear the middle ground, the fleet were ena- 
bled to maintain such heavy and well directed broadsides upon Fort 
Morgan, that its fire did them little injury. Just after they had passed 
the fort, however, about ten minutes before eight o'clock, the ram Ten- 
nessee came down at full speed, intending to strike the flag-ship Hartford^ 
but her pilot skilfully eluded the blow, and the fleet-captain gave her a 
full broadside as she passed, the admiral signaling at the same time to 
the iron-clads and gunboats to attack her. He also detached his consort, 
the Metacomet, to go in pursuit of the Selma, and ordered the Octorara, 
the Brooklyn's consort, to pursue one of the others. The Selma was 
captured, and the Gaines and Morgan driven up the bay, though the 
former was so much injured that her crew were compelled to run her 
ashore and destroy her. The combat which followed, and which re- 
sulted in the capture of the Tennessee, is best told in the Admiral's own 
words : 

" Having passed the forts and dispersed the enemy's gunboats, I had 
ordered most of the vessels to anchor, when I perceived the ram Tennessee 
standing up for this ship. This was at forty-five minutes past eight. I 
was not long in comprehending his intentions to be the destruction of the 
flag-ship. The monitors and such of the wooden vessels as I thought best 
adapted for the purpose, were immediately ordered to attack the ram, 
not only with their guns, but bows on, at full speed; and then began one 
of the fiercest naval combats on record. 

"The Monongahela, Commander Strong, was the first vessel that struck 
her, and in doing so, carried away his own iron prow, together with tlie 
cutwater, without apparently doing his adversary much injury. The 
Lackawanna, Captain Marchand, was the next vessel to strike her, which 
she did at full speed ; but though her stern was cut and crushed to the 
plank ends for the distance of three feet above the water's edge to five feet 
below, the only perceptible effect on the ram was to give her a heavy lift. 

" The Hartford was the third vessel that struck her ; but as the Ten- 
nessee quickly shifted her helm, the blow was a glancing one, and as sho 



CAPTURE OF THE REBEL RAM TENNESSEE. t91 

rasped along our side, we poured our whole broadside of nine-inch solid 
shot within ten feet of her casement. 

" The monitors worked slowly, but delivered their fire as opportunity 
offered. The Chickasaw succeeded in getting under her stern, and a fif- 
teen-inch shot from the Manhattan broke through her iron plating and 
heavy wooden backing, though the missile itself did not enter the vessel. 

"Immediately after the collision with the flag-ship, I directed Captain 
Drayton to bear down for the ram again. He was doing so at full speed, 
when, unfortunately, the Lackawanna ran into the Hartford, just forward 
of the mizzen-mast, and cut her down to within two feet of the water's 
edge. We soon got clear again, however, and were fast approaching our 
adversary, when she struck her colors and ran up the white flag. 

"She was at this time sore beset ; the Chickasaw was pounding away 
at her stern, the Ossipee was approaching her at full speed, and the 
Monougahela, Lackawanna, and this ship, were bearing down upon her, 
determined upon her destruction. Her smoke-stack had been shot away, 
her steering chains were gone, compelling a resort to her relieving tackles, 
and several of her port-shutters were jammed. Indeed, from the time the 
Hartford struck her, until her surrender, she never fired a gun. As the 
Ossipee, Commander Le Roy, was about to strike her, she hoisted the 
white flag, and that vessel immediately stopped her engine, but not in 
time to avoid a glancing blow. 

"During this contest with the Rebel gunboats and the ram Tennessee, 
and which terminated by her surrender at ten o'clock, we lost many more 
men than from the fire of Fort Morgan." 

The Hartford, though seriously injured by the blow from the Lacka- 
wanna, was not, as was at first feared, in a sinking condition. It is said 
that at the moment after the collision, when the men, supposing her sink- 
ing inevitable, were calling out to each other to save the Admiral, even 
if all the rest went to the bottom. Rear- Admiral Farragut from his perch, 
satisfied that she would float long enough for the work he desired to 
accomplish, and thinking of that only, signalled to the chief engineer, 
" Go on with speed! Ram her again." 

The Tennessee proved a valuable prize. She was built with great 
strength and powers of resistance, though with little regard to the comfort 
of her officers and crew. Though disabled, her injuries were such as could 
be speedily repaired. Her commander. Admiral Buchanan, was severely 
wounded, and subsequently lost a leg by amputation. A considerable 
number of the crew of the Rebel vessel were killed and wounded. On 
learning Admiral Buchanan's condition, Admiral Farragut, as gentle and 
humane as he was gallant in fight, ordered that he should have the best 
attention, and finding that his case required the care and quiet which 
could only be obtained at a general hospital, he addressed a note to Briga- 
dier-General Page, the commander of Fort Morgan, asking permission to 



792 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

send the Rebel admiral and other wounded Rebel officers, with his own 
wounded, by ship, under flag of truce, to the general hospital at Pensa- 
cola, where they could be properly cared for. The request was granted, 
and the Metacomet was despatched at once on the errand of mercy. 

The Union losses in this engagement were about one hundred and 
twenty killed, (eighty of them on the Tecumseh, including the lamented 
Commander Craven,*) and eighty-eight wounded. The immediate results 
were the capture and destruction of the Rebel fleet, e.Kcept the gunboat 
Morgan, including among the captures, the armored ram Tennessee, and 
the gunboat Selma, with two hundred and eighty officers and men. On 
the next day, Fort Powell, with eighteen guns, was abandoned ; on the 8th 
of August, Fort Gaines surrendered with fifty-six officers, eight hundred 

* Commander Tunis A. M. Craven, of the monitor Tecumseh, was a native of New 
Hampshire, but received liis appointment to the navy wliile a resident of the State 
of New York, in February, 1829. Since that time he had seen about twenty-two years 
of sea service, while much the larger portion of the remaining years of his life in the 
navy was spent in active duty on shore. He served in 18:!0 in the sloop-of-war | 

Boston, of the Mediterranean squadron, and in 1834 joined the sloop-of-war St I-ouis, ' 

in West India waters. The following year he received his warrant as a passed mid. 
sliipman, and in 183G was for a short time engaged at the National Observatory, but 
soon asked to be relieved, and was, at his own request, placed on the coast survey, 
for whose duties he immediately displayed rare aptitude. In 1841 he was promoted to 
a licutcnantcy and was attached to the sloop-of-war Falmouth till 1843, when he was 
transferred to the receiving-ship North Carolina, at New York. A short time after 
he was on the storeship Lexington, and from 1844 to 1847 was on furlough. In the 
latter year he was on the cruise made by Dale, of the Pacific squadron. From 1850 
to 1858 he was employed on the coast survey, visited on official business the Isthmus 
of Darien, and leaving the coast survey in 1859, was appointed to the command of 
the steamer Mohawk, of the home squadron, stationed off the coast of Cuba to inter- 
cept slavers. While in the coast survey he won an enviable reputation as a hydro- 
grapher, and did the country constant and valuable service. 

When the Rebellion broke out Lieutenant Commander Craven was placed in 
command of the Cru-^uder, and had an important share in preserving for the Union 
the fortress of Key West. The Board of Underwriters of New York, presented his 
wife with a service of plate, and sent to him a complimentary letter, in appreciation 
of the desire he had always evinced to render such assistance to the commerce of our 
country, as could properly be e.xtended in the performance of duly, and for rendering 
on several occasions, important services to American vessels in distress, in the 
vicinity of Key West, Florida. 

He received liis commission as commander April 24, 1861, and in September, 1861, 
left the Crusader, and took command of the new screw sloop Tuscarora, which was 
despatched across tlie Atlantic to cruise for the Rebel pirates. Though his failure to 
take the Alabama caused him much annoyance, he did good service in blockading the 
Smntcr at Giliraltar. and compelling the Rebels to abandon that vessel. He returned 
in July, 18C3. Early this year he was ordered to the command of the Tecumseh, and 
sailed in her for Hampton Roads, to join Acting Rear-Admiral Lee's James river flotilla. 
He was among the first to reach City Point, and, after a somewhat lengthened stay 
in the James river, liis vessel was ordered to join Rear-Admiral Farragut's squadron, 
and here she met the fatal torpedo. 



SKETCH OP VICB-ADMIEAL FAREAGUT. 79? 

and eighteen men, and twenty -six guns; on the 23d of August, Fort 
Morgan, after a farther bombardment of twenty-four hours, capitulated, 
giving up sixty guns and six hundred prisoners. To have captured 
Mobile at this juncture, would have been of little service to the Union 
cause, as it would have required a large garrison to hold it, whose ser- 
vices would have been of more value elsewhere ; but the capture of these 
forts put an effectual end to blockade-running, and diminished to a single 
port the opportunity of obtaining, by illicit means, the supplies the 
Rebels so much needed from abroad. It gave too, a new impulse to the 
nation, then somewhat disheartened by repeated repulses and disasters, 
and was justly regarded as the precursor of other and greater victories. 
Vice-Admiral David Glascow Farragut, the commander in this admira- 
bly managed naval battle, and the hero of many gallant fights, was 
born July 5th, 1801, at Campbell's station, near Knoxville, Tennessee. 
His father had been a naval ofiQcer, and his predilections for the service 
were early manifested. He received a midshipman's warrant, December 
17th, 1810. He doubled Cape Horn with Commodore Porter in 1813 ; was 
in the fight in the harbor of Valparaiso, March 28th, 1814, and was 
wounded, and was soon after transferred to the Independence, seventy -four 
gun ship. For some years he was in the Mediterranean squadron, and 
was instructed by Rev. Charles Folsoni, then chaplain of the flag-ship. In 
1821, he was commissioned lieutenant, and ordered to the West India 
station. In 182-4, he was assigned to duty on the receiving ship at Nor- 
folk, Virginia. Here he married a lady of Norfolk, of excellent family. 
In 1828, he was ordered to the sloop-of-war Vandalia, then in the Brazil 
squadron. In 1830, he returned to Norfolk, where he remained till 1833. 
The death of his wife (to whom he was most tenderly attached), from pro- 
tracted illness, accompanied with terrible suffering, plunged him in deep 
grief. In 1833, he was assigned to a command in the Brazil, and subse- 
quently in the West India squadron, in which he remained till 1841, in 
which year lie was commissioned commander, and assigned to the Decatur, 
then in the Brazil squadron. He returned to Norfolk in 1842, and was 
on leave of absence until 1845, when he was ordered to the Norfolk navy- 
yard, where he remained till 1847. Meantime, he had again married a 
Norfolk lady of excellent family, and who proved worthy of the name 
she bore, that of " Virginia Loyall." In 1847, he was put in command 
of the Saratoga, on the home squadron, and took part in the naval engage- 
ments growing out of the Mexican war. In 1851, he was assistant 
inspector of ordnance at the navy-yard. In 1854, he was made command- 
ant of the new navy-yard on Mare's island, California, and remained 
there till 1853, having, in the meantime, been promoted to the rank of 
captain in the navy. In 1858, he was placed in command of the steam 
sloop-of-war Brooklyn, then on the home squadron, from which he was 
relieved in 1860. In April, 1861, when Norfolk sympathized with seces- 



794 THE ClYIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

sion, and traitors seized the navy-yard, he was outspoken in his loyalty, 
and was compelled to leave the city at two hours notice, in consequence 
of his earnest devotion to the Union. He brought his family to Hastings, 
on the Hudson, New York, and asked the Government to employ him in 
its service in restoring the revolted portion of the country to its allegi- 
ance. It was sometime before any position commensurate with his known 
ability could be assigned him, but in the autumn of 1861 he was order- 
en to organize a squadron for the capture of New Orleans. After long 
delays, from the want of suitable vessels, supplies, ammunition, &c., he 
reached Pass L'Outre, at the rnouth of the Mississippi, in April 1862, 
bombarded Forts Jackson and St. Philip for six days ; ran past the forts, 
destroying the Rebel fleet, after a most desperate engagement, April 24tli, 
and captured New Orleans on the 26th of June. On the 27th of that 
month, he attacked, but did not capture, Vicksburg. He was put in com- 
mand of the West Gulf blockading squadron, immediately after this en- 
gagement, and on the 11th of July, 1862, was promoted to the rank of 
Rear-Admiral. In November, 1862, he captured Galveston, Texas. On 
the 1-lth of March, 1863, he passed the batteries of Port Hudson, after a 
most desperate engagement, losing the Mississippi, steamship of the line, 
and leaving the Kineo, Richmond, and Monongahela, disabled below, but 
effecting the passage with the Hartford and Albatross. He rendered 
efficient service in other naval operations in the Department of the Gulf, 
beside maintaining throughout the very difficult cruising ground of his 
squadron, as complete a blockade as possible. The daring and gallant 
action which we have described in the present chapter, added new laurels 
to his already high reputation as a naval commander. In the autumn of 
1864, he was called to Washington, to give his advice to the Government, 
in regard to some naval movements, and in November, 1864, resigned his 
command of the West Gulf squadron. On the 1st of January, 1865, the 
rank of Vice-Admiral, corresponding in the navy, to that of Lieutenant- 
General in the army, was created, and he was promoted to it. Since that 
time, he has been, under tlie President, commander-in-chief of the navy of 
the United States. Confessedly the ablest naval commander of the 
century, and knowing no fear in the performance of his duty, he is as 
modest as he is brave, and shrinks from notoriety or public applause for 
his great achievements. 



OBGANIZATION OP THE MIDDLK MILITARY DIVISION. 795 



CHAPTER LXIII. 

THK MIDDLE MILITARY DIVISION ORGANIZED, AND OKNEKAL SHERIDAN APPOINTED ITS COM- 
MANDER — ORGANIZATION OF THE NEW ARMT OF THE SHENANDOAH — SHERIDAN CONCEN- 
TRATES HIS TROOPS ON THE LINE OF THE POTOMAC — ADVANCINO AND KETREATINO 

" harper's weekly" — EARLY's MISCONCEPTION OF SHERIDAN's CHARACTER — HIS MOVE- 
MENT TO BERRYVILLE — THE CAVALRY FIGHT AT DAKKESVILLE — THE BATTLE OF OPEQUAN 

CREEK, OR WINCHESTER EARLY " SENT WHIRLING" UP THE VALLEY BATTLE OF FISHEr'S 

HILL — EARLY AGAIN DEFEATED AND ROOTED — "SETTLING A NEW CAVALRY GENERAL" — • 
EOSSEr's defeat — EARLY DEFEATED AGAIN AT LITTLE NORTH MOUNTAIN, ON THE 12tH OF 
OCTOBER — SHERIDAN VISITS WASHINGTON — EARLY CREEPS UP ON THE LEFT FLANK OF THE 
UNION ARMY — THE UNION TROOPS DEFEATED BADLY, AND DRIVEN TO MIDDLF.TOWN — SHERI- 
DAN COMBS UP, MAKES THE FUGITIVES "FACE THE OTHER WAY," REORGANIZES THE ARMY, 
ATTACKS, DEFEATS, AND ROUTS EARLY, AND SENDS HIM ONCE MORE " WHIRLING" OP THK 
VALLEY, WITH THE LOSS OF HIS ARTILLERY, WAGONS, ETC. — SUBSEQUENT OPERATIONS IN 

THE VALLEY, IN TEE AUTUMN DESOLATING THE VALLEY TO REPRESS THE GUERRILLAS 

EARLY SENDS A PART OF HIS FORCE TO LEE, AND SHERIDAN RETURNS THE SIXTH CORPS 
TO THE AR.MY OF THE POTOMAC — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF SHERIDAN. 

In the account given in a previous chapter of the expedition of tlie 
Rebel General Early into Maryland and Pennsylvania, it was noticeable 
that there was a want of harmony and consentaneous action on the part 
of the Union troops, strangely in contrast with their united and vigorous 
movements in Virginia. They were numerous enough at any time after 
the battle of Mouocacy, to have driven the Rebels out of Maryland so 
hastily that they could not have taken a wagon-load of their plunder with 
them, yet they did nothing of the sort ; they pursued the enemy in squads 
and small bodies of troops, and when they came up with them, more than 
once were borne back by the overwhelming numbers of the foe, who 
always took good care to have his troops massed. 

This want of concentration and efficiency resulted mainly from the con- 
flicting commands, or departments, into which the territory in question 
was divided. Western Virginia, toward the Ohio, constituted one small 
department ; the Shenandoah valley, and the route of the Baltimore and 
Ohio railroad, another ; Washington and its vicinity was a department by 
itself, and the Department of Annapolis covered Baltimore and part of 
northern Maryland; while Pennsylvania was divided into the Departments 
of the Susquehanna and the Monongahela. The commanders of these 
several military districts did not co-operate harmoniously with each other, 
and being co-equal in authority, there was no end of jealousies and dis- 
cords on questions of rank and precedence. General Grant had observed 
this difficulty and the disasters it had occasioned, and determined to rem- 
edy it. He therefore suggested to the Government the organization of a 



196 I'HE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Middle Military Division, analogous in character to the Military Division 
of the Mississippi, wliich should include all these departments, and have 
control over military afi'airs in the States of Maryland, Pennsylvania, and 
West Virginia. This suggestion being adopted, he nominated for the 
command of that division, Major-General Philip II. Sheridan, the chief of 
his cavalry corps, whose skill, caution, and daring, he had already tested 
in the West, and in his well conducted expeditions in Virginia in May 
and June. The new position required military genius of a high order; 
but though Sheridan was the junior in years of nearly every major-general 
in his new division, General Grant was satisfied of his capacity for the 
command. 

Oil the 7th of August, General Sheridan received his appointment, and 
on the same day established his headquarters at Ilarper's Ferry. Ilis 
first work was to concentrate his troops as rapidly as possible along the 
Potomac, in the immediate vicinity of the Shenandoah valley, whither 
General Early had withdrawn with his troops and his plunder. The force 
assigned permanently to Sheridan was, the army of West Virginia, 
Crook's corps, including the remainder of Hunter's troops (Hunter hiin- 
Belf being relieved), and Averell's cavalry; the nineteenth — Emory's — 
corps, and the sixth — Wright's — corps, together with two divisions of 
cavalry from the army of the Potomac. These were the forces in the 
field. Beside these, the garrisons of Washington, Baltimore, Annapolis, 
Frederick, and other points in Maryland and Pennsylvania were subject 
to his control. General Ord, lately in command in Maryland, was sent 
back to the array of the James, and put in command of a corps there. 
When General Sheridan took command, his troops were widely scattered. 
Crook, and a part of his corps, were in Virginia, threatening the enemy 
at Snicker's and Ashby's gaps; Wright's corps was at Washington, and 
along the Potomac, toward Ilarper's Ferry; and Emory's was still in 
Maryland. The cavalry from the army of the Potomac had not yet ar- 
rived. It was to be commanded by General Torbert, a young cavalry 
ofiicer, who had already achieved some reputation in soutliern Virginia. 

While awaiting the complete concentration of his troops along the line 
of the Potomac, General Sheridan gradually pressed the Rebels bac^k from 
the important positions of Martinsburg, Williamsport, &c., garrisoning 
these as fast as they were relinquished, and establishing complete and 
ready communications between his headquarters and his advanced posts. 
He then began to make feints of an advance, in order to test the enemy's 
strength and fighting qualities. Early, suspecting that Sheridan meditated 
the invasion of the Shenandoah valley, and desiring to entrap him, fell 
back gradually, for the purpose of luring him on ; but Sheridan was more 
than a match for Early in astuteness, and understood too fully Early's 
plots, and the objects to be accomplished, to be hurried into any prema- 
ture movement. As Early retired, however, without appearing to 



THE CAVALRY FIGHT AT DARKESYILLB. 797 

pursue bim, he gradually occupied and secured every important position, 
seizing Winchester on the 12th of August, and throwing out a cavalry 
detachment to Front Royal, where it encountered and defeated, after a 
sharp battle, the Rebel cavalry. This accomplished, he fell back in turn, 
abandoning "Winchester, and receiving and distributing from Harper's 
Ferry, his now rapidly increasing forces. As he expected, this brought 
Early and his troops northward again, and several sharp skirmishes took 
place, Sheridan's cavalry, meantime, reconnoitering thoroughly the enemy's 
position, and taking note of all his movements. Finding that there was 
some danger of their moving southward to join General Lee, a measure 
seriously contemplated by Early about this time, under the renewed 
pressure brought to bear upon Lee by General Grant, and being deter- 
mined to prevent this at all hazards, Sheridan again advanced, as if to 
give Early battle, and thus arrested his progress : and then again with- 
drew toward Charlestown, to attract him nearer to the Potomac. Early, 
supposing that he had excited Sheridan's fears, indulged the hope that by 
skilful management he might flank him, and, entering Maryland again, 
reap another harvest of plunder. Accordingly, he moved east to Berry- 
ville, and issued a long general order to his troops, forbidding straggling 
and depredations upon the inhabitants of the Shenandoah valley. 

The Rebel press, meanwhile, made itself exceedingly merry over these 
advances and retreats of Sheridan, whose object they could not compre- 
hend. Some wag, who deemed himself extremely witty, bestowed the 
sobriquet of " Harper's Weekly " upon Sheridan, in consequence of his 
frequent movements to and from Harper's Ferry. It proved a sorry joke 
ere long, and when it was too late, the Rebels found that Sheridan's move- 
ments were only intended as manoeuvres for a favorable position to strike 
a telling and decisive blow. 

Early's movement to Berryville was made on the 16th of September, 
and Sheridan was completely prepared to move upon him when it occurred. 
Lee was too fully occupied by the heavy and repeated blows Grant was 
inflicting, to be able to send Early any reinforcements, and Sheridan's 
force was more than a match for him. A part of Early's cavalry were 
west of Opequan creek, near Darkesville, about three miles south of 
Martinsburg, and upon these, Merritt's and Averell's cavalry divisions 
were hurled on the morning of the 18th, while the infantry attacking 
Early's main column at Berryville, in flank and rear, pushed it westward 
over the Opequan toward Winchester. The cavalry attack at Darkes- 
ville was a mere skirmish, the Rebel cavalry retreating like a flock of 
sheep toward Winchester. The main column of the Rebels at Berry- 
ville, finding itself attacked in rear and flank, moved off skirmishing, but 
not forming in line of battle till it had crossed the Opequan. Here it 
took up a strong position, and made evident preparations for a deter- 
mined struggle the next day. Sheridan had now accomplished the object 



798 Till-: CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

for which he had been manceuvering so long. He had pushed Early west 
of Opcquan creek, and lay with his force directly between the Rebel army 
and their line of retreat toward Richmond. It remained now only to de- 
feat them in this new position, and drive them into the Shenandoah valley, 
and into the rough and precipitous region which formed the western 
boundary of that valley, in order completely to demoralize and destroy 
them. This was the task which Sheridan undertook the next day. The 
attack was ordered at daybreak of the 19th of September, and was com- 
menced by the cavalry soon after that time, but the infantry were detained, 
waiting for the nineteentli corps, and the delay had nearly been produc- 
tive of serious disa.ster, for though falling back at first, yet finding them- 
selves pressed by an inferior force, the Rebels turned and drove back the 
Union troops for some distance, but the infantry coming up at about 
noon, after about three hours of sharp and determined fighting, the Rebel 
left flank was turned, and they began to fall back toward Winchester, at 
first in good order, and stopping frequently to fight, but aa they were 
pressed more and more closely, their retreat degenerated, after a time, 
into a rout, and they were driven into and tlirough Winchester, or as 
Sheridan expressed it in his despatch " sent whirling through Winchester," 
and pursued relentlessly till, abandoning guns and knapsacks, cannon 
and trains, in their mad frenzy of flight, they reached their fortified posi- 
tion on Fisher's Hill, thirty miles below Winchester, where they succeeded 
in rallying and making a stand. In this disastrous battle and retreat 
three of their ablest generals, Major-General Rhodes, and Brigadier-Gen- 
erals Godwin and York were killed, and Brigadier-General Ilumphreys 
had fallen the previous day at Berryville. Three others, among them 
Fitzhugh Lee, since Stuart's death the commander of the Rebel cavalry 
corps of the army of Virginia, were seriously wounded. About three 
thousand of their killed and wounded were left on the battle-field, and the 
Union troops captured twenty-two hundred uninjured prisoners, five 
thousand stand of arms, five pieces of artillery, aud fifteen battle-flags. 

With the celerity which has always marked his movements Sheridan 
marched at once to assault and dislodge the Rebels from their strong 
position on Fisher's Hill. To most generals this would have seemed 
an impossible task ; there are few points stronger by nature, or better 
fortified by art, than this, where Early, regarding himself as perfectly 
secure, was resting and re-forming his wearied and demoralized troops. 
His right rested upon the north fork of the Slienandoah river, just where 
the Massanutten mountain terminates in a precipitous bluff on its eastern 
shore; his left rested upon the equally precipitous, and as he believed 
impas.sable brow of the North mountain, and the slope of Fisher's Hill, 
steep, and covered with a heavy undergrowth, and swept at every point by 
his cannon, forbade approach in that direction. To Sheridan, however, 
these obstacles were only sufficient to give a zest to his enterprise of 



DESTRUCTION OP SUPPLIES IN THE SHENANDOAH. 799 

dispossessing his foe of his stronghold. On the morning of the 21st, his 
army was in position to assail the enemy. The front was too formidable 
to be carried by a direct attack alone, and therefore he determined while 
demonstrating on that with his sixth corps, to send the eighth — Crook's — 
corps far to the right, to sweep around Early's left, and flanking him 
attack him in rear, and drive him out of his intrenchments, and the nine- 
teenth — Emory's — corps to assail him on his right flank, while Averell 
skirted along the southern base of the mountain. Confused and disorgan- 
ized by attacks at so many difierent points, and disheartened at finding 
that Crook had already flanked them, and was pouring a destructive fire 
upon their rear, the enemy broke at the centre, and the sixth corps sepa- 
rating their two wings, they fled in complete disorder toward Woodstock. 
Artillery, horses, wagons, rifles, knapsacks, and canteens were abandoned, 
and strewn along the road. Eleven hundred prisoners and sixteen pieces 
of artillery were captured. The pursuit was continued until the 25th of 
September, and terminated only when the enemy had been driven beyond 
Port Republic, and large numbers of them, sick of the conflict, and de- 
termined to abandon it, had scattered in the mountains. The loss of the 
Rebels from the 19th to the 25th of September, in killed, wounded, miss 
ing, and prisoners, was certainly not less than ten thousand. 

The President commissioned Sheridan as brigadier-general in the regu- 
lar army, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of the lamented 
McPherson, for his gallantry and skill displayed in these battles. Pausing 
for a few days at Port Republic, and making his headquarters there. 
General Sheridan sent his cavalry forward under General Torbert to 
Staunton. They succeeded in capturing the town, and destroyed all the 
storehouses, machine shops, and other buildings owned and occupied by 
the Rebel Government, and also the saddles, small arms, hard bread, and 
other military stores found in the place. They then proceeded to Wiiynes- 
boro, a town on the Virginia Central railroad, tore up seven miles of the 
railroad track, destroyed the depot, the iron bridge over the Shenandoah, 
a government tannery, and other stores. General Sheridan also improved 
his time, while holding possession of the upper Shenandoah valley, to 
destroy all the grain, hay, and forage to be found there, excepting what 
was necessary for the subsistence of his own army. He thus effectually 
crippled both Early's and Lee's armies, as each had depended upon this 
fertile valley for the greater part of their stores of grain and forage. The 
whole valley being thus rendered untenable by the Rebel army, and the 
guerrilla movements, which had been encouraged by the inhabitants who 
had harbored them, sternly repressed. General Sheridan moved leisurely 
northward, and on the 6th of October made his headquarters at Wood- 
stock. South of this point, over two thousand barns, filled with wheat 
and hay, and over seventy mills, stocked with wheat and flour, had been 
destroyed ; and a vast herd of stock, and more than three thousand sheep, 



800 TDK CIVIL WAR ly THK UNITED STATES. 

had been reserved for the supply of the army. The Luray valley, as well 
as the Little Fort valley, were subjected to the same devastation, the in- 
habitants of both, like those of the Shenandoah, having, while professedly 
loyal, engaged in guerrilla operations, and the murder of Union soldiers. 
On the 8th of October, the Eebel General Rosser, a cavalry officer of 
considerable ability, who had just been promoted to the rank of major- 
general, thinking that he had found an opportunity to achieve a reputa- 
tion, began to harass Sheridan's rear. He did succeed in achieving a 
reputation by the movement, but it was not an enviable one, for Sheridan, 
facing about, offered battle, and finding him unwilling to accept it, 
ordered his cavalry to attack by daylight on the morning of the 9th, one 
division charging along the Strasburg turnpike, while another, moving 
by a back road, took the enemy in flank. Rosser, after a short resistance, 
found himself severely beaten, and lost eleven pieces of artillery, several 
caissons, a battery forge, forty-seven wagons, and over three hundred pris- 
oners. The Rebel cavalry fled in great terror at the charge of Sheridan's 
troopers, and were pursued "on the jump" for twenty-si.x miles, the pur- 
suit being continued beyond Mount Jackson and across the south fork of 
the Shenandoah. It would have seemed that Early had received sufBcient 
punishment to dispose him to remain quiet for the rest of the season; but 
he evidently hoped for better fortune in making further attacks on his 
adversary, and on the 12th of October, having crept up quietly under 
cover of the forest on Little North mountain, he appeared in force on the 
wooded slope south of Cedar creek, fronting Snyder's gap, and com- 
menced a heavy and rapid artillery fire on Sheridan's lines, the Union 
army having encamped on the banks of the creek. He had not, however, 
approached so stealthily that General Sheridan was unaware of his move- 
ments, and with a promptness which showed that he was not surprised, 
he returned the artillery fire, shot for shot, and then ordering forward 
bis troops, sprang upon the foe, and after a sharp action of three hours, 
terminating in a cavalry charge, drove Early once more in confusion up 
the valley. Having thus once more " settled" General Early, General Sheri- 
dan made a flying visit of inspection to his various outposts, and employed 
a part of his cavalry meantime in making a thorough devastation of 
Luray valley, from Front Royal to Sperryville, the inhabitants of that 
valley having harbored and aided the guerrillas and bushwhackers who 
were murdering the operatives along the Manassas Gap railroad, which 
General Sheridan was putting in repair. In this expedition sixty-five 
hundred head of cattle and five hundred horses were captured, and thirty- 
two large flouring mills, thirty distilleries, four blast furnaces, and over 
fifty barns were destroyed. By holding Front Royal, and repairing 
the Manassas Gap railroad, General Sheridan could open a direct com- 
munication with Washington, and thus transport his supplies and troops 
more expeditiously than he could do by way of Harper's Ferry. This 



EARLY'S ATTEMPT TO FLANK THE UNION ARMY. 801 

railroad was opened on the 15th of October, and General Sheridan passed 
over it to Washington. 

While he was thus absent, Early, still unsatisfied with his past expe- 
rience in fighting the Union troops, planned another expedition against 
them, which had well nigh proved successful, and which was in all respects 
one of the most remarkable battles of the war. 

After the battle of October 12th, Early had fallen back to his strong- 
hold on Fisher's Hill, where the dense forest screened his movements 
from the view of the Union troops ; and here, on the 18th of October, 
he had been reinforced by about twelve thousand fresh troops, gathered 
from southwestern Virginia and Carolina. Eight thousand of these were 
without arms, but they were organized and officered, and trusted to their 
good fortune for obtaining arms from the spoils of the battle-field. This,' 
with previous reinforcements, brought his army up to twenty-seven thou- 
sand, of whom nineteen thousand were already armed. He had learned 
of Sheridan's visit to Washington, and believed that the sixth army corps 
were gone also, and were on their way with Sheridan to join Grant's army. 
With this impression, he regarded the occasion as an auspicious one to 
make one more attack, and effectually avenge himself on the army which 
had thrice defeated him, and twice driven his legions southward in wild 
confusion almost to the sources of the Shenandoah. 

In point of fact, the sixth corps was still a part of the army of the Shenan- 
doah, and in camp with the remainder of that army, in the vicinity of Cedar 
creek, and General Sheridan was returning from Washington, and on the 
night of the 18th of October had reached Winchester. Had Early been 
aware of this, it is very doubtful whether he would have attempted the 
daring enterprise in which he so nearly succeeded, only to fail most signally. 

The Union position was an echelon of three lines, posted on three 
separate crests of moderate height, on the south side of Cedar creek, in 
the vicinity of the point where the creek crosses the Strasburg and Win- 
chester turnpike, three miles or more northeast of Strasburg. The army 
of Western Virginia — the eighth corps — occupied the left, or most ad- 
vanced crest toward the east, the nineteenth corps came next on a crest 
half a mile in rear, and the sixth corps occupied the right, still farther in 
rear. The fronts and flanks in front of the army of Western Virginia 
and the nineteenth corps, were protected by breastworks of logs and earth, 
with batteries in position, while the right was guarded by Torbert's 
cavalry. The following diagram gives perhaps a more distinct idea of 
their relative position, it being understood that the advanced position of 
the army of Western Virginia was also farthest south. 

TORBERT'S CAVALRY. 

SIXTH CORPS. 
NINBTEENTH CORPS. 
ARUY 07 WKSTBRN VIRGINIA. 

51 



802 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

In front this position was impregnable, except by a surprise, aud to turn 
either flank was an enterprise so rash and dangerous that it was con- 
sidered impossible by most of the officers. In Sheridan's absence the 
command devolved on General Wright, of the sixth corps, as senior 
corps commander. 

The event proved that it was not safe to rely upon Early's timidity, or 
the difficulty and danger of a flank movement, as a safeguard against it. 
With a rashness that could only have been inspired by desperation, since 
at every point of his progress except the last, discovery would have been 
inevitable ruin. Early resolved to attempt, by a nocturnal movement, to 
turn the left flank of the Union army. To do this it was necessary to 
descend into the gorge at the base of the Massanutten mountain, ford the 
north fork of the Shenandoah, and skirt Crook's position for miles, pass- 
ing in some places within four hundred yards of his pickets. Three 
days previous the movement would have been impossible, as a brigade of 
Union cavalry then "held the road along which the Kebels now crept with- 
out opposition. As it was, Early's enterprise was hazardous almost 
beyond parallel. Had the Union troops caught him in the mid.st of it 
they would have ruined him; their infantry would have cut his in two, 
while their cavalry would have prevented his retreat to Fisher's Hill ; he 
would have lost half his army, and they could not have lost a thousand 
men. 

Before midnight of the 18th of October, Early's entire army was in 
motion. His cavalry and artillery had orders to advance upon the Union 
riglit, so as to occupy the attention of Torbert and the sixth corps. II is 
infantry marched in five columns, in which Gordon's, Ramseur's, and Pe- 
gram.'s, were to place themselves, by daybreak of the 19th, on the left rear 
of the whole Union position, while Kershaw's and Wharton's should, at 
the same hour, be close to the intrenched crest held by the army of 
Western Virginia. The management of his troops was admirable; the 
canteens of the advance had been left in camp, lest they should reveal 
their approach, by clattering against the shanks of the bayonets, and the 
men, comprehending the necessity of quietness and secrecy, moved so 
noiselessly that the march was accomplished with an almost miraculous 
success. 

There was a moment, indeed, when the audacious column trod on the 
brink of destruction. About two o'clock in the morning the pickets of the 
filth New York heavy artillery, serving as infantry in Kitchings provi- 
sional division, which was attached to the army of Western V^irginia, heard 
a rustling of underbrush, and a muffled multitudinous trampling. Two 
])osls were relieved and sent into camp with the information. General 
Crook ordered his command to be upon the alert, and most of the front 
line wont into the trenches. But there was not a private in the army, and 
hardly an officer, who believed that the often defeated Early would venture 



EEPULSE OF THE FEDERAL AEMY. 803 

an attack. No reconnoissance was sent out to see if the alarm was well 
founded ; the gaps in the front line caused by the detachment of regiments 
on picket, were not filled up from the reserves, and when the assault 
took place, it found many muskets unloaded. An hour before daybreak 
the Rebel infantry, shivering with cold, but formed and ready for battle, 
lay within six hundred yards of the Union camps, which were either 
sleeping or only half awake with suspicion. On the extreme right was 
Gordon, diagonally in rear of the nineteenth corps ; on the left of Crook, 
facing Kitching's provisional division, which had been placed at right 
angles with Crook's main army to prevent any flanking movement, lay 
Ramseur, supported by Pegram ; in front of Crook was Kershaw, sup- 
ported by Wharton. The second division of the nineteenth corps were 
under orders to move at daybreak for a reconnoissance of Fisher's Hill, 
' but just as they were formed for the march, a terrific rattle of musketry 
burst forth with amazing suddenness, far away on their left, followed by 
scream on scream of the well known Rebel battle yell, revealing in an 
instant that Early in great force was assaulting the position of the army 
of Western Virginia. The men of that division were instantly ordered 
to move into the trenches. The enemy, with that terrible battle cry, had 
flung themselves upon the flank and rear of the army of Western Vir- 
ginia with such fury that they had taken them entirely by surprise, and 
in fifteen minutes that veteran corps, the heroes of so many bloody battles, 
were rushing back, a mass of fugitives, upon the centre, where the nine- 
teenth corps, forewarned, had sprung into the trenches, but found them- 
selves almost immediately attacked in flank and rear, while the Rebel 
General Gordon had seized a position whi(^h completely commanded their 
camp. For an hour and more of desperate and determined fighting, that 
corps held its position, the sixth corps, meanwhile, being unable to come to 
its help, since they could not at that early hour, and in the dim light, ascer- 
tain what was the strength of the force (Early's cavalry and artillery) which 
had engaged them. At length Gordon's men, reaching onward along and 
beyond the flank of the nineteenth corps, turned it and fell upon its rear, 
and in its turn, it was compelled to abandon its position and retreat to- 
ward Winchester, or rather toward Middletown, on the Winchester road. 
The sixth corps had by this time found what was the force in its front, 
and had turned them over to Torbert's cavalry, who were amply sufficient 
to take care of them, while it came up to the support of the nineteenth 
corps ; but after hard fighting, it too was flanked by Gordon's interminable 
column, and though it moved back slowly and in good order, it was 
compelled to retreat to a position where it could fight to better advantage. 
The train had been, by skilful management, removed out of harm's way, 
and sent by by-roads toward Winchester ; but the army had been driven 
off' the Strasburg and Winchester turnpike, and it was necessary for it to 
fall back until it could regain a position upon it, and thus secure its com- 



804 THE CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATES. 

munications. The enemy were in possession of all its camps, and at the 
expiration of five hours from the commencement of the attack, there was 
a lull in the fighting, the Ilebel troops being engaged in plundering the 
camps, and those who were unarmed in the morning were procuring from 
the killed, wounded, and prisoners, the arms they needed. At this time, 
about ten o'clock A. M., the army of the Shenandoah was for the first 
time defeated ; not routed, but badly beaten. The Rebels had all the camps 
and fortified positions ; they had retreated full three miles, and their 
stragglers, a multitudinous host, had reached Winchester, a dozen miles 
farther. They had lost twenty-four guns, and twelve hundred prisoners, 
while all that three miles of their retreat was strewn thick with the killed 
and wounded who had fallen in the desperate struggle. 

It was just at this time that Sheridan, who had learned at Winchester 
of the disaster, came up the pike at full speed, his noble horse completely 
flecked with foam, swinging his cap, and shouting to the stragglers, 
" Face the other way, boys. We are going back to our camps. We are 
going to lick them out of their boots." The effect was magical. The 
wounded by the roadside raised their hoarse voices to shout; the fugitives, 
but now hurrying forward toward Winchester, turned about at sight of 
him who had always led them to victory, and followed him back to 
the battle-ground, as hounds follow their master. Still riding rapidly, he 
reached the main army, ordered it to face about, form line, and advance 
to the position it had last quitted. They obeyed without hesitation, and 
for two hours he rode along the line, .studying the ground, and encouraging 
the men. " Boys," he said, in his earnest, animated way, " if I had been 
here, this never should have happened. I tell you it never .should have 
happened. And now we are going back to our camps. We are going 
to get a twist on them. We are going to lick them out of their boots." 
The sixth corps now held the turnpike and its vicinity. On its right the 
nineteenth corps was formed in double line, under cover of a dense wood, 
the first division on the right, the second on the left. The rearmost line 
threw up a rude breastwork of stones, rails, and trees, covered by the 
advanced line standing to arms, and by a strong force of skirmishers, 
stationed two hundred yards to the front, but still within the forest. For 
two hours all was silence, preparation, reorganization, and suspense. 
Then came a message from Sheridan to General Emory, that the enemy, 
in column, were advancing against the nineteenth corps. They came, and 
were received with so deadly a fire of artillery and musketry that they 
awaited no second fire, but fell back at once out of sight. Emory imme- 
diately sent word to the commanding general that he had repulsed the 
enemy. The deliglit of General Sheridan at this intelligence was evident. 
It assured him that his army had recovered its old courage and tone, and 
that he could now use it to defeat and rout the foe who had so sadly 
defeated them in the morning. Sending the message to Emory, that if 




fe 



DEFEAT AND ROUT OP THE REBEL ARMY. 805 

they renewed the attack, he must meet them by a counter attack, drive 
them back, and follow them up, he watched the position of affairs, and at 
half-past three issued this order : " The entire line will advance. The 
nineteenth corps will move in connection with the sixth corps. The 
right of the nineteenth will swing toward the left, so as to drive the 
enemy upon the pike." The enemy's left was now his strong position, 
being supported by successive wooded crests, while his right ran out to 
the pike, across undulating, open fields, which offered no natural line 
of resistance. Sheridan's plan was to push them off these crests by this 
swinging movement of his right, and then, when they were doubled up on 
the pike, to hurl his cavalry at them across the Middletown meadows. 
The Union infantry rose at once from the position where it had been 
lying, and advanced through the forest into the open ground beyond. 
"There was a brief silence of suspense ; then came a screaming, cracking, 
humming rush of shell; then a prolonged roar of musketry, mingled with 
the long-drawn yell of the Union charge ; then the artillery ceased, the 
musketry died into spattering bursts ; and over all the yell rose triumphant. 
Every thing on the first Rebel line, the stone walls, the advanced crest, 
the tangled wood, the half-finished breastworks, had been carried." The 
first body of Rebel troops to break and fly was Gordon's division, the 
same which had so perseveringly flanked the Union army in the morning, 
and was now flanked in turn by the first division of the nineteenth corps. 
Desperate fighting now ensued, and the Rebels held their position with 
great tenacity ; while the Union soldiers, who had neither eaten nor drank 
any thing since the evening of the previous day, and had been fighting 
since five in the morning, were greatly exhausted ; but they forgot their 
hunger, their thirst, and their weariness — forgot every thing, but that 
they were Sheridan's soldiers, and that they must drive the enemy back. 
Again they charged on the Rebel second line, over stone walls, over steep 
hill-sides, and through thickets ; Sheridan himself dashing along the front, 
cheering them with his confident smile, and his emphatic assurances of 
success, and giving his orders in person to brigade, division, and corps 
commanders. The result could not be doubtful ; the second charge 
carried the enemy's second line with the same rush, and with greater ease 
than the first; and the cavalry swept on in magnificent line, and pushed 
the routed foe into more hopeless confusion and speedier flight than in 
the battle of the 19th of September. Desperate were the efforts of the 
Rebel officers to rally their men, and make another stand; but they were 
utterly in vain, and Early's army was again "sent whirling" up the 
valley. The fighting soon swept far ahead of the tired infantry, who re- 
sumed their position in their old camps, and hungry, thirsty, and weary, 
lay down amid the desolation, and the numerous dead bodies of their 
comrades and their foes, and slept quietly and peacefully. The cavalry, 
meantime, pushed Early's jaded legions on, and still on, through Stras- 



806 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

burg, past Fisher's Hill, where, after a brief rest, they remounted, and 
drove them to Woodstock, sixteen miles from the scene of the morning 
battle. In their terror and flight, the Rebels abandoned every thing; 
cannon, small arms, knapsacks, great coats, baggage wagons, caissons, 
ammunition wagons and ambulances, were all thrown away, as impeding 
their retreat. The twenty-four cannon which they had taken from the 
army of the Shenandoah in the morning, were all recaptured, and twenty- 
seven more of Early's own were also brought in. Beside these, there 
were fifty wagons, sixty-five ambulances, sixteen hundred small arms, 
several battle flags, and fifteen hundred prisoners. Two thousand of the 
Rebel killed and wounded were left upon the field. The Union losses in 
the morning had been very heavy; they amounted in all to about three 
thousand killed and wounded, and twelve hundred taken prisoners, in- 
cluding about four hundred of the wounded. In all the records of modern 
history, there is no more remarkable instance of a battle retrieved than 
this. Marengo, Shiloh, and Stone river have been compared to it, but in 
the two former there were reinforcements brought up to change the 
fortunes of the day, while the first defeat was not so complete or over- 
whelming, and in the latter, there was an interval of two days' rest, to 
reinspire the troops with courage. Here the delay was but for three or 
four hours, and the only reinforcement brought up or needed was one 
man — Sheridan. 

On hearing the particulars of this victory, Lieutenant-General Grant 
telegraphed to Secretary Stanton, on the evening of the 20th of October, 
as follows: 

" IIoN. E. M. Stanton, Secretary of War : 

"■ 1 had a salute of one hundred guns fired from each of the armies here, 
in honor of Sheridan's last victory. Turning what bid fair to be a disas- 
ter into a glorious victory, stamps Sheridan, what I have always thought 
him, one of the ablest of generals. 

" U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General." 

This magnificent victory led to General Sheridan's appointment to the 
rank of major-general in the regular army, to fill the vacancy occasioned 
by the resignation of Major-General McClellan, and to an autograph letter 
of thanks from the President. 

For six weeks after the battle, there were occasional skirmishes of greater 
or less severity, between one or more divisions of Torbert's cavalry, and 
the Rebel cavalry officers Rosser and Lomax ; but Early, though moving 
uneasily up and down the valley from Mount Jackson or New Market to 
Fisher's Hill, carefully avoided every thing like a general engagement, and 
in December, sent a part of his forces to strengthen General Lee. Mean- 
time, the guerrilla warfare continued with all its vexatious annoyances and 
stealthy murders, and General Sheridan found it necessary to desolate the 



SKETCH OF MAJOR-GENERAL SHERIDAN SOT 

valley of the Blue Ridge by his cavalry, as he had done the valleys west 
of it. In two expeditions undertaken for this purpose, property to the 
amount of nearly seven and a half millions of dollars was either destroyed 
or captured, vast herds of cattle, sheep, and swine, and large numbers of 
horses and mules were brought in. Driven from this region, the guerrilla 
bands subsequently concentrated near the upper waters of the Potomac, 
and in the vicinity of Piedmont, New Creek, and other points, did some 
mischief, but their power for evil was greatly crippled by the stern 
and thorough measures adopted by General Sheridan. In December, the 
sixth corps was returned to the army of the Potomac, and the army of 
the Shenandoah for nearly two months acted principally as a corps of 
observation. 

Philip Henry Sheridan, the brilliant and able commander whose skilful 
management and decided strategic ability were so fully exhibited in this 
campaign of the Shenandoah valley, was born in Perry county, Ohio, in 
1831. His parents were of Irish origin. He had the advantages of a 
good common school education, and was appointed to a cadetship at "West 
Point in 1848. and graduated in 1853, very low in his class, his belligerent 
disposition reducing his standing in his studies, which was otherwise 
above mediocrity. He was attached to the first United States infantry 
as brevet second lieutenant, and ordered to Fort Duncan, Texas. In the 
spring of 1855, he was exchanged into the fourth infantry as full second 
lieutenant, and ordered to San Francisco via New York. In the latter city, 
he was for two months in command of Fort Wood. For six years he 
remained on the Pacific coast, and among the Indian tribes, whose confi- 
dence he had won, and whom he could manage better than any other 
army officer. He was promoted to a first lieutenantcy in the winter of 
1861, and when the war broke out to a captaincy in the thirteenth infan- 
try. United States army, and ordered to join his regiment at Jefferson 
barracks, near St. Louis. He was first made acting quartermaster under 
General Curtis, but succeeded indifferently. During the Pea Ridge cam- 
paign, he was ordered by General Blunt to impress a large amount of 
provender from the citizens of Arkansas, and refusing, was put under 
arrest, and ordered to report to General Halleck, who relieved him from 
arrest, made him his own chief quartermaster, but perceiving that 
he had a decided vocation for the cavalry, allowed him soon after to 
accept a commission as colonel of a Michigan cavalry regiment. On the 
14th of July, 1862, with his regiment, he fought and defeated a Rebel 
brigade of cavalry, and for this was made brigadier-general of volun- 
teers, his commission dating from July 1st, 1862 ; but his command was 
infantry, not cavalry, to which he was best adapted. He did well, how- 
ever, in his new field of activity, exhibiting that combination of caution 
and daring, and that quick perception of the right course to pursue in an 
emergency, which made him a favorite, both with his superiors and his 



808 1'HE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

own command. At Perryville, October 8th, 1862, he held the key of 
the Union position, and saved the Union army from defeat. In the 
battle of Stone river, his division fought with the utmost desperation on 
the first day, and aided greatly in staying the rout which the giving way of 
the right wing had caused ; all the brigade commanders were either 
killed or severely wounded, and seventy officers and half the men of the 
division fell on that bloody field ; but Sheridan finally brought off the 
remnant in good order, and re-forming it, did gallant service during the 
remainder of the battle. For his meritorious service here he was made 
major-general of volunteers. At Chickamauga, on the first day, he pre- 
vented a serious disaster to Wood's corps ; and on the second day, though 
borne ofl" the field by the sudden assault of the enemy upon the gap in 
the Union lines, he fought his way out, and re-forming his men, brought 
his division into the lines again before midnight. At Chattanooga, his 
bravery and daring were conspucious in the charge up Mission Ridge 
upon Fort Bragg; his horse was shot under him, and his men were 
ready under liis leadership to dare and do any thing, however arduous or 
seemingly impossible. He was next with Sherman in the severe and ar- 
dous march to Knoxville, to raise the siege of that city. 

When General Grant became Lieulcnant-General, he called Sheridan 
to the congenial post of chief of the cavalry corps of the army of the 
Potomac, and we have recorded in a previous chapter, the skill and abil- 
ity, the courage and genius, with which he conducted the two expeditions 
around the rear of the Rebel army. Promoted on General Grant's 
nomination to the command of the army of the Shenandoah, the present 
cho.pter shows how he won new laurels, and exhibited that most extraor- 
dinary proof of good generalship, the turning defeat into victory. For 
the ability displayed in this field he was made first brigadier, and then 
major-general in the regular army. His subsequent career, as we shall 
see hereafter, was worthy of his previous brilliant record. In March, 
1865, he ascended the Shenandoah valley to Staunton and Waynesboro, 
routed Early once more, and destroyed the railroads, canals, and other 
property of the Rebels, to the value of over fifty millions of dollars. 
Marching by way of White House, he joined General Grant on the 27th 
of March, and after two days' rest, was ordered to the field in the closing 
campaign, where the capture of Five Forks, and the persistent pursuit, 
and eventual surrender of Lee, were due in a large measure, to his perse- 
verance, bravery, and strategic skill. After the war on the Atlantic coast 
was over, he was sent in command of an army of about eighty thousand 
men to Texas; and the Rebel General, E. Kirby Smith, having surren- 
dered, he was allowed, after a few weeks guarding of the border, to reduce 
his army. On the 27th of June, he was appointed commander of the 
Military Division of the Gulf, comprising the Departments of Mississippi, 
Louisiana, Texas, and Florida, with headquarters at New Orleans. 



INFLUENCE OP POLITICAL PARTIES DURING THE WAR. 809 



CHAPTER LXIV. 

POLITICAL PARTIES, AND THEIR INFLDENCB DtJRINO THE WAR — "THE ERA OP GOOD FEELING" 

ITS SPEEDY TERMINATION FERNANDO WOOd's SOMERSAULTS THE PROFESSIONS OF THE 

PRO-SLAVERY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS THEIR DESIRE FOR A "MORE VIGOROUS PROSECUTION 

OF THE war" — " THE GREAT UNREADY" — OPPOSITION TO EMANCIPATION NOMINALLY RE- 
LINQUISHED — THE SUSPENSION OF THE HABEAS CORPUS ACT, AND ARBITRARY ARRESTS 

THE CONSCRIPTION — THEIR OBJECTIONS TO IT — THEIR HOSTILITY TO THE FINANCIAL POLICY 
OF THE GOVERNMENT — SECRET ORGANIZATIONS OPPOSED TO THE GOVERNMENT — THE PEACE 

PARTY AND ITS LEADER SKETCH OF VALLANDIGHAM — HIS TREASONABLE ADDRESS AND HIS 

ARREST JUDGE LEAVITT's REFUSAL TO GRANT A WRIT OF HABEAS CORPUS, AND HIS OPINION 

OF TREASONABLE UTTERANCES VALLANDIGHAM's TRIAL AND SENTENCE — ^THE PRESIDENT 

COMMUTES IT TO TRANSPORTATION BEYOND THE UNION LINES — PROTEST OF THE ALBANY 
COMMITTEE — THE PRESIDENT'S REPLY — PROTEST OF THE COLUMBUS COMMITTEE — THE PRESI- 
DENT'S PROPOSITIONS — THE OBJECT OF THESE DEMONSTRATIONS — VALLANDIGHAM NOMINA- 
TED FOR GOVERNOR AND DEFEATED HIS ESCAPE TO CANADA AND RETURN TO OHIO — - 

CHARACTER AND CONDUCT OF HIS ASSOCIATES IN CANADA HE ATTENDS THE CHICAGO 

CONVENTION THE PROCEEDINGS OF THIS CONVENTION ITS PLATFORM ITS NOMINEES 

GENERAL MCCLELLAN's LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE HE ACCEPTS THE NOMINATION BUT RE- 
PUDIATES THE PLATFORM, WHILE MR. PENDLETON ACCEPTS BOTH — UTTER DEFEAT OF THE 
PEACE PARTY AT THE NOVEMBER ELECTION — EFFORTS AT NEGOTIATIONS FOE PEACE — THE 
JACQUES AND GILMORE MISSION — A. H. STEPHENS' APPLICATION TO GO TO WASHINGTON 
IN A REBEL WAR STEAMER — THE GREELEY AND SANDERS CORRESPONDENCE — " TO WHOM 
IT MAY concern" — THE PRETENDED INDIGNATION OF CLAY AND HOLCOMBE — SUBSEQUENT 
REVELATIONS OP THEIR CHARACTER AND PURPOSES — LBE's ANNOUNCEMENT TO JEFF. 

DAVIS — F. P. Blair's mission — rebel commissioners appointed — me. seward and 

MR. LINCOLN MEET THEM — THE CONFERENCE AT HAMPTON EOADS THE DEMANDS OP 

DAVIS — IMPOSSIBILITY OF CONCEDING THEM — FAILURE OF THE CONFERENCE. 

At the commencement of the war, the great masses of iDoth political 
parties, those who had deprecated the war, and denounced every move- 
ment of the Government looking toward the repossession of the seceded 
territory, as well as those who had been most earnest in their support of 
the administration, united most cordially in volunteering for service in 
the army, and in voting appropriations for arming, equipping, and main- 
taining the volunteer troops and their families. There were, indeed, a few 
whose hostility to the war and sympathy with the Rebellion was, from 
the first, outspoken and bitter ; but these were the comparatively rai-e ex- 
ceptions. As a general rule, party lines seemed obliterated, and those 
who, sixty days before, had declared that in the event of war they would 
fight on the side of the South, now seemed most anxious to efface such a 
record by their zeal for the war. 

As might have been expected, this "era of good feeling" did not last. 
The conversion of the pro-slavery Democratic leaders, who had for years 
relied upon the South to maintain them in power, was too sudden to be 
genuine ; and it was no matter for surprise that Fernando Wood, one of 



810 THE CIVIL WAK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the most unscrupulous of the Democratic politicians, should lead the pro 
slavery Democrats in opposing the war. Mr. Wood had, in the winter 
of 1860-1, when mayor of New York, apologized to Mr. Toombs of Geor- 
gia, for the seizure by the city police, under the orders of Government, 
of arms about to be shipped for the State of Georgia, assuring him that 
" if he had the power he should summarily punish the authors of this ille- 
gal and unjustifiable seizure of private property;" and though he had three 
months later pledged his honor, his fortune, and his life, to the national 
cause, yet it was perfectly in keeping with his character that he should 
endeavor by every means in his power to obstruct the action of the Gov- 
ernment, to thwart its plans, and to give what indirect aid and comfort he 
could, to its enemies. Tiie pro-slavery Democratic leaders had, however, 
the art to veil their real sympathy with the Rebellion under the guise of 
anxiety for the preservation of the Constitution and the Union as it was; 
they deprecated any agitation of the stains of the slaves, and insisted that 
they should be remanded to the care of their Rebel masters, if they escaped 
into the Union lines, -and that in no case should they be set free. Under 
these limitations they had the impudence to clamor for "a more vigorous 
prosecution of the war," pretending that the President and Cabinet were 
responsible for the inactivity of General McClellan, and on this plea suc- 
ceeded, in New York, in the autumn of 1862, in carrying the election of 
one of their most artful politicians, Horatio Seymour, to the office of 
Governor of New York. They had taken full possession of General 
McClellan, and flattering him with the hope of the Presidency in 1864, 
led him to maintain, in defiance of the remonstrances of the President and 
his Cabinet, that masterly inactivity which led to his receiving the title 
of tlie "Great Unready." His removal from command in November, 1862, 
was a severe and unexpected stroke to their policy, and the Emancipation 
Proclamation which succeeded it on the first of January, 1863, was another 
crushing blow to their plans, and one which AVood artfully attempted to 
prevent. 

But though baffled in some of their schemes, they were not disheartened. 
Thev were fertile in resources, and unburdened by any conscientious scru- 
ples, they no sooner found one scheme fail them than they resorted to 
another equally fallacious, but perhaps quite as specious, to enable them 
to maintain their attitude of hostility to the Government. Their opposi- 
tion to emancipation had lost them many adherents, especially among 
those of the party who had activel}'' participated in the war; these saw in 
the measure a military necessity which could not be foregone; the leaders, 
therefore, professed to acquiesce in thi.s, not very cordially, but as a meas- 
ure which they could not prevent, and turned their attention to other acts 
of the Government. They had, from a very early period of the war, com- 
plained of the suspension of the habeas corpus act, and very naturally, 
since, with that suspended, they could never be sure that the discovery 



ORGANIZATIONS OPPOSED TO THE GOVERNMENT. 811 

of their treasonable schemes might not be followed by arrest, imprison- 
ment, and even execution. This now became one of their chief grievances; 
another was the conscription, which could not be so arranged as to suit 
them. Before it was ordered, they had been strongly in favor of it, from 
the belief that it would bring odium on the Government ; after it was 
ordered, it was all wrong, first, for exempting so many ; when this was 
modified, then it exempted too few. The provision for commutation, by 
the payment of three hundred dollars, was grossly unjust, as it discrimi- 
nated against the poor and in favor of the rich. "When this provision was 
repealed, and the price of substitutes rose to a thousand or twelve hundred 
dollars, the Government was roundly abused for not retaining it. We 
have already shown how riots occurred in New York and elsewhere to 
prevent the draft. The finances were another grievance with these dema- 
gogues. Whatever Secretary Chase, who was then Secretary of the Treas- 
ury, did, was wrong, of course. The first issue of Treasury demand notes 
were pronounced worthless, and some of the banks would only receive 
them on deposit after a written agreement from the depositors to receive 
their money in those notes only, an agreement which, when those notes 
rose to forty or fifty per cent, premium, the banks were very anxious to 
cancel. The legal tender notes, Democratic orators and brokers made 
every attempt to depreciate ; assuring the ignorant classes, and those of 
foreign birth especially, that they would soon become utterly worthless, 
and exhorting them to get rid of them, or they would fall upon their 
hands. The Government loans were systematically decried, and the price of 
gold forced up, by combinations, in which foreign speculators, in the in- 
terest of the Rebels participated, and every means which could be adopted 
to ruin the national credit, was resorted to by these unscrupulous dema- 
gogues without hesitation. 

There had been, even before the war, secret organizations in most of 
the States, pledged to extend and perpetuate slavery, even at the expense 
of the Union, known as " Knights of the Golden Circle." To these most 
of these leaders of the opposition belonged, but finding them in bad 
odor, they reorganized them under the names of " Sons of Liberty," 
" The Order of American Knights," &c., and drew into their secret circle.s, 
large numbers of those who, perhaps without any evil intent, were yet 
enamored of secret societies, and who soon found themselves pledged to 
treasonable measures. They also organized openly, a wing of the Demo- 
cratic party, known distinctively as the Peace party ^ and though their num- 
bers were small in Congress, they continued to delay action and occasion 
great annoyance to the loyal members of that body. Their leader in the 
House of Representatives in the Thirty-seventh Congress, was Clement L. 
Vallandighara,* a Representative from southern Ohio. His principal sup- 

* Clement L. Vallandigham was born in New Lisbon, Columbia county, Ohio, in 
1822. He is of Huguenot stock, and hi3 father was a Presbyterian clergyman. He 



812 TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES 

porters were Daniel S. Voorhees, of Indiana ; George H. Pendleton, of 
Ohio ; William A. Richardson, of Illinois ; Benjamin Wood, and James E 
Kerrigan, of New York ; Sydenham E. Ancona, and Jessie Lazear, of 
Pennsylvania, and Henry May, of Maryland ; while Messrs. Cox, Allen, 
and Noble, of Ohio; Knapp, Robinson, Fouke, and Allen, of Illinois; 
Holman, Cravens, and Law, of Indiana, and Corning, Steele, and Vib- 
bard, of New York, were occasionally found advocating and sympathizing 
with his views. The Senate had a few members of the peace party, but 
none of tliem men of high abilities. Messrs. Powell, Saulsbury, Bayard, 
Pearce, McDougall, and Nesmitb, were the most prominent. 

The efforts of Vallandigham and his associates to obstruct the action 
of Congress were so far successful as to cause some delay in the passage 
of important measures, but they were powerless to accomplish any con- 
siderable harm. At tlie close of the second regular session of the Thirty- 
seventh Congress, Vallandigham returned to Ohio, and made a political 
canvass of his district, in the course of which he gave utterance to trea- 
sonable doctrines. General Burnside, who was then in command of the 
Department of the Ohio, issued an order (No. 38) on the 13th of April, 
1863, in which, after announcing that "hereafter all persons found within 
our lines who committed acts for the benefit of the enemies of our 
country, will be tried as spies or traitors, and if convicted, will suffer 
death," he added, " the habit of declaring sympatliy for the enemy will 
not be -allowed in this department. Persons committing such offences 
will be at once arrested, with a view to being tried, as above stated, or be 
sent beyond our lines into the lines of their friends. It must be distinctly 

received a good academic education; spent one year in Jefferson College, Ohio, and 
two years as principal of an academy at Snow Hill, Maryland. He returned to Ohio 
in 1840 ; studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1842 ; was elected to the State 
Legislature in 184.') and 1846 ; was editor of the Dayton Enquirer from 1847 to 1849, 
and for some years devoted his attention to his profession and to politics. In 18.')6, he 
•was a member of the National Democratic Convention held in Cincinnati ; was Dem- 
ocratic candidate for a seat in the Thirty-fifth Congress, against L. D. Campbell, 
whose seat he successfully contested ; was re-elected to the Thirty-si.xth Congress, 
and catechised John Brown just before his execution at Charlcstown, Virginia, in liope 
of making capital for liis party. In the Thirty-sixth Congress he attempted by every 
means in his power to aid the Rebels, and to obstruct the action of Congress and the 
Government, and during his term of service in the Thirty-seventh Congress, to which 
he was re-elected, he continually insisted on peace at any price. He was not re-elected 
to the next (Thirty-eighth) Congress, having been arrested on the fifth of May, 1863, 
by order of General Burnside, and tried and convicted of using treasonable language, 
and by order of the President sent into the Rebel lines, from whence lie escaped soon 
after to Canada. His party procured his nomination as Democratic candidate for 
Governor of Ohio, but he was defeated by John Brough by one hundred thousand 
majority. After residing some time in Canada, he escaped, and returned to Ohio, in 
defiance of the United States authorities, and again made treasonable speeches. He 
■was one of the delegates to the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, in Sep- 
tember, 1864, but has not been prominent since. 



AEREST OF MR. VALLANDIGHAM. 813 

understood that treason, expressed or.implied, -will not be tolerated in this 
department." On the 1st of May, Vallandigham delivered an address 
at Mount Vernon, Ohio, in the course of which he denounced the Govern- 
ment of the United States, as aiming, in its conduct of the war, not to re- 
store the Union, but to crush out liberty, and to establish a despotism ; he 
declared that the war was waged for the freedom of the blacks and the 
enslaving of the whites ; that the Government could have had peace long 
before if it had really desired it; that the mediation of France should 
have been accepted, and that the Government had deliberately rejected 
propositions by which the Southern States could have been brought back 
into the Union. He also denounced General Burnside's order No. 38, 
and proclaimed his intention of disobeying it, and appealed to his hearers 
to resist and defeat its execution. 

For this speech, Mr. Vallandigham was arrested at Dayton, on the 
4th of May, by order of General Burnside, and brought to Cincinnati for 
trial before a court-martial. On the 5th of May, he applied, through his 
counsel, to Judgfe Leavitt of the Circuit Court of the United States at Cin- 
cinnati, for a writ of habeas corpus, to which General Burnside responded 
with a letter detailing the case and justifying his arrest. The application 
was argued at length, and was refused by the judge, who though a 
member of the Democratic party, was thoroughly loyal, and had no 
affinities with the peace party. In giving his decision, Judge Leavitt 
said that the legality of the arrest depended upon the extent of the neces- 
sity for making it, and that was to be determined by the military com- 
mander. He added : " Men should know and lay the truth to heart, that 
there is a course of conduct not involving overt treason, and not therefore 
subject to punishment as such, which, nevertheless, implies moral guilt, 
and a gross offence against the country. Those who live under the pro- 
tection and enjoy the blessings of our benignant Government must learn 
that they cannot stab its vitals with impunity. If they cherish hatred 
and hostility to it, and desire its subversion, let them withdraw from its 
jurisdiction, and seek the fellowship and protection of those with whom 
they are in sympathy. If they remain with us while they are not of us, 
they must be subject to such a course of dealing as the great law of self- 
preservation prescribes and will enforce. And let them not complain if 
the stringent doctrine of military necessity should find them to be the 
legitimate subjects of its action. I have no fear that the recognition of this 
doctrine will lead to an arbitrary invasion of the personal security or per- 
sonal liberty of the citizens. It is rare indeed that a charge of disloyalty 
will be made on insufficient ground. But if there should be an occasional 
mistake, such an occurrence is not to be put in competition with the pre- 
servation of the nation ; and I confess I am but little moved by the elo- 
quent appeals of those who, while they indignantly denounce violation 
of personal liberty, look with no horror upon a despotism as unmitigated 



814 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

as the world has ever witnessed." Jhe trial before the military court 
then proceeded, and full liberty of introducing evidence being granted 
to his counsel, the trial occupied about ten days. The evidence having 
been heard, the court — Brigadier-General E. B. Potter presiding — found 
him guilty of the charge, and not guilty as to part and guilty as to part 
of the specification. He was therefore sentenced to be placed in close 
confinement in some fortress of the United States, to be designated by the 
commanding officer of the department, there to be kept during the con- 
tinuance of the war. General Burnside designated Fort Warren, Boston 
harbor. The case having been laid before the President, he changed the 
punishment by the following order : 

"Washington, May 19, 1863. 
" To Major-General Burnside, Commanding Department of the Ohio. 

"Sir: — The President directs that without delay you send C. L. Val- 
landigham, under secure guard, to the headquarters of General Rosecrans, 
to be put by him beyond our military lines, and in case of his return 
within our lines, he be arrested and kept in close custody for the term 
specified in his sentence. 

" By order of the President : 

"E. R. S. Canby, Brigadier- General and A. A. G." 

This order was executed, and created great excitement among the mem- 
bers of the peace party and their friends. These opponents of the admin- 
istration professed to regard Vallandigham as a martyr, and they called 
public meetings, in which the action of the Government was denounced as 
tyrannical, and dangerous to the public liberties. One of these demonstra- 
tions was held at Albany, on the 16th of May, the very day on wliich 
the finding of the court was announced, and Governor Seymour ad- 
dressed a letter to the meeting, in which, referring to the arrest of Val- 
landigham, he said : " If this proceeding is approved by the Govern- 
ment, and sanctioned by the people, it is not merely a step toward rev- 
olution — it is revolution. It will not only lead to military despotism 
— it establishes military despotism. In this aspect it must be accepted, 
or in this aspect rejected. * * * The people of this country now 
wait with the deepest anxiety the decision of the Administration upon 
these acts. Having given it a generous support in the conduct of the 
war, we pause to see what kind of a Government it is for which we are 
asked to pour out our blood and our treasure. The action of the Admin- 
istration will determine in the minds of more than one half the people of 
the loyal States, whether this war is waged to put down Rebellion at the 
South, or destroy free institutions at the North." The meeting, which was 
engineered by the peace party, and thus stimulated to treasonable utterances 
by Horatio Seymour, adopted a series of resolutions, which, while pledg- 
ing the Democratic party of the State to the preservation of the Union, 



THE PRESIDENT'S PROPOSITIONS. 815 

denounced in the strongest terras, the arrest of Vallandigham, and the 
whole sj'stem of arbitrary arrests, as well as the suspension of the writ 
of habeas corpus, and ordered the resolutions sent to President Lincoln. 

The President replied in a clear, logical and forcible letter, in which he 
overthrew all the sophistries of their resolutions, and did it in such a 
kindly and courteous spirit, as to leave them no ground of complaint. 
Governor Seymour had proved a false prophet in his predictions. The 
action of the military court was approved by the Government and sanc- 
tioned by the people, yet there were no evidences of a revolution, no 
traces of any military despotism, and more than one-half of the people 
of the loyal States declared, at the first fitting opportunity, their convic- 
tions that the arrest and punishment of the abettors of treason did 
not determine that the war was waged to put down free institutions in the 
North. But the " Peace party" had not yet exhausted their efforts to make 
political capital out of the arrest and punishment of Mr. Vallandigham. 
On the 11th of June, at their State convention at Columbus, they nominated 
him for Governor of Ohio, and addressed to the President, through a com- 
mittee, a letter inclosing their resolutions, and demanding peremptorily that 
the sentence against their candidate should be revoked, and he returned to 
Ohio. There was no use in reasoning with such people, and the President 
did not attempt it. He explained to them, however, that Mr. Vallan- 
digham was not within his power ; that he had gone to the society of his 
friends ; but proposed that if the committee, which was composed of the 
most prominent opponents of the Administration in each congressional dis- 
trict, would on their part sign certain propositions, which he inclosed, he 
would interpose no objections to Mr. Vallandigham's return. The propo- 
sitions were as follows : 

1. "That there is now a Rebellion in the United States, the object and 
tendency of which is to destroy the national Union: and that, in your 
opinion, an army and navy are constitutional means for suppressing that 
Rebellion. 

2. ''That no one of you will do anything which, in his own judgment, 
will tend to hinder the increase, or favor the decrease, or lessen the effi- 
ciency of the army and navy, while engaged in the effort to suppress that 
Rebellion ; and 

3. " That each of you will, in his sphere, do all he can to have the 
officers, soldiers, and seamen, of the army and navy, while engaged in 
the effort to suppress the Rebellion, paid, fed, clad, and otherwise well pro- 
vided for and supported." 

To have signed these propositions would have been equivalent to avow- 
ing their repentance for their past treasonable conduct, and promising to 
do justly hereafter, and as the committee had no desire to do this, and had 
no idea of becoming bondsmen for Vallandigham's future good conduct, 
inasmuch as they did not really wish his release, but sought to make po- 



816 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

litical capital out of his arrest and punishment, they were greatly annoyed 
at the President's propositions, and sent a rejoinder so impertinent and 
discourteous, that self-respect forbade any reply on his part. 

The canvass for Governor of Ohio was very animated, and the " Peace 
party" used every possible means to carry the State, and boasted confi- 
dently, that they should do so, but on the day of the election the op- 
posing candidate, John Brough, had a majority of one hundred thousand 
votes over the treason-loving Vallandigbam, and the advocates of peace-at- 
any-price were for the time paralyzed by their defeat. Vallandigbam him- 
self, after spending a short time among the Rebels, and having interviews 
with Jefferson Davis and his Cabinet, escaped to Canada, via Nassau, on a 
blockade-runner, and after some months' residence, in Canada, where he 
was on terms of the closest intimacy with Sanders, Jacob Thompson, Bev- 
erly Tucker, and other prominent southern leaders who were plotting for 
the injury of the Union, he escaped to Ohio on the 15th of June. Dur- 
ing the period of his residence in Canada, as well as subsequently, his 
chosen friends and associates were employing their willing agents to 
make raids upon the towns and villages of the border, to murder and 
rob, to seize and burn steamers, to set on fire the largest buildings of 
New York and Philadelphia, to set at liberty the Rebel prisoners at 
Chicago, Indianapolis, and elsewhere, and arming them and their com- 
rades, the Order of American Knights, to sack, plunder, and burn Chi- 
cago, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati, planning the poisoning of the Croton 
water, which supplies New York city, and sending through Dr. Black- 
burn, their packages of clothing carefully infected with yellow fever and 
small-pox, to be sold in the principal cities, to destroy by the pestilence 
those who had escaped from the flames and poisons, they had prepared for 
them. That Mr. Vallandigbam was privy to and an actor in .some of these 
schemes of fiendish wickedness, there can be no doubt, and there is pre- 
sumptive evidence that he was cognizant of the others. 

On his return to Ohio, he made two or three public speeches, breathing 
a spirit of defiance toward the President and the Government, and boast- 
ing of the number and strength of those who were associated with him, 
and of the terrible things they would do if they were meddled with. His 
prestige was gone, however, and thenceforward he remained quiet, until 
the meeting of the Democratic National Convention at Chicago, when he 
participated actively in the debates, and made several speeches outside of 
the convention ; but the response of its nominee for the Presidency not 
being sufficiently hostile to the war or the Government to please him, he 
took but little part in the canvass, and sunk almost immediately into 
merited obscurity. 

The peace party were not yet satisfied of their powerlessness. Through 
the campaigns of the battle-summer of 1864, every Union victory de- 
pressed them, but every defeat or repulse of the national armies was 



PLATFORM OP THE CHICAGO CONVENTION. 817 

bailed by them with rejoicing ; and when, as for a time in July and the 
latter part of August, there seemed to be but little progress made in sub- 
duing the Eebels, and occasionally disasters occurred, like the defeat of 
Wallace at Monocacy, the repulse of Sherman's assault on Kenesaw, or 
the mismanagement of the Petersburg mine explosion, their orators at 
once proclaimed that the war was a failure, and that the Government must 
be driven into making offers of peace to the Eebels such as they would 
be willing to accept. They boasted that they would control the coming 
convention at Chicago, and that their nominee there would be carried into 
the Presidency by acclamation. 

The convention met on the 29th of August, 1864. Governor Seymour, 
of New York, was chosen its president, and in his opening address he in- 
dicated his complete sympathy with the peace party. The platform 
adopted by the convention, as reported by Mr. Guthrie, of Kentucky, 
gave evidence also that the peace men were exerting a controlling influ- 
ence in its councils. It was as follows: 

" Resolved, That in the future, as in the past, we will adhere with un- 
swerving fidelity to the Union under the Constitution as the only solid 
foundation of our strength, security, and happiness as a people, and as a 
framework of government equally conducive to tlie welfare and prosperity 
of all the States, both northern and southern. 

^'Resolved, That this convention does explicitly declare, as the sense of 
the American people, that after four years of failure to restore the Union 
by the experiment of war, during which, under the pretence of a military 
necessity or war power higher than the Constitution, the Constitution 
itself has been disregarded in every part, and public liberty and private 
right alike trodden down, and the material prosperity of the country 
essentially impaired — -justice, humanity, liberty, and the public welfare, 
demand that immediate efforts be made for a cessation of hostilities, with 
a view to an ultimate convention of the States, or other peaceable means, 
to the end that at the earliest practicable moment, peace may be restored 
on the basis of the Federal Union of the States. 

"Resolved, That the direct interference of the military authorities of the 
United States in the recent elections held in Kentucky, Maryland, Mis- 
souri, and Delaware,* was a shameful violation of the Constitution ; and 
e repetition of such acts in the approaching election will be held as revo 
lutionary, and resisted with all the means and power under our control. 

"Resolved, That the aim and object of the Democratic party is to preserve 
the Federal Union and the rights of the States unimpaired ; and they 
hereby declare that they consider that the administrative usurpation of 

* Thi8 referred to the stationing of the military near the polls in these States, at 
their congresssional elections, to prevent open and avowed Rebels from voting, or in- 
terfering with loyal voters. No violence, and no influence for or against any candi 
date, was attempted or permitted 
62 



'818 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

extraordinary and dangerons powers not granted by the Constitution; 
the subversion of the civil by military law in States not in insurrection ; 
the arbitrary military arrest, imprisonment, trial, and sentence of Ameri- 
can citizens in States where civil law exists in full force ; the suppression 
of freedom of speech and of the press ; the denial of the right of asylum ; 
the open and avowed disregard of State rights ; the employment of un- 
usual test oaths ; and the interference with and denial of the right of the 
people to bear arms in their defence,* is calculated to prevent a restora- 
tion of the Union, and the perpetuation of a government deriving its just 
powers from the consent of the governed. 

"Resolved, That the shameful disregard of the Administration to its duty 
in respect to our fellow citizens who now are, and long have been, prison- 
ers of war in a suffering condition, deserves the severest reprobation, on 
the score alike of public policy and common humanity. 

"Resolved, That the sympathy of the Democratic party is heartily and 
earnestly extended to the soldiers of our army and the sailors of our navy, 
who are, and have been, in the field and on the sea, under the flag of their 
country, and in the event of its attaining power, they will receive all the 
care, prelection, and regard, that the brave soldiers and sailors of the Re- 
public have so nobly earned." 

This platform adopted, as the deliberate expression of their views and 
position with reference to the Government and the Rebellion, they nomi- 
nated General George B. McClellan for President, and George H. Pendle- 
ton, of Ohio, the friend and supporter of Vallandigham, for Vice President. 
It was the first instance in the history of the nation, in which one of the 
two great parties composing its voting population, had avowed its hostili- 
ty in such bitter terms, not only to the existing administration, but to the 
conflict in which it was engaged for the maintenance of the nation's life ; 
and had the party gone before the people with this platform, pure and 
simple, as the only issue between them and the party of the Union, they 
would have been buried so deep in the scorn and contempt of the nation, 
that they would never have found a resurrection ; but they had, with sin- 
ister purpose, while repudiating the war and calling it a failure, nomina- 
ted for the Presidency a general who had once possessed a large degree of 
popularity, a little of which yet clung to him, in spite of his affiliations with 
the " Peace party ;" and he, fallen as he was from his former high estate, 
could not so entirely forget his old record as to put himself squarely upon 
such a platform ; eight days later, he addressed a letter to the committee 
of this convention, in which, while accepting the nomination, he, though 
in somewhat ambiguous language, repudiated the resolutions of the con- 

* In one or two disloyal districts in the border States, on conclusive evidence that 
they were engaged in bushwhacking, or furnishing arms, Ac, to bushwhackers and 
guerrillas, the bouses of known sympathizers with the Rebels had beeu searched, aud 
their arms taken fron them. 



EFFORTS AT NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE. 819 

vention, and especially those which demanded the immediate cessation of 
hostilities, and the ofl'er of peace to the States in rebellion. Mr. Pendleton, 
of course, accepted the platform as it stood. Yet, while General McClel- 
lan's position in relation to the platform, and his former personal popu- 
larity, served to complicate the issue, and gained many thousand more 
votes for the ticket than it would otherwise have received, the party were 
most thoroughly and terribly defeated at the polls, in November, 1864. 
The entire vote polled was 4,000,850, of which Mr. Lincoln had 2,203,831, 
and General McClellan 1,797,019 ; Mr. Lincoln's majority being 406,812 
on the popular vote. In the Electoral College, McClellan's defeat was 
still more marked. Of the two hundred and thirty-four electoral votes, 
he received but twenty-one ; Kentucky, New Jersey, and Delaware alone 
choosing Democratic electors. Thus decisively did the people indicate 
their disapprobation of the peace party and its principles. 

It should be acknowledged that the capture of Atlanta by Sherman, 
the successful battle of Chaffin's Farm, near Richmond, and Sheridan's re- 
peated defeats of Early in the Shenandoah valley, all of which occurred 
within a very few weeks after the adoption of the Chicago platform, and 
practically demonstrated its falsity, infused new courage into the hearts of 
the friends of the Government, and depressed, in a corresponding degree, 
the leaders of the peace party, but even without these, the popular heart 
was on the side of the Government and the hearty prosecution of the 
war. 

There is one topic in connection with the resolutions of the Chicago 
Convention, which merits further elucidation. We refer to the matter of 
negotiations looking toward peace between the United States Government 
and the States in rebellion. While maintaining firmly the position that 
there could be no peace, except through the submission of the leaders of 
the Rebellion and the relinquishment of all hostile purposes on their part, 
President Lincoln had always shown himself ready to enter into negotia- 
tions with any parties duly accredited, and bearing propositions which 
embraced such terms as he could rightfully consider. Three efforts, nei- 
ther of them successful, were made to bring about such negotiations in 
the summer of 1864. The first in point of time, though the three were 
almost simultaneous, was a private mission on the part of Colonel Jaques 
of Illinois, and Mr. J. R. Gilmore of Boston, a litterateur of some note, who 
sought and obtained a safe conduct to Richmond, to endeavor to induce 
Jefferson Davis to propose negotiations with the Government, looking 
toward peace and a restoration of the Union. Davis declined, insisting 
that the recognition of southern independence was a necessary prelimi- 
nary to any negotiations, and that Mr. Lincoln would not grant this. On 
the 4th of July, 1864, Alexander H. Stephens, then Vice President of the 
so-called Confederacy, sent to the admiral of the north Atlantic squadron 
a message, requesting permission to go Washington in the Rebel war 



820 THK CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATES. 

steamer Torpedo, to deliver a communication from Jefferson Davis. This 
request was denied, very properly, as the presence of the Rebel war 
steamer in the Potomac river at the national capital was objectionable, 
and in no respect neces.sary, the ordinary channels of communication being 
ample for the purpose desired. 

But the most noted of these attempts at opening negotiations, was that 
through Hon. Horace Greeley, of the New York Tribune, about the mid- 
dle of July, 1864. Mr. Greeley, who, from principle as well as from his 
natural constitution, entertained a strong aversion to war, had repeatedly 
sought to arrest the conflict, at almost any cost, except that of relinquishing 
the emancipation of the slaves. While at Niagara Fall.s, early in July, he had 
fallen in with an adventurer by the name of William Cornell Jewett, who 
had made repeated efforts to render himself conspicuous in connection 
with the war. Jewett persuaded Mr. Greeley that Clement C. Clay, Jr., 
of Alabama, Professor James P. Ilolcomb of Virginia, and George N. San- 
ders, a notorious southern adventurer, who were at the Clifton House, on 
the Canada side of Niagara Falls, were duly accredited from Richmond, 
as bearers of propositions looking to the establi.shinent of peace ; and, 
without waiting to ascertain the facts from them, Mr. Greeley wrote to 
Washington, asking to be authorized to grant them safe-conduct, should 
such be the case. To this the President consented, and having received 
a letter from Sanders, announcing the willingness of himself and compan- 
ions to go to Washington, under complete and unqualified protection, 
Mr. Greeley addressed a letter to Messrs. Clay and Holcomb, including 
also Jacob Thompson, who, as it afterward appeared, was not with them 
at the time, in which he stated that he was informed that they were duly 
accredited as the bearers of propositions, &c., and that if so, he was 
authorized to tender them safe conduct, and to accompany them. 

Messrs. Clay and Holcomb replied that they had not been accredited 
for any such purpose, but as they were in the confidential employment of 
their Government, thoy did not doubt that upon making known the cir- 
cumstances disclosed by his correspondence at Richmond, they would be 
invested witk the necessary authority, or other gentlemen, clothed with 
full powers, would be sent immediately to Washington to enter upon the 
negotiations. Mr. Greeley felt it necessary to report to Washington, 
before granting a safe conduct to men not accredited by their Government; 
and the President, not exactly satisfied with the way in which Mr. Greeley 
had managed the matter, despatched his private secretary. Major Hay, at 
once to Niagara Falls, with the following qualified safe-conduct, which 
he was authorized to deliver to Mr. Holcomb, in Mr. Greeley's presence: 

" ExKCCTiYE Mansion, AVashixqton, Jtdy 18, 1864. 
" To whom it may concern : 

"Any proposition which embraces the restoration of peace, the integ- 
rity of the whole Union, and the abandonment of slavery, and which 



REBEL PEACE COMMISSIONERS APPOINTED. 821 

comes by and with an authority that can control the armies now at war 
against the United States, will be received and considered by the Execu- 
tive Government of the United States, and will be met by liberal terms 
on other substantial and collateral points, and the bearer or bearers thereof 
shall have safe conduct both ways. 

"Abraham Lincoln." 

This conditional aafe-conduct brought the pretensions of the soi-disant 
Confederate commissioners to the test, and as they well knew that they 
were not accredited with any authority, even to discuss these questions, 
and did not desire it, their object being to visit the capital, and while 
amusing the President with some pretended propositions, avail themselves 
of the opportunity to confer with their fellow conspirators there, they 
replied, with well feigned indignation, to the President's statement of the 
necessary qualilluations for peace commissioners. They professed to think 
that it would bean indignity to Jefferson Davis to transmit to him these 
terms, and that it would bring down upon them the well-merited scorn of 
their countrymen. In the light of subsequent revelations of the character, 
designs, and purposes of these men, their virtuous indignation, though a 
very pretty piece of acting, seems to have been somewhat overdone. 
They were implicated in the most nefarious schemes against the govern- 
ment and people of the United States?, ever concocted by human do 
pravity; intended plans for burning, sacking, and plundering Chicago, 
Cleveland, Buffalo, Rochester, and New York city ; the robberies and 
murders at St. Albans, Vermont; the seizure and piracy of the steamer 
Chesapeake ; the distribution of the yellow fever and small-pox infection 
in Newbern, Washington, New York, and Philadelphia, and finally the 
assassination of the President, and the attempts upon the lives of the 
Vice President and Cabinet, were among the projects in which these 
amiable and virtuous gentlemen were engaged, either as principals or 
accessories. Time brings changes in opinions, as well as in persons. 
The propositions these men so indignantly repudiated, were, almost word 
for word, those which nine months later, the Rebel General Johnston, with 
the advice and approval of John C. Breckinridge, then Rebel Secretary 
of War, offered to General Sherman, at Durham station. 

The President of the United States was sincerely desirous of peace, if 
it could be obtained on terms which would not dishonor the nation. The 
nation was pledged to the unity of the States, and could not permit for a 
moment the recognition of the South, as a separate and independent gov- 
ernment ; it was pledged also most solemnly to the emancipation of the 
slaves and the abandonment of slavery, and it could not yield this point. 
All else was, in Mr. Lincoln's mind, of comparatively slight moment; the 
amnesty of individuals, the restoration of power and authority to the 
South ; all else, indeed, except these two vital points, he was at this time 



SHIi THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

willing to allow the party in rebellion to make almost their own terms 
for, but in relation to the two vital points, he was as immovable as the 
Kocky mountains. 

But there were other overtures for peace made by the Rebel Govern- 
ment a few months later, when the consciousness of its speedy decadence 
had somewhat mollified the bitterness of its hostility to the North, the 
history of which may properly be given at this time. In the latter part 
of December, 1864, General Lee had informed Mr. Davis and his cabinet 
that unless extraordinary measures were adopted, or there should be some 
unexpected change in the condition of their affairs, it would be impos- 
sible for the Confederacy to last six months longer ; and it is said that he 
privately urged upon Mr. Davis to make the best terms possible with the 
United States Government while they were in a condition to do so. Davis 
himself, opinionated, self-willed, and stubborn, was not much inclined to 
treat this advice with respect, but the Vice President (Mr. Stephens), 
Judge Campbell, and some of the members of the Cabinet, were deeply 
impres.sed by it. Intimations were sent to Francis P. Blair, senior, who 
had formerly been a personal friend of some of the magnates of Rich- 
mond, requesting him to visit that city with reference to some nego- 
tiations on the subject of peace. On Mr. Blair's application to President 
Lincoln for permission to go to Richmond and return, he was furnished 
with a pass for that purpose, but with the special stipulation that he 
should in no way treat with the Rebels in behalf of the Government. 
On his return, Mr. Blair brought a letter from Mr. Davis, dated Jan- 
uary 12th, 1865, in which he stated that he was willing to enter into 
negotiations for the restoration of peace, that he would appoint a com- 
missioner, "and renew the effort to enter into a conference, with a view to 
secure peace to (he two countries." The intent of this artfully worded 
letter was, evidently, to entrap Mr. Lincoln, should he respond by the 
appointment of a commissioner, into the acknowledgment of the assumed 
independence of the rebellious Confederacy. The attempt failed. Mr. Lin- 
coln's reply was as follows : 

" Washinqton, January Wh, 1865. 
"F. P. Blair, Esq. — Sir: You having shown me Mr. Davis's letter to 
you of the 12th instant, you may say to him that I have constantly been, 
am now, and shall continue, ready to receive any agent whom he or any 
other influential person now resisting the national authority may in- 
formally send me, with a view of securing peace to the people of our com- 
mon country. Yours, etc., A. Lincoln." 

Mr. Blaii returned to Richmond with this letter, and Mr. A. H. Ste- 
phens, then Vice President of the Rebel Government, being consulted 
upon the subject, most earnestly advised a conference, but thought the 
parties to it should be Mr. Davis and President Lincoln, and that the 



THE CONFERENCE AT HAMPTON E0AD3. 823 

utmost secrecy should be maintained, Generals Grant and Lee alone 
being cognizant of the interview. This advice was not followed, but 
Davis appointed Stephens, E. M. T. Hunter, senator in the Rebel Con- 
gress, and a former member of Davis's cabinet, and Judge Campbell, then 
Assistant Secretary of War in the Eebel war department, as commissioners. 
Stephens and Campbell were known to be in favor of peace and conces- 
sion, and Davis was desirous of throwing the odium of any failure on 
them ; while Hunter sympathized fully with Davis, and would make no 
concessions. The commissioners, however, decided to go, and applied 
through General Grant to the national Government for permission to 
enter the Union lines as quasi commissioners from the Rebel Government 
to confer informally with the President at Washington, in order to ascer- 
tain upon what terms the war could be terminated honorably. Permission 
was granted, with the understanding that the parties named were not to 
be allowed to land, a fact which caused much annoyance to the Rebel com- 
missioners, who were very desirous of visiting Washington. They were 
furnished quarters on board a steamer anchored in Hampton Roads, off 
Fortress Monroe, and the Secretary of State was sent by the President to 
meet them, with the following instructions : 

" Executive Mansion, Washington, January 3d, 186.5. 

" HoK . William H. Sew abb, Secretary of State. 

"You will proceed to Fortress Monroe, Virginia, there to meet and infor- 
mally confer with Messrs. Stephens, Hunter, and Campbell, on the basis 
of my letter to F. P. Blair, Esq. of January 18th, 1865, a copy of which 
you have. You will make known to them that three things are indispen- 
sable, to wit : 

" First. The restoration of the National authority throughout all the States ; 

' Second. No receding ly the Executive of the United States on the slavery 
question from the position assumed thereon in the late annual message to Con- 
gress, and in the preceding documents ; 

" Third. No cessation of hostilities short of the end of the war, and the disband, 
ing of all the forces hostile to the Government. 

" You will inform them that all propositions of theirs, not inconsistent 
with the above, will be considered and passed upon in a spirit of sincere 
liberality. You will hear all they may choose to say and repeat it to me. 
You will not assume definitely to consummate any thiug. 

" Yours, etc., A. Lincoln." 

The next morning, February 1st, in order to prevent any attempt at 
trickery by the Rebels, the President sent a cipher despatch to General 
Grant, informing him that nothing then transpiring was to " change, hinder 
or delay" any of his military movements or plans. In reply, General 
Grant intimated to Secretary Stanton, that it might be as well if the Presi- 
dent oould be personally present at the conference, as he believed that the 



824 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

commissioners were sincerely desirous to restore peace and union. Mr. 
Lincoln hereupon telegraphed to Secretary Seward : " Induced by a despatch 
from General Grant, I join you at Fortress Monroe as soon as I can come," 
and to General Grant : '• Say to the gentlemen, that I will meet them per- 
sonally at Fortress Monroe, as soon as I can get there." 

The conference, however, accomplished nothing. The commissioners, 
though, as we have intimated, two of them were personally desirous of 
peace with such concessions as might have effected it, were bound by their 
instructions from Davis, and at the outset and throughout the conference, 
declared their entire lack of authority to make, receive, or consider any 
propositions whatever looking toward a close of the war, except on the 
basis of a recognition of the independence of the Confederate States as a 
preliminary condition. The President presented the subject to them in 
every conceivable form, suggesting the most liberal and considerate modi- 
fications of whatever, in the existing legislation of the United States 
Government, might be regarded as specially hostile to the rights and 
interests, or wounding to ihe pride of the southern people, — even going 
so far as to intimate that by a concession at that time, they might secure 
a fair compensation from the Government for the emancipated slaves; but 
the commissioners plead that their instructions were peremptory, that 
they could not swerve a hair's breadth from their demand for recognition. 
There could of course under the circumstances be no negotiation, for the 
recognition of their independence could not be thought of for a moment 
by the President, and the parties separated, distinctly understanding that 
the attitude of each Government was not in the slightest degree affected 
or changed by the conference. 

Davis, in a special message to his Congress, attempted to make capital out 
of the failure of this conference, whose discussions he misrepresented, but the 
attempt proved futile. The questions. at issue were now left to the stern 
arbitrament of war, and were quickly decided. 



THE NAVY OF THE UNITED STATES. 835 



CHAPTER LXV. 

ini! NAVT OF THK UNITBD 8TATBS AT THE COMMKNCEMKNT OF THK WAR — ITS INADEQUACY 
FOR THE WORK TO BE DONE — THE DUTY REQUIRED OF THK NAVY — THE PURCHASE AND 
CONSTRUCTION OF VESSELS FOR THE NAVY — THE NUMBER, CHARACTER, AND ARMAMENT OF 
THE VESSELS OF THE NAVY DURINO THE WAR AND AT ITS CLOSE — THE IRON-CLADS — PREF- 
ERENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE MONITORS — THEIR EFFICIENCY IN NAVAL BATTLES 
— THE RIVER IRON-CLADS, TURTLE-BACKS AND TIN-CLADS — WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED BY 
THE RIVER SQUADRONS — THE WORK OF THE BLOCKADERS OF THK ATLANTIC COAST — THE 
REBEL NAVY — STOLEN VESSELS — THEIR PRIVATEERS — THEIR IBON-CLADS — FATE OF THEIR 
VESSELS — THE ANGLO-REBEL PRIVATEERS — THEIR NAMES AND CHARACTER- — THE ATTEMPTS 
TO BUILD ARMED SHIPS FOR THE REBELS IN ENGLAND AND FRANCE — THEIR FAILURE — THE 
HISTORY OF THE ALABAMA — HER PERFIDIOUS ATTACK ON THE HATTERAS — SHE ENTERS THE 
PORT OF CHERBOURG, AND FINDING ESCAPE WITHOUT A FIGHT IMPOSSIBLE, HER COM- 
MANDER CHALLENGES THE KEARSARGE TO A BATTLE — THK COMPARATIVE SIZE, ARMAMENT 
AND CREW OF THE TWO VESSELS, AND THEIR MEANS OF RESISTANCE — CAPTAIN SEMMES' 
" preparations" — THE DEERBOCND — THE BATTLE — DESPICABLE CONDUCT OF THE OWNER 
OF THE DEERHOUND — SEMMES RECEIVES OVATIONS — RAGE OF THE ENGLISH AT THE SINK- 
ING OF THE ALABAMA — CAUSES OF IT — THE CAPTURE OF THE GEORGIA — HISTORY OF THE 
FLORIDA — HER CAPTURE — COMMANDER COLLINS CENSURABLE FOR SEIZING HER IN A NEU- 
TRAL PORT — ACTION OF THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT — BRAZIL SATISFIED — LIEU- 
TENANT reed's adventures as a PIRATE — CAPTURING FISHING SMACKS AND COASTERS — 
CUTTING OUT THE CUSHINO — CAPTURE OF THE LIEUTENANT AND HIS CREW — THE SKIZUR8 
OF THE CHESAPEAKE — HER RE-CAPTURE — CAREER OF THE TALLAHASSEE, THE OLUSTEE AND 
THE CHICKAMAUGA — THE SHENANDOAH AND HER PIRACIES — SHE COMES TO LIVERPOOL AND 
DELIVERS HERSELF UP TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT — COURSE ADOPTED BY THAT GOVERN- 
MENT — THE CAREER OF THE STONEWALL OR OLINDE — HER SURRENDER TO THE SPANISH 
GOVERNMENT AND FINAL TRANSFER TO THE UNITED STATES — LOSSES OF THE MERCANTILB 
JIABINE BY THE REBEL CRUISERS. 

When the war commenced, the United States navy was almost power- 
less to aid in the conflict. It had been for nearly fifty years on a peace 
footing, and was far below that of other commercial powers in the number 
and armament of its ships. Mr. Buchanan's Secretary of the Navy, sym- 
pathizing fully with the Rebels in their schemes of secession, had sent all 
the best vessels to the Pacific or Indian oceans, on one errand or another, 
and of those that remained, several were destroyed at the burning of the 
Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Virginia ; and others were out of commission, 
and required extensive repairs. Only forty -two vessels of all sizes and 
qualities were found to be in a serviceable condition, or capable of being 
made so, and only sixty-nine were in existence, including ships upon the 
stocks, receiving ships, tenders, school ships, &c. After deducting those 
which must be kept on foreign stations, and the receiving ships, tenders, 
store ships, &c., there remained but little more thtin a dozen, and some of 
them of small size and armament, for all the service which would be 



83fi THE CIVIL WAK IN THE UNITED STATES. 

required of them. There was a blockade to be maintained along four 
thousand miles of coast ; forts were to be attacked ; naval battles fought 
with such ships as the Rebels might be able to purchase or build ; and 
the Atlantic, PaciSc, and Indian oceans to be cruised over, in pursuit of 
the privateers which bore the Rebel commission, though they never had 
entered a Rebel port. Of course, more vessels, many more, were needed, 
and needed at once. The blockade, once proclaimed, must be enforced 
with pigor, or it would not be recognized; the national flag must be 
maintained in foreign seas, even 'if not with a full squadron, at least with 
one or two ships ; and the cruisers of the Union must be constantly on 
the alert. Then, too, England and France had their iron-clads ; and the 
Rebels were known to be exerting their energies to build armed ships for 
their own warfare, and the United States Government could not afford to 
be behind other nations in such provision for offensive and defensive 
naval warfare. 

The Secretary of the Navy, while ordering as much force as possible to 
be employed in building and fitting out war vessels in the government 
Navy Yjird, and contracting with responsible private builders for iron- 
clads and other war vessels, found it necessary to purchase, for blockading 
purposes, as many steam ships and sailing vessels as could be found 
adapted to his purpose ; and fitting them up as rapidly as possible, put 
them at once in commission. The greater part of the vessels thus pur- 
chased, (one hundred and thirty-seven were bought during the year 1861,) 
proved to be staunch and eflBcient vessels ; some of them, at the close of 
the war, bringing more than their original cost, at auction ; a few were 
bad bargains, not generally from the negligence or connivance of the pur- 
chasing agents, but from the fraudulent misrepresentations of the sellers. 
Beside the one hundred and thirty-seven purchased, fifty-two steamers, 
three of them iron-clads, were built during the year 1861, at a cost exceed- 
ing ten millions of dollars. At the close of 1862, there were, including 
the river fleets, four hundred and twenty-seven vessels in commission. 
At the clo.se of 1863, the number was five hundred and eighty-eight, of 
which forty-six were iron-clads for sea service; twenty-nine, iron-clads for 
lake and river service ; two hundred and three, side-wheel steamers ; one 
hundred and ninety-eight, screw steamers ; and one hundred and twelve, 
sailing vessels. On the 10th of March, 1865, the number of vessels in 
commission was six hundred and eighty-three ; of these, seventy-one were 
iron-clads, four of them of the first class, or over thirty-three hundred tons ; 
six, including the Puritan and Dictator, of the second class, or from two 
thousand to thirty-three hundred tons; six, third rates, from twelve hun- 
dred to two thousand tons ; and fifty-five, fourth rates, or under twelve 
hundred tons. Beside the iron-clads, one hundred and seventy-seven 
steam vessels had been built for the navy, and three hundred and twenty- 
three steamers, and a considerable number of sailing vessels, had been 



THE DUTY REQUIRED OP THE NAVY. 82t 

purchased or captured. This formidable navy carried four thousand 
seven hundred guns, a large proportion of them eleven and fifteen inch 
smooth bores and one hundred and two hundred pound rifles, making 
the weight of metal on their armament greater than that of any other 
navy in the world. This navy had cost for its construction and pur(!hase 
over two hundred millions of dollars. After the close of the war most of 
the purchased vessels, and some others, were sold, those already built and 
building being sufficient for its service. The Secretary of the Navy had 
early perceived the necessity of constructing armored ships for the new 
exigencies of naval warfare, and though Congress, at first, was reluctant to 
appropriate money for this purpose, he succeeded in obtaining the means 
for building three during the first session of Congress, after the inception 
of the war. Of these, one, the first monitor, built on a plan entirely origi- 
nal, and differing in all respects from any war vessel afloat, yet proved 
of the greatest possible service. Sent to Fortress Monroe on its first trip, 
it arrived just in time to defeat and drive back the monster Eebel iron- 
clad, Virginia or Merrimac, and save the steamship Minnesota from the 
fate which had befallen the Congress and Cumberland the day before. 
The Galena, another of the three, proved less serviceable, her armor being 
less complete ; while the third, the New Ironsides, a ship of the line, pro- 
tected by armor amidships, and firing its heavy armament in broadside, 
was not completed till several months later ; but performed valuable ser- 
vice in the South Atlantic Gulf Squadron, and the bombardment of the 
forts in Charleston Harbor. There was no subsequent difficulty in ob- 
taining appropriations for iron-clad ships, and the department ordered the 
construction of large numbers, and of various designs, giving the prefer- 
ence to the monitors with such modifications as experience suggested ; 
though ordering some broadside ships. Of the latter, the Dunderberg 
was the largest and most costly, but was not completed till the close of 
the war. The Puritan and Dictator were gigantic monitors with two 
turrets, defended by iron plate bearing an aggregate thickness of twelve 
inches, and possessing excellent sea-going qualities. Other of the monitors, 
as for example, the Monadnock, possessed buoyancy and speed even in a 
rough sea ; but some of them failed in these particulars. In the earlier 
vessels there was defective ventilation, especially for hot climates, and 
other errors of construction, which were remedied when discovered. A 
class of light draught monitors, ordered in the latter part of the war, 
proved nearly worthless. Several of the older officers were prejudiced 
against the monitors from their novelty of structure, and could not be 
fully convinced of their good qualities. i , ; 

The earlier naval battles of the war were mostly fought with wooden 
vessels, as for instance, that of Roanoke Island, the capture of Port Royal 
and the Rebel forts, and the siege and passing of the forts on the Mississippi 
below New Orleans ; though, in the latter case, the Union fleet encountered 



838 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Rebel armored ships and destroyed them. But in the attack on Fort 
McAllister, the repeated bombardment of the forts in Charleston Harbor, 
and the naval battle at the entrance of Mobile Bay, the monitors and other 
ironclads took an active part, and in most cases with excellent eftect. 

The armored vessels on the great western rivers were not, with one or 
two exceptions, monitors, but, as they were generally called, turtle-backs 
having a casemate heavily plated with iron, extending amidships, and 
protecting their machinery, as well as their guns. Those first built were 
not plated with more tiian two and a half or three inches of iron, and 
their armor was occasionally ])enetrated. Those built subsequently were 
generally better protected, though the light draft iron-clads, intended for 
the smaller rivers, were only covered with a liglit armor, sufficient to 
protect tliem from rifle balls, and the lightest artillery, and were popularly 
distinguished as tinclads. The armored river steamers were very efficient, 
and jiroved of great service throughout the war. Fort Henry was cap- 
tured by them ; tiiey rendered essential aid in the reduction of Fort Donel- 
son, and contributed to the fall of Nashville, and the restoration of the 
towns along the Tennessee and Cumberland rivers to Union authority. 
Island Number Ten was reduced, partly through their eftbrts, and Mem- 
pliis was captured by them alone ; at Shiioh, their bombardment of the 
enemy turned the scale from defeat to victory ; at Vicksburg and Grand 
Gulf, at Port Hudson and Baton Kouge, though not immediately success- 
ful, they contributed largely to the success of the land forces. At Arkan- 
sas Post, their bombardment aided materially in compelling a surrender, 
Tiie Red river, the Arkansas, the Atchafulaya, and the other navigable 
waters of Louisiana, were frequent witnesses of their prowess; at Helena, 
at Milliken's Bend, and at Donaldsonville, they gained decisive victories 
ov,T the Rebel land forces. At Nashville, in December 1864, and on the 
Teanessee, during the preceding spring and summer, they prevented the 
passage of the enemy, and silenced his batteries. 

On the Atlantic coast and its bays and rivers, the blockading squadron, 
except at Charleston, had been for the most part wooden vessels, and 
these had, at one point or another of the extended coast line, been almost 
constantly engaged in conflict, and won a high reputation for daring and 
skill, in both offensive and defensive warfare. 

The Rebels had comparatively few war vessels built or fitted up by 
themselves. At the commencement of the war they seized several revenue 
cutters and ocean and river steamers, which they converted into war 
vessels. Most of these were not well adapted to privateering, and nearly 
all of them were soon destroyed. The Lewis Cass, Dana, and Dodge, small 
coast survey or revenue steamers, did not go to sea, and were captured or 
blown up by the enemy. The Star of the West, originally an ocean 
steamer on the New York and New Orleans route, was seized, but used 
mainly as a blockade runner. The Sumter, originally a Mexican war 



THE REBEL NAVY. 829 

steamer, under the name of the Marquis de Habana, belonging to the 
Mexican General Miramon, and captured by the United States vessels, was 
seized by the Rebels at NewOrleans, and converted into a steam sloop-of- war. 
This was the most successful and formidable of any of their vessels which 
sailed from an American port, making many captures of merchant vessels, 
but avoiding carefully all the Union cruisers. She attempted, on the 31st 
of August, 1863, after a career of two years, to run into Charleston, but 
was sunk in the harbor. The Jefferson Davis, a small ocean steamer, 
which, in a short career of two months, had done considerable mischief, 
was wrecked on St. Augustine bar, Florida. Tbe Nashville, after a brief 
experience as a privateer, became a blockade runner. The Petrel, the 
Judith, and the Beauregard, all small river steamers, were captured or 
destroyed in the summer and autumn of 1861. The gunboats and iron- 
clads built or fitted up on the western rivers, or on the eastern river 
ports, had invariably a very brief career, and no one of them ever succeeded 
in getting out to sea, though many attempted it. The Louisiana and 
Manassas, two iron rams built on the Mississippi, were destroyed in Admiral 
Farragut's great naval battle, near Fort Jackson. The Merrimac or 
Virginia, was blown up in Hampton Roads, and her consorts, the Rich- 
mond and Jamestown, were never able to accomplish any mischief, but 
were destroyed, when Richmond surrendered, as was another iron-clad 
which had been long in preparation ; the Rebel squadron at Port Royal 
was destroyed when the forts were taken, and that at Charleston, only 
sufficed for an occasional fright to the wooden vessels of the blockading 
squadron. The Fingal or Atlanta, was captured below Savannah after an 
action of fifteen minutes, and two iron-clad rams and three gunboats blown 
up or sunk when Savannah was taken. The Tennessee was captured at 
the naval battle at the entrance of Mobile Bay, as well as one of tbe gun- 
boats, and of the others, one was destroyed and the other escaped to Mobile, 
where that and six or eight more were surrendered, when the city was 
captured. The Arkansas was blown up and sunk by Commodore Porter's 
shells, and of the fifteen or twenty more on the waters of the Yazoo, 
Mississippi, Red, Atchafiilaya and Teche rivers, every one came to grief. 
The Albemarle, after a single foray on the Union fleet in Albemarle sound, 
■was so much crippled by the Sassacus, that she never ventured out again, 
and in October, 1864, was blown up by Lieutenant Cushing. 

Finding that they were not making much headway against the formid- 
able Union navy, and appreciating the necessity of preying upon the 
commerce of the Union, as an effectual means of impairing the national 
strength, the Rebel President issued, at an early day, letters of marque 
and reprisal, commissioning privateers from the ships of other nations to 
assail the commerce of the United States. This measure, at the best only 
a legalized piracy, had been abolished by the principal nations of Europe 
•o far as their wars with each other might extend, from a conviction of 



830 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

its piratical character ; but it was specially piratical in an insurgent party 
where there were no ports accessible, into which its prizes could be taken, 
and no court before which they could be condemned and adjudicated. 

But notwithstanding these disabilities, the British Government had 
made haste to recognize them as belligerents, and among the large ship- 
builders of Liverpool, they found no difficulty in procuring the construc- 
tion of steamers, swift, easily handled, and capable of carrying a formidable 
armament, which they might arm and equip for cruising the ocean as 
privateers without their having ever entered a port of the insurgent 
territory. The Alabama was the first of these private ships, built and 
fitted out in an English port, by Laird &; Sons, English shipbuilders, 
armed with British guns, manned with British seamen, and supplied with 
stores and ammunition by British subjects. The British Government was 
warned, by the American minister and consul, of the character of this 
vessel, and her purpose, but the British laws prohibiting the building and 
equipping a war vessel against a friendly power were too imperfect, or 
the administration of them too lax, to prevent her from slipping out of 
the port of Liverpool, on her errand of rapine and plunder, without any 
efibrt on the part of the British Government to arrest her. 

The United States Government repeatedly remonstrated with that of 
Great Britain for its disregard or neglect of the rights of a friendly nation 
and its prompt assistance to the insurgents, whom, with unbecoming haste, 
and in violation of national etiquette and good faith, it had elevated to the 
rank of belligerents, and apprized that government in temperate lan- 
guage that it should, at the proper time, press its claims for remuneration 
for the damages done to its commerce by the Alabama, and the other 
vessels which had been fitted out in British ports for these piratical pur- 
poses. At first this demand was treated with contempt, then with threats 
of defiance, and finally, as its justice became too evident for denial, with 
a somewhat sullen consideration, but without any promise of re<lress ; but 
the end has not yet come, and it will eventually, probably be submitted to 
arbitration and the award be accepted, though reluctantly, by the British 
Government. The Alabama, being successful in her purpose, was followed 
by several other British built vessels, constructed as gunboats, with the 
design of driving from the seas the American mercantile marine. The 
Florida or Oreto, the Rappahannock, the Tallahassee, and the Shenandoah, 
as well as the Georgia, originally a British blockade runner, were also 
products of British skill. Laird & Sons, the Liverpool shipwrights, elated 
by their success, undertook to build another gunboat on the model of the 
Alabama, and two iron-clad rams of great power for the Rebels, which 
they hoped might be able to enter and destroy some of the American 
seaports. The British Government thought this was going a little too far, 
and finding that the navigation laws of the realm were capable of easy 
evasion the rams were seized, and though a decision was made against 



THE REBEL STEAMER ALABAMA. 831 

the Government on technical grounds, the matter was finally settled by 
the purchase of the rams for the British navy. The French Government, 
at the same time, interposed to prevent the furnishing to the Eebels of two 
iron-clad rams, building for them by Armand, a French ship builder. 
These Armand ships were subsequently sold to the Danish Government, 
but one of them, proving unfit for their use, was returned upon the 
builder and, by some trickery, came into the possession of the Eebels, 
though too late to be of service to them. 

Let us now trace, briefly, the history of the English built, or as we might 
appropriately name them, the Anglo-Rebel privateers. The Alabama left 
Liverpool on the 29th of July, 1862, and though occasionally calling in 
at British colonial ports for supplies and coal, or to land its prisoners, was 
kept afloat most of the time for two years. During this period it com- 
mitted serious havoc with the American commerce, having captured, 
plundered, and boarded or burned more than sixty merchant ships, 
destroying or stealing property to the amount of nearly seven millions of 
dollars. She carefully avoided, and by her great speed, succeeded in 
escaping from collisions with American war vessels, preferring to plunder 
the weak and defenceless, rather than to fight a vessel which was her 
match in size, crew, and armament. She had, indeed, attacked the gun- 
boat Hatteras off Galveston, a vessel decidedly her inferior, but it was done 
with a perfidy in keeping with her entire career ; she hoisted English 
colors, and on being hailed, professed to be her majesty's ship Petrel, and 
invited an approach ; the Hatteras, unsuspicious of the deception, came 
nearer, and when she was sufficiently near and in position to be raked by 
it, the Alabama poured in a full broadside without warning, which sunk 
her almost immediately. 

The United States cruisers had sought for this piratical craft in every 
sea, and more than once had drawn so near to her in some of the foreign 
ports, that but for the provision which kept them from pursuing her for 
twenty -four hours after she left the port, they would have ended her career. 
A time finally came when she could no longer escape their pursuit. 
Early in June, 1864, the Alabama put into the port of Cherbourg, France, 
asking the privilege of refitting there. The Kearsarge, an American steam 
sloop of war, ranking as a third rate, built in the first year of the war, 
and very nearly a match for the Alabama, though slightly inferior in 
size, tonnage, and the number of her guns, had been following the Ala- 
bama for nearly a year most persistently, her commmander. Captain (now 
Commodore) John A. Winslow, being determined if possible to bring the 
pirate to bay. On learning that the Alabama was at Cherbourg, Captain 
Winslow sailed at once for that port, and arrived there on the 14th of 
June. 

The commander of the Alabama, Captain Eaphael Semmes, found him 
self cornered, and believing that a fight was inevitable, and that by adding 



832 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to his crew he would be an overmatch for the Kearsarge, resolved to put 
a bold face upon the matter, and accordingly sent a request to Captain 
Winslow "that he would not leave the port, as he would in a day or two, 
as soon as he could make the necessary preparations, come out of the 
harbor and fight him." Captain Winslow had no intention of leaving the 
port so long as the Alabama remained there, so he quietly waited for "the 
preparations" to be completed. These, which occupied five days, con- 
sisted mainly in sending onshore his valuables, including upward of sixty 
chronometers, taken from American merchant ships, and in receiving 
from England trained gunners from her majesty's ship Excellent, officers 
and men, to serve his guns. The Deerhound, a steel vessel belonging to 
the royal yacht squadron, the property of a Mr. John Lancaster, arrived 
during this time, and acted as a tender to the Alabama, both before and 
after the engagement. The Alabama had been put in good repair during 
her stay at Cherbourg, and had taken in her supply of coal, three hundred 
and fifty tons, and her coal bunkers being between the frame and the ma- 
chinery of the ship, protected the engines, boilers, and steam chest ; to this 
also the weight of the coal, which brought her low down in the water, 
contributed. The Kearsarge being light, stopped her chain cables up and 
down her sides, amid.ship, to partially protect her engines and boilers from 
the enemy's shot. The two vessels as we have said were nearly matched, 
though the Alabama had a slight advantage; her dimensions were, length 
over all, two hundred and twenty feet; lengthon the water line, two hun- 
dred and ten feet; breadth of beam, thirty-two feet; depth, seventeen feet; 
she had two engines of three hundred horse-power each ; her tonnage was 
one thousand one hundred and fifty tons, she carried eight guns, one one 
hundred and ten pounder Blakely rifle, and one sixty-eight pounder 
English navy gun, which the British admiralty had not long before 
pronounced the best gun in existence for naval warfare, and six thirty- 
two pounders. The crew of the Alabama, including their additions just 
before the engagement, must have numbered about one hundred and sixty. 

The dimensions of the Kearsarge were, length over all, two hundred and 
fourteen and a quarter feet ; length on water line, one hundred and ninety- 
eight and a half feet ; breadth of beam, thirty-three feet ; depth sixteen feet ; 
horse-power, two engines of one thousand horse power each ; tonnage, one 
thousand and thirty-one tons. The armament of the Kearsarge was two 
eleven inch smooth bore guns, (Dahlgren) ; one thirty pounder rifle ; four 
thirty-two pounders. Her crew numbered one hundred and sixty-two 
men. 

Early in the morning of Sunday, June 19, 1864, the Alabama was ob- 
served making preparations to cast loose from her moorings, with the 
evident design of putting out to sea. Hereupon, the Deerhound steamed 
up and left Cherbourg at nine A. M. An hour and a half later, the Ala- 
bama followed, and the French iron-clad Couronn^ moved out and took a 



THE KEAESARGE AND ALABAMA. 833 

position three miles from shore, to prevent fighting in neutral waters. 
Captain Winslow, perceiving these movements, headed the Kearsarge 
seaward, and steamed out till he had attained a point about seven miles 
from the shore, the Alabama following in his wake, at a distance of about 
a mile and a half. 

The head of the Kearsarge was now turned short around, and the ship 
steered directly for the Alabama, Captain Winslow's purpose being to run 
her down, or, if circumstances should not warrant it, to close in with her. 

"We can hardly do better than to allow the gallant captain of the Kear- 
sarge to relate the story of the engagement in his own graphic words, every 
point being abundantly verified by the testimony of eye witnesses : 

" Hardly had the Kearsarge come round before the Alabama sheered, . 
presented* her starboard battery, and slowed her engines. On approach- 
ing her at long range of about a mile, she opened her fall broadside, the 
shot cutting some of our rigging and going over and alongside of us. 

"Immediately I ordered more speed; but in two minutes the Alabama 
had loaded and again fired another broadside, and following it with a 
third, without damaging us except in rigging. 

" We had now arrived within about nine hundred yards of her, and I 
was apprehensive that another broadside — nearly raking as it was — would 
prove disastrous. Accordingly, I ordered the Kearsarge sheered, and 
opened on the Alabama. The position of the vessels was now broadside 
and broadside ; but it was soon apparent that Captain Semmes did not 
seek close action. I became then fearful, lest after some fighting, he 
would again make for the shore. To defeat this, I determined to keep 
full speed on, and with a port helm to run under the stern of the Alabama 
and rake her, if he did not prevent it by sheering and keeping his broad- 
side to us. He adopted this mode as a preventive, and, as a consequence, 
the Alabama was forced with a full head of steam into a circular track 
during the engagement. 

The effect of this manoeuvre was such that, at the last of the action, 
when the Alabama would have made off, she was near five miles from the 
shore; and had the action continued from the first in parallel lines, with 
her head in shore, the line of jurisdiction would no doubt have been 
reached. The firing of the Alabama at the first was rapid and wild ; 
toward the close of the action her firing became better. Our men, who 
had been cautioned against rapid firing without direct aim, were much 
more deliberate ; and the instructions given to point the heavy guns 
below rather than above the water-line, and clear the deck with the lighter 
ones, was fully observed. 

" I had endeavored, with a port helm, to close in with the Alabama ; 

but it was not until just before the close of the action, that we were in 

position to use grape. This was avoided, however, by her surrender. 

The effect of the training of our men Avas evident ; nearly every shot from 

53 



834 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

our guns was telling fearfully on the Alabama, and on the seventh rota- 
tion on tlie circular track she winded, setting foretrysail and two jibs, with 
head in shore. Her' speed was now retarded, and by winding, her port 
broadside was presented to us, with only two guns bearing, not having 
been able, as I learned afterward, to shift over but one. I saw now that 
she was at our mercy, and a few more guns well directed brought down 
her flag. I was unable to ascertain whether it had been hauled down or 
shot away ; but a white flag having been displayed over the stern, our 
fire was reserved. Two minutes had not more than elapsed before she 
again opened on us with the two guns on the port side. This drew our 
lire again, and the Kearsarge was immediately steamed ahe.id and laid 
across her bows for raking. The white flag was still flying, and our Are 
was again reserved. Shortly after this, her boats were seen to be lowering, 
and an officer, in one of them, came alongside, and informed us the ship 
had surrendered, and was fast sinking. In twenty minutes from this time 
tlie Alabama went down, her mainmast, which had been shot, breaking 
near the head as she sunk, and her bow rising high out of the water as 
her stern rapidly settled. 

'• The fire of the Alabama, although it is stated she discharged three 
hundred and seventy or more shell and shot, was not of serious damage 
to the Kearsarge. 

" Some thirteen or fourteen of these had taken effect in and about the 
hull, and sixteen or seventeen about the masts and rigging. The casual- 
ties were small, only three persons having been wounded ; yet it is a 
matter of surprise that so few were injured, considering the number of 
projectiles that came abroad. Two shot passed through the ports in which 
the thirty-twos were placed, with men thickly stationed around them, one 
taking eft'eet in the hammock netting, and the other going through the port 
on the opposite side, yet no one was hit, the captain of one of the guns 
being only knocked down by the wind of the shot, as supposed. 

" The fire of the Kearsarge, although only one hundred and seventy- 
three projectiles had been discharged, according to the prisoners' accounts, 
was terrific. One shot alone had killed and wounded eighteen men and 
disabled a gun. Another had entered the coal-bunkers, exploding, and 
completely blocking up the engine-room ; and Captain Semmes states 
that shot and shell had taken eflbct in the sides of his vessel, tearing large 
holes by explosion, and his men were everywhere knocked down." 

The boats of the Kearsarge were at once lowered to endeavor to save 
the crew of the Alabama from drowning, and the Deerhound coming up, 
Captain Winslow, supposing her to be a neutral, requested her to aid in 
picking up the drowning men. Her owner complied with the request, 
picking up forty-one men, and Semmes among them ; but having rescued 
them, lie bore off" at once for the English shore, where he landed them, 
and where Semmes was received with the honors due to a conqueror ; 



THE REBEL SBMMES RECEIVES OVATIONS. 835 

ovations being tendered to him, and sympathy for his misfortune, all of 
which he accepted with great complacency. Such was the neutrality of 
Great Britain ! Onptain Winslow, having rescued seventy of the crew of 
the Alabama, three of whom died of their wounds, returned to Cherbourg, 
where the wounded were placed in hospital, and the uninjured paroled, 
as he had no place in which he could confine them. Semines soon after 
returned, on a blockade runner, to the South, where he was put in com- 
mand of a naval brigade, and was connected with Johnston's army at the 
time of the surrender. 

. The casualties on the Alabama were probably about forty-eight killed 
or drowned, and fifteen wounded, who were saved by Captain Winslow. 

Great efforts were made by sympathizers with the Eebels in Great 
Britain to excite sympathy for the Alabama and its commander and crew 
by the grossest misrepresentations in regard to the size, armament, crew 
and management of the Kearsarge, but these were very thoroughly and 
completely refuted by Mr. Frederick Milnes Edge, who *tnvestigated with 
great care all the circumstances of the engagement, taking the testimony 
of the crews of both vessels and the statements of those who were spectators 
of the fight, and published the result of his examination in a pamphlet, 
which was extensively circulated. 

The loss of the Alabama was a serious blow to the Eebel cause, for 
though perhaps the ships she had captured gave up no portion of their 
sjioil to the Eebel Government, yet it was much, that the}- had been able to 
drive a large proportion of the mercantile marine of the United States to 
seek protection under a foreign register and flag. But the blow was felt 
still more severely in Great Britain, where a large section of the nobility 
the greater part of the. army and navy officers, and most of the commercial 
class, were sympathizers with the Eebellion. The Alabama, as an Eno-lish 
built ship, armed and equipped in England, and having an almost exclu- 
sively British crew, was, they felt, their representative in the cause of the 
Eebellion, and their rage knew no bounds, when, after an hour's fight, the 
Kearsarge, her inferior in every respect, except in the weight of metal 
and admirable service of her large guris, sent her to the bottom of the channel, 
herself receiving such slight injuries as to be ready for further naval battles 
the next day. 

The rejoicing in the United States over the destruction of the Alabama 
was not over when news came that tTae Georgia or Japan, (most of these 
Anglo-Eebel privateers had an alias,) had been captured by Commander 
T. T. Craven of the United States steamer Niagara. This steamer, after a 
not remarkably successful career, as a privateer, had been nominally 
(perhaps reall}') sold to English parties, as a merchant vessel, but as she 
was, under international law, open to capture and condemnation as lawful 
prize of war, she was pursued by the Niagara, and captured off the coast 



836 THE OIVIL WAR IN THE UNITKD STATES. 

of Portugal. The officers and crew then on board, not being implicated 
in privateering, were set at liberty. 

The Florida or Oreto, another of the Rebel privatoprs, built, manned, 
and equipped in Great Britain, had succeeded once in running the blockade 
of Mobile harbor and entered that port, from which she soon after made 
her escape, to enter upon a course of piracy, more marked, though perhajis 
not quite a."* destructive, as that of the Alabama. Her commander, Capt. 
J. N. Maffitt, had been an officer of the United States navy, but had failed 
to acquire there that high sense of honor, wliich should and generally does 
characterize the officers of the navy. His career during the two years i n 
which he was in command of the Florida, was one of falsehood, petty 
tyranny and theft. In the summer of 18(34, he left the vessel in Europe," 
and a Captain Morris was put in command of her ; a large part of her 
depredations had consisted in seizing, plundering, and burning small 
fishing vessels oft" the eastern coast of the United States, a class of vessels 
always previously- left untouched by privateers, or the legitimate navy of 
contending powers, as being engaged in a calling which did not minister 
to the maintenance of war. After a few more seizures of this kind, the 
Florida, under her new captain, sailed for the South American coast, 
probably with the intention of effecting the destruction of the seal fishing 
and whaling fleet. On the 5th of October, 186-i, she put into the Brazilian 
port of Bahia for some repair.?, and at first lay in the offing, the Wachusett, 
a United States sloop-of-war, being at the time in the harbor. The Bra- 
zilian local authorities were very cordial to the Rebel ship, and invited 
her to coine up to the harbor, though the United States'Consul, Mr. Wilson 
protested against it. Early in the morning of the 7th of October, the 
Wachusett) shipped her cables, and ran down upon the Florida under 
full force of steam, with the intention of crushing in her side and sinking 
her. She failed, however, to strike her amidships, but hit her in the stern, 
and carried away her mizzen mast and mainyard. About one half of the 
Rebel crew were on shore, and the remainder were entirely unprepared 
for such an attack. There was, after the collision, some pistol shooting, 
but without effect, and Commander Collins called out to the lieutenant in 
command of the Florida, '• Surrender, or I will blow you out of water." 
The lieutenant replied, "Under the circumstances, I surrender." The 
Wachusett's crew immediately boarded the Rebel steamer, made her fast 
to their own vessel, with a hawser," and turning their course seaward, 
towed her out of the harbor at full speed, passing between the Brazilian 
war vessels in their passage. These challenged the two vessels, but 
received no reply, and opened upon them with the guns of the fort, but 
without effect; the Brazilian naval commander immediately sent out two 
ve.ssels of his fleet in pursuit, but they could not overtake the fleet Wachu- 
sett, and she brought her prize in safety to Hampton Roads, where, how- 
ever, it soon sank, from a leak which was said to have been increased by 



■■LIEUTENANT BBBD'S ADVENTURE AS A PIRATE. 83T 

an accidental collision with a war transport. The conduct of Commander 
Collins in this matter, though prompted by patriotic motives, was liable 
to censure, for though the Florida was entitled to no consideration in the 
matter, yet respect was due to Brazil as a neutral power. The Govern- 
ment of the United States, when the matter was brought to their cogni- 
zance by the Brazilian minister, promptly suspended Commander Collins, 
and tried him before a court-martial, (which however, did not pass a very 
severe sentence upon him), and removed the Consul, who, it appeared, had 
counselled the attack. They also offered to salute the Brazilian flag and 
let the captured crew of the Florida at liberty in a foreign port ; at the 
same time the Secretary of State administered to the Brazilian Government 
a sharp reproof for her recognition of the Rebels as belligerents, and for 
the partiality manifested to them on this and other occasions. The Em- 
peror of Brazil was fully satisfied with the amende offered by the United 
States, though the prominent English newspapers in the interest of the 
Eebels officiously endeavored to incite the Brazilian Government to 
greater and unreasonable demands. It had been the habit of Captain 
Maffitt, when in command of the Florida, to fit out some of the vessels 
which he captured as privateers to prey upon the coast and fishing vessels. 
One of these, the Clarence, captured in May, 1863, was supplied with a 
crew and armament, and put under the command of Lieutenant Charles 
"W. Reed, formerly a midshipman in the United States navy. After 
taking and burning several coasters, Lieutenant Reed, on the 12th of June, 
captured the bark Taeony, off' the capes of Virginia, and transferring his 
armament to her, abandoned the Clarence, and captured during the next 
twelve days a large number of coasting and fishing vessels. Learning 
that the United States cruisers were on his track. Lieutenant Reed burned 
the Taeony, transferring his armament to the schooner Archer, one of 
his latest captures, and sailed for Portland, Maine, with the intention of 
burning two gunboats building there, and cutting out the revenue cutter 
Cushing, then lying in Portland harbor. He did not succeed in burning 
the gunboats, but boarded and captured the cutter and started for sea 
immediately. 

With commmendable promptness the collector of the port organized a 
volunteer force and sent them in pursuit on two ocean steamers, the Ches- 
apeake and the Forest City, then in port. They overhauled the Cushing 
a short distance from the harbor, and as they had no heavy guns, made 
preparations to run her down and board her, when the Rebels set the 
cutter on fire and took to their boats. She blew up before the Union 
vessels could reach her, but they captured the Archer and the boats and 
put the Rebel of&cers and crew in confinement. The Rebels entertained 
a bitter hostility to the Chesapeake, an ocean steamer plying between 
Portland and New York, for the part which she had taken in this affair, 
and threats were freely made in regard to her, but they were not heeded. 



838 THE CIVIL WAR IN 'I'HE UNITED STATES. 

On the 6th of December, 1863, a party of sixteen Rebels, some of them 
bearing commissions from the Rebel Grovernment at Richmond, who had 
shipped as passengers on the Chesapeake at New York, rose upon the 
officers of the ship, seized it, put the Captain in irons, killed the first mate 
and one of the passengers, and threw the body of the latter overboard. 
They retained the remainder of the ovcw and a part of the passengers on 
board for awhile, but finally sent them ashore in a boat, and sailed to the 
eastward. On the receipt of intelligence of her capture, a fleet of war 
vessels were immediately sent in pursuit of her, and on the 17th of De- 
cember slic was captured by the Ella and Anna, in Sambro harbor, and 
with a portion of her crew, carried to Halifax and delivered up to the 
provincial authorities. A mob gathered at once (Halifax being largely 
interested in blockade running,) and rescued and liberated the prisoners. 
The provincial court, on the demand of the owners, gave up the vessel 
to them. Several other attempts were made soon after in the Gulf of 
Mexico, and on the lakes, to seize steamers in the same way and transform 
them into Rebel privateers, but none of them met with much success. In 
August, 1864:, another of a new fleet of privateers built for the Rebels in 
Great Britain by their sympathizing friends, the Tallahassee, made her 
appearance on the coast of New England and the Middle States, and in 
ten days destroyed thirty-three vessels, mostly coasting and fishing vessels. 
Pursued by numerous cruisers, she finally managed to slip into Wilming- 
ton, North Carolina, from whence she never came out again. In Novem- 
ber, two others of the .same fleet, the Olu.stee and Chickamauga, both iron 
vessels, built in the Clyde, and of great speed, appeared on the coast and 
did some mischief. The Chickamauga was soon compelled to take refuge 
in Wilmington, and the Olustec disappeared mysteriously. When Fort 
Fisher was taken, in January, 1865, both the Chickamauga and Tallahassee 
were blown up by the Rebels. The Shenandoah, or'Sea King, which had 
been built at Glasgow in October, 1863, and on the 20th of September, 
1864, transferred to a Rebel sympathizer in London, who authorized the 
captain of the vessel to sell her for fifteen thousand pounds, at any port 
out of the United Kingdom. She was then entered and cleared as a 
merchant vessel in ballast, for Bombay. Meantime, her armament and 
crew had been sent out in another vessel, the Laurel, and by agreement, 
the two vessels met at Madeira, where the armament and crew were put 
on board the Sea King and her name changed to the Shenandoah, and she 
started on a pirjitical cruise around the world. Her armament consisted 
of six guns, four of them sixty-eight pounders, and two thirty-two 
pounders. Her crew were all British sailors. She cruised first in the 
South-Atlantic, and then in the Bay of Bengal, and in February, 1865, 
entered the port of Melbourne, Australia, where, in accordance with 
British ideas of neutrality, she was coaled, provisioned, and received a 
reinforcement of men. After sometime spent there, and in that vicinity, 



THE CAREER OF THE STONEWALL OR OLINDE. 839 

she sailed foi* the northwest coast and commenced making terrible Imvoc 
among the American whale ships. The President of the United States had 
made jDroclamation in April against her as a pirate, but the British Gov- 
ernment delayed making any proclamation until June, and then gave a 
month's grace after she received the proclamation before she was to be 
considered as a pirate. Meantime, she destroyed twenty-five, and bonded 
four whaling vessels, from the beginning of April to the last of June, 
1865, and several others subsequently. In the latter part of August, her 
captain, who had been repeatedly informed by the crews of the ships he 
had taken, that the Confederacy had ceased to exist, but refused to believe 
it until he had been so informed by British authority, left the Arctic 
ocean, and on the 6th of November, arrived in the Mersey, and delivered 
himself and his vessel up to a British man-of-war, lying in Liverpool 
harbor. The British Government, actuated probably by the same neutral 
spirit which had influenced them through the war, set the captain and 
crew at liberty, but decided that the vessel must be given up to the 
American consul. 

With the history of one other ship of war furnished to the Rebels by 
European neutrality, we close this record of the Rebel navy. The 
Olinde or Stonewall was one of the two iron-clad rams built by Armand, 
a French ship builder, for the Rebels, which the French Government com- 
pelled him to sell to the Danish Government. She did not prove satisfac- 
tory to that government, and was returned upon the hands of the builder. 
By some trickery, not creditable to Armand or others concerned in it, she 
was finally transferred to the Rebels, and on the 28th of January, 1865, 
sailed from Nantes, France. On the ith of February, she put into the port 
of Ferrol, Spain, where the Niagara blockaded her for some time. On 
the 21st of March she came out, but the Niagara pursuing her she re- 
turned, evidently fearing her formidable antagonist. On the 27th of 
March she escaped to Lisbon, but was ordered away from that port by the 
Portuguese authorities, and the Niagara and Sacramento, which had fol- 
lowed her thither, were fired upon by the Portuguese forts, on the suppo- 
sition that they intended following her before twenty-four hours after her 
departure had elapsed. Having thus escaped from her pursuers, she sailed 
for the Gulf of Mexico, taking Bermuda in her way, but finding the 
Niagara and Sacramento still in her wake, she put into Havana, and be- 
coming convinced that there was no hope of her escape, and that the 
Rebel Confederacy had exploded, her captain surrendered her to the 
Captain-General of Cuba, who received her on deposit, and awaited in- 
structions from the Spanish Government as to the future disposition to be 
made of her ; that Government ordered her to be given up to the United 
States, but requested the payment of indebtedness incurred by the Rebel 
commander in her behalf. This was granted, and the vessel transferred to 
the navy of the United States. 



840 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

The number of merchant vessels destroyed by these Rebel cruisers 
during the war was more than three hundred, and the value of the ships 
and cargoes not far from thirty millions of dollars ; but this was by no 
means the only injury inflicted upon American commerce thereby ; the 
war risk for insurance was very greatly enhanced ; seven hundred and 
fifteen American vessels, with a total capacity of four hundred and eighty 
thousand eight hundred and eighty-two tons were, during the war, trans- 
ferred to the British or other foreign flags, to avoid capture by these 
cruisers, and the carrying trade, under the American flag, fell oft' two 
thirds in amount, while that under foreign flags increased in a like ratio. 



DISTURBANCES IN MISSOURI. 841 



CHAPTER LXVI. 

DISTURBANCES IN MISSOURI — THE SMALL NUMBER OF TROOPS IX THE DEPARTMENT — GENERAL 
ROSEORANS IN COMMAND THERE — PRICE THINKS THE OPPORTUNITY FAVORABLE FOR AN- 
OTHER INVASION OP MISSOURI — MARMADUKE SENT TO TEST ITS FEASIBILITY — HE IS 

REPULSED AND DRIVEN BACK TOWARD ARKANSAS PRICK's EXPEDITION IN SEPTEMBER 

THE NUMBER OP HIS TROOPS— THE UNION FORCE COLLECTED TO OPPOSE HIM — THE BATTLE 
OF PILOT KNOB — FIGHT AT HARRISOn's_ STATION — SKILFUL MANAGEMENT OF GENERAL 
KWINO — ROLLA SECURELY GARRISONED — GENERAL PLEASONTON TAKES COMMAND OF THE 
CAVALRY — CONDITION OF ST. LOUIS AND JEFFERSON CITY — PRICE MAKES A FATAL DELAY — 
HE THREATENS JEFFERSON CITY, BUT FINDING IT TOO STRONGLY DEFENDED, TURNS ASIDE 
TO BOONEVILLE — SANBORN FOLLOWS AND HARASSES HIM — PLEASONTON JOINS IN THE 
PURSUIT — THE BATTLES OF THE BIG BLUE — LITTLE OSAGE CROSSING, AND MARAIS DES 
CYGNES — PRICE COMPLETELY ROUTED — HE IS DEFEATED ONCE MORE AT NEWTONIA — RE- 
SULTS — INDIAN TROUBLES ON THE FRONTIER — THE LEAGUE AMONG THE TRIBES OF THE 
SIOUX NATION— GENERAL POPE's IDEAS OF THE BEST METHOD OF BREAKING THEIR POWER 
— GENERAL SULLY SENT WITH A LARGE CAVALRY FORCE TO ATTACK THEM, AND POSTS 
ESTABLISHED ALONG THE FRONTIER — HIS CAMPAIGN — THE BATTLE NEAR THE LITTLE MIS- 
SOURI — THE DEFEAT AND FLIGHT OF THE INDIANS — SULLY FALLS BACK TO HIS TRAINS 
And PURSUES them to the " bad lands" — description of the " BAD lands" — HE 
ATTACKS AND DEFEATS THE INDIANS AGAIN — THEY ARE COMPLETELY SCATTERED AND 
BROKEN — GENERAL POPE'S PLANS FOR PEACE WITH THEM IN FUTURE— THE MASSACRE OF THE 
CHEYENNES BY COLONEL CHIVINGTON — DETAILS OF THE SURPRISE AND SLAUGHTER — INVESTI- 
GATION BY THF, COMMITTEE ON THE CONDUCT OF THE WAR — CHIVINGTON ORDERED ARRESTED — 
REBEL PLOTS AGAINST THE CITIZENS OF THE NORTHERN STATES — THE SCHEME FOR THE 
RELEASE OP THE JOHNSOn's ISLAND PRISONERS, AND THE BURNING OF BUFFALO, CLEVE- 
LAND, ETC. — HOW BAFFLED — BLACKBURN'S PLAN FOR DISSEMINATING YELLOW FEVER AND 
SMALL-POX — JOHN T. BEALL's RAID UPON LAKE STEAMERS — HIS CAPTURE, TRIAL, AND 
EXECUTION — THE RAID ON ST. ALBANS — ARREST AND DISCHARGE OF THE ROBBERS — THE 
PLOT FOR RELEASING THE PRISONERS AND DESTROYING CHICAGO — HOW DISCOVERED — 
ATTEMPT TO BURN THE HOTELS IN NEW YORK — ARREST TRIAL AND EXECUTION OF KENNEDY. 

During the summer and autumn of 1864, there were considerable dis- 
turbances from the Rebels in Missouri. On the 30th of January, 1864, 
General Rosecrans had been assigned to the command of the Department 
of Missouri, relieving General Schofield, who was transferred to the Depart- 
ment of the Ohio. The necessity of raising a large force for Sherman's 
Meridian expedition, and after that general became commander of the 
Military Division of the Mississippi, the gathering of the larger part of his 
troops for the campaign in Georgia, compelled the reduction of the force 
ill Missouri to the lowest number which would suffice for holding the 
position. The old Missouri State militia, a part of which had proved un- 
reliable, bad been disbanded, and but few of the enrolled Missouri militia, 
a more loyal and efficient organization, were now in the service. In June, 
General Rosecrans' entire effective force consisted of six thousand five 
iiundred mounted men for field duty, scattered over a country four bun- 



842 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

dred miles long and three hundred broad, and a few partially organized 
new infantry regiments, and dismounted men. This was the entire force 
for the protection of the great depots at St. Louis, Jefferson city, St. Joseph, 
Macon, Springfield, Rolla, and Pilot Knob. 

The same force were also required to guard the railroad lines and 
bridges against invasion, and to protect, as far as possible, the lives and 
property of citizens from the guerrillas, who swarmed over the whole 
country bordering on the Missouri river. As the preservation of St. Louis 
and its vicinity from Kebel attack was of the first importance, General 
Rosecrans felt it necessary to concentrate the larger part of his force, in 
the neighborhood of that city, and along the line of the principal railroads 
radiating from it. The country south of the Maramec was thus left a 
prey to anarchy. 

This state of things was speedily known to the Rebel General Sterling 
Price, and though he had been so often repulsed, he thought he now saw 
before him the opportunity of invading Missouri with success, and of 
accomplishing what had long been his highest ambition, the subjugation 
of St. Louis, his own former residence. His long experience of the supe- 
riority of the Union troops to his own, in pluck, endurance, and resolute 
courage, had made him cautious, and he accordingly sent Marmaduke 
forward with a mixed force, partly bushwhackers, of about six thousand 
infantry and cavalry and three batteries, about the llrst of June, 186i, to 
penetrate into southern Missouri, and, if possible, reach the Missouri river 
and interrupt its navigation. Marmaduke pushed forward, and occupied 
Lake Village, from whence he began to annoy the boats on the Missouri, 
but his operations were speedily cut short. General A. J. Smith, (with 
portions of the sixteenth and seventeenth corps,) who was on his way from 
the disastrous Red river ex])edition, to join Sherman's army, was ordered 
to ascend the Mississippi and Missouri, and put an end to Marmaduke's 
foray. On the 5th of June, this force, consisting of Mower's division of 
the sixteenth corp.s, and one brigade of the seventeenth, diseml)arked at 
Sunnyside, and marched rapidly upon Marmaduke, attacked, defeated, and 
drove him back toward Arkansas, and on the 7th of June re-embarked for 
Memphis. During the summer, Price remained tolerably quiet, but in 
September, attracted by the offers and promises of the Knights of the 
Golden Circle and other disloyalists in Missouri and Illinois, who pledged 
their co-operation and aid in killing off the Union citizens, and preventing 
the ballot for President, which was to take place on the 8tli of November, 
he again made preparations to enter Missouri. 

He crossed the Arkansas river on the 21st of September, with two 
divisions of cavalry, and three batteries of artillery; and at Batesville, Arkan- 
sas, was joined by the Rebel General Shelby, who had* previously been 
confronting General Steele. The combined Rebel force was about fifteen 
thousand men, the greater part cavalry. Their first movement norlliwanl. 



PRICE'S EXPEDITION IN SEPTEMBER. 843 

was a feint toward Springfield, Missouri, but after proceeding a short dis- 
tance in that direction, they turned off toward Pilot Knob. St. Louis 
was, as we have said. Price's objective in this expedition. No sooner had 
Price commenced his march, than Steele followed, having been reinforced 
by Mower's division of the sixteenth corps, and Winslow's cavalry, which 
had been sent from Memphis by General Washburne. General A. J. 
Smith, who was on his way from western Arkansas to join Sherman's 
army, with a force of four thousand five hundred men, crossed to Browns- 
ville, Arkansas, and thence by a severe march of three hundred and twelve 
miles, occupying nineteen days, reached Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and 
embarking his men on transports was conveyed to Jefferson City, Missouri. 
On the 23d of September, Price's advance, under Shelby, occupied 
Bloomfield, which had been evacuated by the Union troops two days 
before. Price now pushed on for Pilot Knob, which was occupied by 
the Union General Ewing, with two regiments of volunteers, and detach- 
ments from three militia regiments. General Ewing had sent off his 
stores to St. Louis, which was now strongly garrisoned, having nearly 
ten thousand troops, the greater part of them militia and hundred days' 
men, guarding it. But though he had secured his stores from danger, 
Ewing was too brave an officer to abandon his post, while there was a 
possibility of holding it. The Rebel advance was repulsed promptly, 
and then as their main body came up, he took his position in the fort, a 
strong one, mounting fourteen guns, but unfortunately, commanded by 
Shepherd's Mountain, an eminence near by. The Rebels assaulted the 
fort without delay, but the terrible fii'e of his artillery and musketry, re- 
served till they came within short range, drove them back with heavy 
loss, and greatly enraged at their repulse, they presently moved off and 
occupied Shepherd's Mountain, and Ewing finding that he would be com- 
pelled to evacuate the fort, spiked his guns, blew up his magaziue, and 
fell back to Harrison station, on the southwest branch railroad, where 
were some breastworks previously occupied by militia. His retreat to 
this point was a running fight for the whole distance, and the enemy 
were only kept at bay by the skilful and constant use of his artillery. 
At Harrison, he made a brave stand and fought the enemy for a long time, 
but they had cut the railroad on both sides of him, and were about sur- 
rounding his little force, when Colonel Beveridge came up with a rein- ■ 
forcement of five hundred men, which the Rebels supposed to be the 
advance-guard of a large body of troops, and hesitated to attack. Avail- 
ing himself of this hesitation, General Ewing marched rapidly for Rolla, 
where he arrived next morning. In this two days' fight, the Rebels had 
lost over one thousand in killed and wounded, and had been delayed, at 
a time when every moment was of great value to the Union commanders 
at St. Louis and Jefferson City, in hurrying forward their troops. Rolla, 
to which point General Ewing had retreated, was now strongly garrisoned ; 



844 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

General Sanborn, who was stationed at Springfield, having ascertained 
that the enemy had no intentions on that place, had brought the greater 
part of his garrison to Eolla, to reinforce General McNeil. At St. Louis, 
General Pleasonton, one of the best cavalry officers in the army, had 
relieved General Frank P. Blair in command of the cavalry, and Senator 
B. Gratz Brown had been put in command of the militia, by General Rose- 
crans. St. Louis was by this time so strongly fortified and defended, that 
Price durst not assail it. At Jefferson City, the enrolled militia were gath- 
ered under command of General E. B. Brown, and General Clinton !&. Fisk 
had drawn thither all the available troops from northern Missouri. These, 
with General A. J. Smith's veterans, forty-five hundred in number, made 
the State capital so strong that its capture would require more and better 
troops than Price had at command, while McNeil and Sanborn at Rolla 
were within reasonable supporting distance. Price committed the mis- 
take of remaining for two or three days at Richwood, near Pilot Knob, 
and threatening St. Louis, while he issued a proclamation to the people 
of Missouri, in which he stated that he had come into the state with the 
intention of remaining; that he desired to make friends, and not enemies, 
and that the depredations which he had committed were a military neces- 
sity. About the 5th of October, he moved toward Jefter.son City, and 
Generals McNeil and Sanborn, apprized promptly of his movements, 
moved at once with all their available cavalry, and making forced 
marches, reached the capital a few hours before him, and finding himself 
confronted by so formidable a force. Price turned aside toward Boone- 
ville. General Pleasonton, who had taken command at Jefferson City, 
sent a cavalry force under General Sanborn in pursuit of him, and he, 
hanging upon Price's rear, harrassed him, driving in his rear-guard, and 
gleaning many prisoners. On the 17tli of October, General Pleasonton, 
who had followed with the main body of his army, moved from Sedalia 
with the determination of bringing Price to an engagement. On the 19th 
of October, he formed a junction with "Winslow's cavalry, which had 
followed Price from Arkansas, and now came up with his troops. This 
addition gave him sixty-five hundred mounted troops, beside a consid- 
erable infantry force. 

On the 22d of October, Pleasonton overtook Price at the Little Blue 
river, and drove him thence to the Big Blue, at Independence, where he 
attacked his rear-guard, and captured two guns. Price's advance had 
met, on the 21st, General Blunt, with a small force, near the Big Blue, 
and had repulsed him, causing him to fall back to his reserves, which 
were under command of General Curtis, and had come from Kansas to 
attack Price. 

On the 28d, Curtis, who held Westport, was attacked by Shelby, who 
commanded Price's advance, and compelled to fall back, when Pleasonton 
came up and defeated Price's forces, and compelled them to retreat south- 




*»M\'^r,>^^. ^>x-r-.<v 



PRICE COMPLETELY ROUTED. 845 

ward on the Fort Scott road. Pleasonton and Curtis, having joined forces, 
pursued briskly, and at daylight on the morning of the 25th, struck the 
foe and routed them, capturing their camp equipage, one cannon, twenty 
wagons full of plunder, and fifteen hundred head of cattle. Still following 
them, they attacked them again at the Little Osage crossing, after a 
march of sixty miles, where two advanced brigades, under the command 
of Colonels Benteen and Phillips, charged two Eebel divisions, routed 
them after a brief action, and captured eight guns, fifteen hundred stand 
of arms, one thousand prisoners, including Generals Marmaduke and 
Cabell, and six colonels. The pursuit was resumed, and the enemy were 
overtaken on the Marais des Cygnes. A sharp, brief battle ensued, and 
Price was again routed, and compelled to burn over two hundred wagons, 
and to explode all his artillery ammunition. His flight from this time 
forward was disorderly, and his troops abandoned most of their plunder, 
and every thing which could impede their progress. The Kansas troops 
now took the lead in the pursuit, together with Benteen's brigade, while 
Sanborn followed in a march more rapid than any other on record, mak- 
ing one hundred and four miles in thirty-six hours. At Newtonia, near 
the southwestern border of Missouri, Price once more made a stand 
against the Kansas troops, which were getting worsted, when Sanborn 
came up and drove them, with the loss of their remaining guns, and 
nearly all their train, a demoralized mob, into Arkansas. Price, in a 
subsequent general order, endeavored to make the best of his expedition, 
claiming that he had been reinforced to an amount fully equal to his 
losses, by citizens of Missouri. It is possible that some of the Rebel 
bushwhackers of that State, finding it uncomfortable to reside there after 
the numerous outrages they had committed, did accompany him to 
Arkansas ; but the loyal citizens of Missouri would willingly have spared 
a much larger number of them if they would have promised never to 
return. But Price's losses, irrespective of such doubtful reinforcements 
as these, had been two thousand prisoners, nine hundred killed, and 
twenty-eight hundred wounded, ten guns (all he had), his entire ammuni- 
tion train, and most of his wagons and plunder, and over four thousand 
stand of arms. The Union loss was but little more than one thousand. 
This expedition ended the Rebel attempts to conquer Missouri, and the 
State thenceforth enjoyed a greater tranquillity than it had known since 
the commencement of the war. 

The Indians in the Department of the Northwest, not satisfied with the 
punishment they had received in the two preceding years, were still 
sullen and revengeful, and bent on mischief. The half breeds and traders 
of the Selkirk and Red river settlements, in British Columbia, fostered 
this hostile feeling for the sake of winning their trade, and furnished them 
with arms and ammunition to continue their warfare during the summer 
of 186-i. 



846 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

During tbe winter and spring of that year, the principal chiefs of the 
Yanktonnais, Unkpapas, and other tribes of the Sioux nation, wliich had 
been most active in their previous hostility to the whites, visited the other 
tribes, aiid by great exertions succeeded in uniting almost tlie entire 
nation in a league to fight and destroy the whites on the frontier ; and, 
with a forethought and self-denial remark-able in the Indian race, accumu- 
lated a large stock of provisions, and assembled their warriors, to the 
number of about six thousand, in the vicinity of the upper Missouri. 

General Pope, the commander of the Department of the Northwest, had 
had early information of the extent of this conspiracy, and made no attempt 
to thwart it, from the conviction that if tiiey concentrated their forces, 
and staked the result on one or more great battles, their power would bo 
so thorouglily broi^en that they would never again be able to rally and 
.seriou.sly annoy the settlers on the frontier. He therefore made thorough 
preparations for an early campaign with a large force into their territory. 
His plan of operations, as determined in February, 1864, was to put iftto 
the field an active column of about twenty-five hundred men, entirely 
cavalry, under the command of Brigailicr-General Alfred Sully, to 
advance against the Indians wherever they could be found, and deliver 
battle again.st them. At the same time he determined to follow iip the 
movements of this column with a force of infantry sufficiently large to 
establish strong posts in the Indian country. 

These posts were to be so located as to cover the frontier lines of Iowa 
and Minnesota, and the frontier settlements of Dakota Territory at a long 
distance ; to interpose between the dift'erent tribes, so as to prevent con- 
certed action between them ; to command the hunting-grounds of the 
Indians, so that they would be constantly under the supervision and in 
the power of the military forces, which, by concerted action, could easily 
and promptly march a heavy cavalry force upon any portion of the region 
in which the Indians are obliged to hunt for subsistence ; to command 
the Indian trails toward the frontier settlements, so as to detect the pas- 
sage of even the smallest parties attempting to make raids upon the 
settlers, and to follow them up; and so far as military necessities would 
allow, to protect an emigrant route from the upper Mississippi river to 
the Territories of Idaho and Montana. For the garrison duties, and for a 
part of his mounted force. General Pope received, though not until late 
in the summer, a considerable body (about two thousand in all) of men 
who had been Rebel prisoners of war, but who had taken the oath of 
allegiance, and been mustered into the United States service. As it was 
manifestly not desirable that they should be confronted with the Rebel 
armies to which they had formerly belonged, they were assigned to duty 
in the northwest, greatly to their satisfaction. 

General Sully collected the forces under his command from the various 
posts and stations in his district, early in the spring, and commenced to 



INDIAN TROUBLES ON THE FRONTIER. 84T 

move up the Missouri river, leaving only such detachments as were neces- 
sary to cover the frontier from small Indian raids during his absence. 
He was reinforced by about fifteen hundred mounted men from Minne- 
sota, leaving General Sibley with about seven hundred effective men to 
protect the frontier settlements of Minnesota during the summer. The 
mouth of Burdache creek, on the upper Missouri, was selected as the 
point where the Minnesota troops should join the forces of General Sully 
moving up the Missouri, and the junction of these forces was made on 
the 30th of June. The spring rise in the Missouri river did not come 
down until very late in the season, and Sully only reached the mouth of 
Cannon Ball river, at which point he was to establish a strong post, 
which was to be his depot of supplies, on the 7th of July. He estab- • 
lished Fort Rice at that point, distant from Sioux City four hundred and 
fifty miles, and garrisoned it with five companies of the thirtieth Wis- 
consin volunteers. The Indians, who had been concentrated on and near 
the Missouri river about fifty miles above this post, had meantime crossed 
to the southwest side of the river, and occupied a strong position in a 
very difiicult country near the Little Missouri river, due west and about 
two hundred miles from Fort Rice. 

On the 26th of July, General Sully marched upon these Indians, with 
the following forces: tlie eighth Minnesota volunteers (mounted), and six 
companies of the second Minnesota cavalry, with four light guns, under 
command of Colonel M. T. Thomas, eiglith Minnesota volunteers; eleven 
companies sixth Iowa cavalry, three companies seventh Iowa cavalry, 
two companies Dakota cavalry, four companies Brackett's battalion 
cavalry, one small company of scouts, and four mountain-howitzers, the 
whole force numbering twenty-two hundred men. A small emigrant 
train for Idaho, which had accompanied the Minnesota troops from that 
State, followed Sally's forces. At the head of Heart river he corralled his 
trains, and leaving a sufficient guard with them, marched rapidly to the 
northwest, where the combined forces of the Indians were assembled. 
On the morning of July 28th he came upon them, between five and six 
thousand warriors, strongly posted in a wooded country very much cut up 
with high rugged hills, and deep impassable ravines. He had an hour's 
talk with some of the Indian chiefs, who were very defiant and impudent, 
after which he moved rapidly forward against their strong position. 

The action for a time was sharp and severe ; but the artillery and long- 
range small arms of the Union troops (many of whom were armed with 
repeating rifles) were very destructive, and the Indians began to give way 
on all sides. They were so closely pressed by Sully's forces that they 
abandoned their extensive camps, leaving all their robes, lodges, colts, 
and utensils of every description, and all the winter supply of provisions 
they had been so long collecting. The action resulted in a running fight 
of nine miles, ihe Indians finally scattering completely, and escaping with 



848 THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 

nothing except their wounded, which, according to Indian custom, they 
carried off, together with as many of their killed as they could. One 
hundred and twenty-five dead warriors were left on the field. An im- 
mense quantity of Indian goods and supplies were captured by General 
Sully in their deserted camps, and as he had no means of transi^ortation 
for them they were destroyed. 

Finding the country almost impracticable, and having only a small 
supply of provisions, or means to carry them, and ascertaining that the 
retreat of the mass of the Indians was toward the southwest, General 
Sully returned to his train at the head of Heart river, and resumed his 
march westward through an unknown and unexplored region toward the 
Yellowstone, which he expected to reach near Fort Alexander, at which 
point it had been proposed to establish a military post. On the 5th of 
August he came in sight of the Bad Lands {Mauvaises Terres) which 
border the little Missouri on both sides. The country was exceedingly 
rugged and difficult, and so cut u]) with deep perpendicular ravines that 
it was with the utmost labor, and considerable loss of time, that a narrow 
winding way between the ravines, in places barely ten feet wide, was 
made for his wagons. The country was most remarkable in its character, 
and is thus depicted by General Sully : 

"I have not sufficient power of language to describe the country in 
front of us. It was grand, dismal, and majestic. You can imagine a 
deep basin, six hundred feet deep, and twenty-five miles in width, filled 
with cones, and oven-shaped knolls of all sizes, from twenty-five to 
several hundred feet in height, sometimes by themselves, sometimes piled 
up into large heaps, on top of each other, in all conceivable shapes and 
confusion. Most of these hills were of a gray clay, but many of a light 
brick color (of burnt clay), and with little or no vegetation. Some of 
the sides of the hills, however, were covered with a few scrub cedars. 
Viewed in the distance at sunset, it looked exactly like the ruins of an 
ancient city. It was covered with pieces of petrified wood, and on the 
tops of some of the hills we found petrified stumps of trees, the remains 
of a great forest. In some cases these trees were from sixteen to eighteen 
feet in diameter. Large quantities of iron ore, lava, and impressions in 
the rocks of leaves of a size and shape not known to any of us, were 
also found throughout this region.'' 

General Sully found it necessary to dig down the hills and make a road 
for his wagons, on the west as well as on the cast side of the Little Mis- 
souri ; and here, on the 6th of August, he found that a part of the Indians 
whom he had defeated on the 28lh of July, were congregated. Carefully 
guarding his flanks and rear against surprise, he moved forward on the 
7th of August, and attacking them, defeated tliem again, leaving over one 
hundred of them dead on the field, beside large numbers whom they car- 
ried away. After this hopeless battle, in wliich tliey maMil'ested none of 



GENERAL POPE'S POLICY. 849 

the spirit or audacity which characterized the fight of the 28th of July, 
the Indians scattered and broke up their combination entirely. The 
Tetons, separated into small fragments, fled toward the southwest; the 
Yanktonnais, one of the most warlike and troublesome tribes of the Sioux 
nation, with other confederated tribes from the north and east of the 
Missouri, crossed that river and retreated rapidly into the British posses- 
sions by way of Moose river. General Sully followed them nearly to the 
British line later in the season. 

Finding the country west of Fort Rice, in the direction of the Yellow- 
stone, impracticable for wagon roads, the general decided not to establisli 
a post so high up on that river, but placed a garrison at the mouth of the 
Yellowstone, and another at the trading post of Fort Berthold, lower down 
on the Missouri, and returned slowly, by way of the Missouri river valley, 
to Fort Rice, and leaving that post well garrisoned and in good condition, 
descended the river to Sioux City. The chiefs of the combined Sioux 
tribes west of the Missouri, which he had defeated, soon began to come in 
to the forts along the Missouri river and ask for peace, acknowledging 
that they could not fight against the whites, and that they had lost every 
thing, and would be in a starving condition. They were informed by the 
commanding officers of these posts that the only conditions of peace re- 
quired from them were, that they would behave themselves, and not molest 
the wliites. Surprised and gratified at such easy terms, they immediately 
returned to their tribes, to bring in the principal chiefs to meet General 
Sully at Fort Randall. Peace was made with the tribes west of the 
Missouri on this basis ; but with the Yanktonnais and other tribes of Sioux, 
north and east of the Missouri, there was more difficulty. They had gone, 
as we have already said, into British Columbia; and it suited the purposes 
of the half-breeds and traders there, who were desirous of securing their 
trade, to inflame their hatred of the people of the United States, and 
furnish them with arms and ammunition to aid them in carrying on the 
war. There were, however, no further troubles with them in' either 
Dakota or Minnesota, the frontier being carefully guarded by General 
Sibley's force. 

It was the policy of General Pope, by frank and honest dealing with the 
Indians, treating them fairly and honorably, and requiring them to act in 
the same way toward the whites, to maintain peace and good order with 
them. The system of annuities and presents he regarded as entirely 
wrong in principle, and calculated to impress them with the belief that the 
whites desired to bu}' their favor. He was in favor of compelling the 
traders to locate themselves only at the military stations, in order that the 
Indians might make their homes so near the garrisons as to be constantly 
under their supervision and control. 

But while the commanding general of the department was seeking to 
establish these beneficent measures, looking to the complete pacification 
54 



850 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and future welfare of the Indian tribes, a subordinate officer, Colonel 
ChivingtoD, of Colorado, commanding at Fort Lyon, in the southeastern 
part of Colorado territory, on the reservation of the Cheyennes and 
Arapahoes, was guilty of a most inhuman massacre of a body of friendly 
and innocent Indians, the greater part of them women and children. A 
part of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes had been hostile to the whites; but 
one band of the Cheyennes, under the command of Black Kettle, their 
head chief, and a part of the Arapahoes, under Little Kaven and Left 
Hand, their first and second chiefs, had been uniformly friendly, and could 
not be seduced into any measures of hostility against the Union garrisons. 

There had been some massacres and captures of whites in the territory, 
and these friendly chiefs succeeded in securing the prisoners, and came to 
Fort Lyon and oflered to give them up. They were given up. to Major 
Wynkoop soon after, and, at his suggestion, several of the chiefs and prin- 
cipal men of the Cheyennes and Arapahoes went to Denver, and had an 
interview with Governor Evans and Colonel Chivington, and desired 
peace for their tribes. Governor Evans told them, Colonel Chivington 
assenting to it, that if they desired peace, they must bring in their families 
and seek the protection of the military posts on the reservations, as the 
whites could not discriminate between Indians on the plains. lie further 
told them, that their going upon the military reservations would be the 
best evidence of their friendly feeling toward the whites. Accordingly, 
the friendly chiefs, with their followers and families, to the number of 
four or five hundred, came to the reservation at Fort Lyon. Major 
Wynkoop treated them cordially, and allowed them some provision, as 
they were destitute of food ; and they, in return, warned him of any 
sunemes of the hostile Indians for his injury. Major Wynkoop was soon 
after removed, and Major Anthony sent to the fort in his place. This 
officer told the Indians that he could not issue any provisions to them, as 
his orders forbade it, but expressed himself as friendly to them, and 
advised them to remove to Sand creek, about forty miles from the fort, 
where they would be able to hunt buffaloes for their subsistence. He 
promised them tliat their families should not be disturbed, and that he 
would represent their feelings to the higher authorities, who, he doubted 
not, would renew kindly intercourse with them. The Indian village, thus 
located at Sand creek, numbered about one hundred lodges, or five hun- 
dred persons, of whom fully two thirds were women and children. 

On the 28th of November, Colonel Chivington reached Fort Lyon with 
somewhat more than seven hundred men of the first and third regiments 
Colorado cavalry, and ordering Major Anthony to join him with one hun- 
dred and twenty-five men and two pieces of artillery, made a forced march 
that day and night to Sand creek, and early in the morning of the 29th 
of November, surprised the Indian village, and though the Indians made 
some resistance, butchered the women and children, and as many men as 



PLOTS OF THE REBELS IN CANADA. 851 

he could reach. About seventy or eighty of the Indians, mostly women 
and children, were murdered, and their bodies mutilated as shamefully as 
the Indians in Minnesota had mutilated the bodies of those they murdered 
in 1862. Colonel Chivington had been repeatedly informed that these 
were friendly Indians, but paid no attention to it, and took every precau- 
tion to prevent intelligence from reaching them of his intended attack. 
The result of this unrighteous and shameful massacre has been to create 
a feeling of bitterness and distrust in the minds of the Indian tribes 
throughout Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona, which has led to abun- 
dant murders and outrages. Colonel Cbivington's commission had ex- 
pired at the time of his committing this outrage, and he had no legitimate 
authority to engage in any military movement. The Congressional Com- 
mittee on the Conduct of the War investigated this case very thoroughly, 
and presented their evidence to the public without comment; but the 
bare recital of the circumstances was sufficient to render the name of its 
perpetrator forever infamous. Congress made such restitution' as was in 
its power, and the Government ordered the arrest of Chivington. 

The Rebels who had domiciled themselves in Canada, were, as we have 
already seen, active and zealous in their efforts to do injury to the Gov- 
ernment and people of the United States. If they could not benefit the 
Rebel cause directly, they reasoned that they were benefiting it indirectly 
by every injury they inflicted, or caused to be inflicted upon the citizens 
of the loyal States. Halifax, St. Johns, Monti-eal, Quebec, and Toronto, 
were so many centres of Eebel activity, §o many nests in which treason- 
able and wicked schemes were hatched. 

In the autumn of 1863, these vile plotters set on foot a plan, under in- 
structions from the Rebel Government at Richmond, to release twenty- 
five hundred Rebel officers who were imprisoned on Johnson's island, in 
Lake Erie, and then these, in conjunction with a body of Rebels in Canada, 
were to attack and destroy Buffalo, Cleveland, and other lake cities. The 
American Consul-General at Montreal, having received timely notice of 
this plot, laid the details before the Governor-General of Canada, by whom 
they were communicated, on the 4th of November, to the United States 
Government. 

The prompt measures taken by the latter to guai'd against the danger, 
prevented the plot from being carried into execution. The British Gov- 
ernment, however, seems to have taken no measures to arrest and punish 
the participators in this scheme. But, though baffled in this attempt, the 
Rebels in Canada did not relax their efforts for an instant to harass and 
injure the citizens of the Union. A Doctor Blackburn, one of their tools, 
visited the Bermudas, where yellow fever prevailed, and secured large 
quantities of clothing infected with the virus of the disease, and sent it to 
his agents in Baltimore, Washington, Norfolk, and Newbern, to be sold at 
auction, in order to disseminate the disease in those localities. He was sue- 



852 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

cessful in communicating it in Newbern, and it was very fatal there. He 
also infected large quantities of clothing with the small-pox virus, and 
effected its distribution in tlie northern cities, and thus contributed un- 
doubtedly to the spread of that loathsome and fatal di-sease in those cities. 

In September, 1864:, John Y. Beall, an officer in the Rebel army, well- 
connected, both in Virginia and in England, organized a force in Canada 
to make a raid upon the lakes, and succeeded in capturing and destroying 
two steamboats owned by citizens of the United States. In the following 
December he crossed the Niagara river, and attempted to throw a passen- 
ger railroad train from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, oft' the track, but was 
arrested in the act. He claimed to have perpetrated this act by virtue of 
his commission from the Rebel Government. For this, and his previous 
crime against the Government, iu the destruction of the steamers, he was 
tried and executed as a pirate, spy, and murderer, on Governor's island, 
New York, February 2-4th, 1865. 

On the afternoon of October 19th, 1864, a body of forty well armed 
men, headed by one Young, suddenly attacked the village of St. Albans, 
Vermont, fifteen miles from the Canadian frontier, and after robbing the 
banks of over two hundred thousand dollars, and firing upon the defence- 
less and thoroughly astonished inhabitaiit.s, one of whom was mortally 
wounded, they rode off" to Canada, where nearly the whole gang was sub- 
sequently arrested. They were brought before the court of Quarter Ses- 
sions at Montreal, and discharged by Justice Coursol on the ground of a 
want of jurisdiction. Subsequently, on being re-arrested and tried before 
the Superior Court of Lower Canada, they were all discharged. The St. 
Albans banks recovered a part of the money stolen from them, but no 
reparation was made to the United States for this incursion upon their 
territory from a friendly State. 

There h;id been for some months a plot concocted for releasing the 
Rebel prisoners at Camp Douglas, Chicago, about eight thousand in num- 
ber, and then, with the aid of the Rebel sympathizers in Chicago, sacking 
and plundering the city, securing arms from its arsenals, and proceeding in 
a grand foray upon Indianapolis, setting at liberty the Rebels imprisoned 
there, and marching thence to Cincinnati, Louisville, and St. Louis, burning 
and plundering everywhere. At first, the time set for the consummation 
of this fiendish plan was the day of the commencement of the session of 
the Democratic national convention at Chicago, in August, 1864, when it 
was thought there would be an unusually large number of Rebel sympa- 
thizers there ; but whether owing to the fact that the superintendent of 
the Rebel prisoners there had received warning and had made such prepa- 
rations as to render it impossible for the conspirators to carry out their 
schemes, or whether the more cautious of the Democratic leaders were 
opposed to such a movement as too perilous to their cause, is not now 
known. At all events, it was postponed to a more fitting opportunity, 



ATTEMPT TO BUEN THE HOTELS IN NEW YORK. 853 

but not relinquished. Sanders, Beverly Tucker, Jacob Thompson, and 
other of the Rebel refugees in Canada, were implicated in this plot, and it 
•was strongly suspected and generally believed that Mr. Vallandigham was 
also cognizant of it. The time finally fixed upon was the day of the presi- 
dential election, Tuesday, November 8th, 1864. All their preparations 
had been made, and the villains were rejoicing in the expectation that be- 
fore evening of that day the fair Queen City of the lakes would be sacked, 
plundered, and burned, and their legion of ruffians well on their way 
southward, when, on the evening before the election, the ringleaders were 
arrested, parks of artillery drawn up around the prison, the guards in- 
creased, and such precautions taken as showed conclusively that the whole 
conspiracy hs.d been revealed. It was communicated to the superinten- 
dent of the prison seventy hours before the time set for its consummation, 
by one of the prisoners, who, though a Eebel, had too much manhood to 
be willing to participate in so diabolical a scheme. Some of the parties 
were tried and condemned to death, but their punishment was subse- 
quently commuted to a life-long imprisonment. 

Another of the schemes of this nest of conspirators was that of firing 
the principal hotels and theatres of New York city. This was attempted 
on the night of November 25th, and had the attempt proved successful, 
might have resulted in a frightful sacrifice of property and life ; but the 
wretches selected to perpetrate the crime were either timid or unskilful, 
and the fires which they kindled were soon extinguished. One of them, 
a Captain Robert C. Kennedy, of the Rebel service, was subsequently 
arrested in Detroit, and his complicity in this plot being proved, he was 
tried and executed at Fort Lafayette, in New York harbor, March 24, 
1865. 

These are but specimens of the schemes which were hatched in the 
fertile brains of these conspirators, but very few of their plans reached 
fruition. The good providence of God, watchful over the Republic, turned, 
in many instances, their counsels to foolishness, and thwarted their most 
skilfully devised plans. We shall see, by and by, that another of their 
plots, more fiendish, if possible, than any which had preceded it, was per- 
mitted by the wise Arbiter of human affairs to attain a partial consumma- 
tion, and plunge the nation in gloom and sorrow; but even in this their 
purposes were not accomplished, and they only brought added infamy 
upon themselves by their connection with it. 



854 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXVIL 

HOOD ATTEMPTS TO CUT SDERMAn's LINE OP COMjrtrNICATIOIf, AND, MOTINO rROM MACOIf, 
FIRST GOES TO DALLAS, AND THEN FALLS BACK UPON THS RAILROAD AT BIO SHANTT — 
SEBRMAN FOLLOWS, AND WITNESSES, AND DIRECTS THE BATTLE AT ALLATOONA PASS, 
WHERE THE REBEL TROOPS ARE DEFEATED BY GENERAL CORSE — DESCRIPTION OF BATTLE 
OP ALLATOONA — HOOD CAPTURES DALTON, BUT IS COMPELLED TO ABANDON IT, AND RETREATS 
BEFORE SHERMAN TO GADSDEN, ALABAMA — SHERMAN PURSUES TO OAVLESTILLE, AND THEN 
DETACHING THOMAS TO NASHVILLE, AND SENDING HIM TWO CORPS, RETURNS TO KINGSTON 

DESTRUCTION OF THE RAILROAD RETURN TO ATLANTA — ITS DESTRUCTION — SBERMAN'S 

TELEGRAPHIC DESPATCH-^IIIS GENERAL ORDERS TO HIS ARMY — THE MARCH — THE ENEMY 
DECEIVED AND CONFUSED — THE REORGANIZATION OP HIS ARMY — SKETCHES OF THE LEADERS 
OF THE TWO WINGS, GENERALS HOWARD AND SLOCUM — DISPOSITION OF THE TROOPS — 
FORAGING — THE ROUTE OF THE TROOPS VEILED BY THE CAVALRY — UNION OF THE COLUMNS 
AT MILLEDOEVILLE — REST AND COLLECTION OP SUPPLIES — SKIRMISHING AND FIGHTING AT 
BUCKHEAD CREEK AND WAYNESBORO — THE ATTEMPT TO RESCUE THE UNION PRISONERS AI 
MILLBN — IT IS FOILED BY THEIR KBMOTAL — APPROACH TO SAVANNAH — THE POSITION Or 
THE TROOPS — ASSAULT AND CAPTURE OF FORT MCALLISTER BY HAZEn's DIVISION — COM- 
MUNICATION OPENED WITH THE FLEET — SHERMAN SUMMONS HARDEE TO SURRENDER, BUT 
HE DECLINES— PREPARATIONS FOR A SIEGE OF THE CITY — HARDEE EVACUATES IT AND 
ESCAPES TO CHARLESTON — SAVANNAH OCCUPIED AND GOVERNED BY GENERAL GEARY — 
THE QUIET AND GOOD ORDER OF THE CITY — SHERMAn's CHRISTMAS PRESENT TO THE 

PRESIDENT — Sherman's encomiums on his generals and troops — the results of the 

CAPTURE of savannah, AND OF THE CAMPAIGN — SHERMAN'S GENERAL ORDERS — HIS 
INTERVIEW WITH THE LEADING MEN OF THE COLORED PEOPLE — THE ASSIGNMENT OF THE 
SEA ISLANDS TO THE NEGROES DURING THE WAR. 

While General Sherman's army, now encamped in and aronnd Atlanta, 
were resting from the fatigues of the late campaign, the active mind of 
their commander was already occupied with new plans for annoying the 
enemy, and of strengthening his own position. Numerous changes 
occurred in the composition of the armies under his command, owing to 
the expiration of the time of service of many of the regiments; but the 
opportunity was speedily embraced to consolidate the fragments, reclothe 
and equip the men, strengthen garrisons, and perfect lines of communica- 
tion in the rear, construct new lines of fortification at Atlanta, and make 
other preparations for the future campaign. Hood's first movement was 
to Macon, which seemed to be threatened by the Union forces, and from 
thence, September 26th, to Powder Springs, near Dallas, Ga., which he 
reached about the 1st of October. As soon as he became convinced, Septem- 
ber 28th, that the enemy intended to assume the offensive, Sherman sent 
General Thomas, who was his second in command, as well as commander 
of the army of the Cumberland, to Nashville, for the purpose of organiz- 
ing the new troops expected at that point. Then, on the 3d, having rein- 
forced the garrisons along the line of the railroad between Atlanta and 



THE BATTLE AT ALLATOONA PASS. 855 

Chattanooga, he started in pursuit of the Eebel force, whose cavalry by 
this time had cut the telegraph wires and railroad at Big Shanty, and 
with French's division of infantry, were moving against Allatoona. At 
this point were stored over a million of rations, the redoubts being garri- 
soned by three small regiments, under the command of Colonel Tourtel- 
lotte, of the fourth Minnesota. In anticipation of this movement, how- 
ever. General Corse had been signalled and telegraphed to reinforce this 
post from Rome, and reached Allatoona at the head of a brigade, during 
the night of the 4th, just in time to meet the attack by French's division 
on the morning of the 5th. The battle had commenced before Sherman's 
arrival at Kenesaw, eighteen miles distant, about ten A. M. of that day, 
and signalling to General Corse the fact of his presence in that vicinity, 
he ordered the twenty-third corps, Brigadier-General Cox in command, 
to move rapidly due west from the base of Kenesaw, with a view to reach 
the road from Allatoona to Dallas in the rear of the Eebel forces engaged 
in the attack on Allatoona. These consisted of French's division, supported 
by two other divisions in reserve, and to the summons for surrender, "to 
avoid a useless effasion of blood," which the Rebel general sent in to the 
garrison, with five minutes' opportunity for an answer, the reply of General 
Corse was prompt and defiant. The attack which followed lasted five 
hours, and ended in the complete discomfiture of the Rebels, who left over 
two hundred dead and four hundred prisoners upon the field, and in the 
hands of the garrison. The retreat was- also greatly accelerated by the 
approach of General Cox's division, which, as we have seen, had been 
despatched by General Sherman to fall upon their rear. This battle, 
although it has not been so prominently noticed as other battles of smaller 
consequence, was indeed a contest of no small importance. The post 
itself, aside from the vast stores of supplies which it held, was a vital 
link in the Union communications. And the tenacity with which the 
brave Union band of fifteen hundred only, fought not less than six thou- 
sand Rebels from dawn until noon, is worthy of enduring remembrance. 
It was a hard, desperate fight, foot to foot and hand to hand, where the 
Union soldiers were driven, by desperate and overwhelming numbers of 
assailants, from their intrenchments to the hill, and from the hill to the 
fort, where, with half their number killed and wounded, and their brave 
leader bleeding, and at times insensible, they fought on with indomitable 
courage, until victory rested upon their banners. Well did that gallant 
leader deserve the words uttered by Sherman that morning, as he looked 
anxiously from a distance upon the conflict : " I know Corse ; so long as 
he lives, the Allatoona pass is safe." 

Crossing the Etowah and Oostanaula rivers by forced marches. Hood 
hastily attacked Dalton, which was foolishly surrendered by its cowardly 
commandant, but which the rapid approach of Sherman did not permit 
him to retain long enough to effect much damage. Next, suddenly ap- 



856 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

pearing before Resaca, Hood, in person, demanded its surrender; but the 
place having already been reinforced from the army of the Tennessee, he 
was repulsed, although he succeeded in breaking the railroad between 
that place and Dalton. Sherman arrived at llesaca on the evening of the 
14th, and determined to strike Hood's flank, or force him to battle ; but 
the enemy had fled. Impeding the advance of his pursuer as much as 
possible by obstructing Snake Creek gap, the most available pass tiirough 
Rocky Face Ridge, Ilood next moved through Ship's gap, in Pigeon 
mountain, and toward Lafayette, and avoiding the appeal to arras, which 
was several times offered him by the Union commander, encumbered 
with few trains, and marching with great activity, he retreated to the 
neighborhood of Gadsden, Ala., where he strongly intrenched himself in 
the Wells Creek gap of the Lookout range. Sherman, who fully compre- 
hended the enemy's designs, followed him as far as Gaylesville, in the 
rich valley of the Chattooga, abounding in corn and meat, where he 
paused to watch his movements, and enjoy the excellent supplies gathered 
ad Uhilum by the numerous foraging parties which scoured the surround- 
ing country. In all these movements, Hood's desire had been to cut 
Sherman's communications with his base, and then pushing forward into 
Tennessee, wrest it from the Union power, which had held it securely 
for two years, and thus compel Sherman to leave Georgia, under the 
penalty of losing Tennessee. Sherman, on the contrary, seeing that Hood's 
army, while it was sufficient to endanger his communications, was unable 
to meet him in open fight, was too wary to be thus decoyed away from 
Georgia by a foe whom there was little prospect of overtaking or defeating. 
As, however, it would have been 'bad policy to have kept his large and 
splendid army merely on the defensive, he resolved to carry out a design 
which he had previously submitted to the commander-in-chief, and which 
he again renewed from Gaylesville, although with certain modifications, 
suggested by more recent events. This plan involved substantially, (1), 
the destruction of Atlanta, which, being a railroad centre, had, since the 
demolition of the railroads, workshops, foundries, etc., lost all its strategic 
value ; (2) the destruction of the railroad back to Chattanooga, and, (3), the 
march of a great army from Atlanta through the very heart of Georgia, 
to capture one or more of the principal Atlantic seaports. By November 
1st, Hood's army had moved from Gadsden, making a feint on Decatur, 
and had laid a pontoon bridge opposite Florence. Sherman then began 
his preparations for the march through Georgia, which had received 
the sanction of the commander-in-chief. His forces having been largely 
augmented by the levy of September, 1864, he found himself perfectly 
able to spare thirty thousand of his best veteran soldiers, which he placed 
under command of General Thomas, at Kingston, to attend to Hood in 
case he should attempt to carry into effect Lis threatened invasion of 
Tennessee and Kentucky. 



SHERMAN RE-ORGANIZES HIS ARMY. 857 

The Rebel force, at that time, was estimated at about forty-five thousand, 
of whom tea thousand were cavalry. Thomas was instructed to draw 
Hood on, as far as possible, into middle Tennessee, so that at a distance 
from his base, he might be more effectually overwhelmed, when the 
moment arrived to strike him a heavy blow. Witli the balance of his 
army, comprising the fifteenth and seventeenth corps, known as the 
army of the Tennessee, and the fourteenth and twentieth, now designated 
as the army of Georgia, numbering in all about sixty thousand men, he 
repaired to Kingston on the 2d of November. From that point, all sur- 
plus baggage and artillery, the sick and wounded, refugees, etc., were sent 
back to Chattanooga ; the Rebel barracks, guns, cotton, mills, warehouses, 
bridges, and supplies of every description captured at Rome were burned ; 
the railroads in and about Atlanta, and between the Etowah and Chatta- 
hoochie, were utterly demolished ; the garrisons from Kingston northward 
were ordered back to Chattanooga, carrying with them all public property 
and railroad stock from Resaca back, and leaving untouched only the rail- 
road between the Etowah and Oostanaula, which, it was possible, might 
be again needed. Thus by the 12th of November, his army stood detached 
and cut off from all communication with the rear, and by the llth moved 
rapidly and grouped around Atlanta. It consisted of four corps, the 
fifteenth and seventeenth forming the right wing, under Major-General 
Howard ; the fourteenth and twentieth, the left wing, under Major-General 
Slocuin. The cavalry division, five thousand five hundred strong, was 
under command of General Kilpatrick, who received his orders directly from 
the commander-in-chief All the troops were provided with good wagon- 
trains, loaded with ammunition and supplies, approximating twenty days' 
bread, forty days' sugar and cofiee, a double allowance of salt for twenty 
days, and beef cattle for forty days' supplies, besides three days' forage in 
grain, to each wagon. While soldiers were strictly prohibited from all 
unnecessary trespass, a judicious system of foraging was to be maintained, 
in order that the army might live chiefly upon the country, which was 
known to abound in corn, sweet potatoes, and meats. Guerrilla depreda- 
tions on the part of the enemy, were to be met with swift and severe retal- 
iatory measures, although the inoffensive citizens of the country, and 
their property, were to be respected as much as, under the circumstances, 
was possible. Horses, mules and wagons, were to be taken, when needed, 
and able-bodied negroes were to be allowed to join the army, and employed 
in pioneer and other work. Each wing of the army had its own pontoon 
bridge. Sherman, on the 4th of November, had telegraphed to the Gov- 
ernment, " Hood has crossed the Tennessee, Thomas will take care of him 
and Nashville, while Schofield will not let him into Chattanooga or Knox- 
ville. Georgia and South Carolina are at my mercy, and I shall strike. 
Do not be anxious about me. I am all right." On the 12th the right 
wing, under General Howard, moved out from Atlanta, followed, on the 



858 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

14th, by the left wing, under General Slocum. On the same day, the 
torch was applied to the public buildings, fortifications, depots, &c., of 
Atlanta, and turning his back upon its smouldering ruins, General Sher- 
man and staff, in company with the fourteenth corps — General Davis's — 
took the road to Macon, and the "great march to the sea " had commenced. 
Compact, self-reliant and cheerful, the well appointed host, guided by a 
master-mind and led by able generals, moved grandly forward to the ful- 
filment of its high mission. As it moved, the last message which flashed 
across the telegraph wire to General Thomas, ere communication was 
severed with the north, was "All is well ;" and the last music which 
echoed along the burning streets of Atlanta was the noble anthem of 
"John Brown's soul goes marching on," played by the fine band of a 
Massachusetts colored regiment. 

We intermit, for a moment, the cour.se of our narrative, to present our 
readers with brief sketches of Sherman's two able lieutenants, Generals 
Slocum and Howard, to whom so much of the success of this campaign 
was due. 

Major-General Henry W. Slocum, born in Delphi, New York, Septem- 
ber 24, 1827, entered West Point in the year 1848, and graduated in 
June 1852, with the rank of seventh in his class. Entering the United 
States army as a brevet second lieutenant of the first artillery, he had, by 
the 3d of March, 1855, gained the rank of first lieutenant, but not alto- 
gether satisfied with the prospects of further promotion, he resigned in 
October, 1856, retired from military service and engaged in business in 
Syracuse, New York. When the Eebellion broke out, however, he 
responded to his country's need, and was appointed Colonel of the 
twenty-seventh New York volunteers, May 21, 1861, with whom he 
participated in the battle of Bull Eun. In August, 1861, he was made a 
brigadier-general of volunteers, and occupied a position on the extreme 
left of General McClellan's army, beyond Alexandria, where he remained 
during the winter of 1861-62. AVhen the army of the Potomac began 
to move in March, 1862, he held command of the third brig.ide of the first 
division of McDowell's corps, but this division being detached in April 
following, he became its acting major-general. During the advance up 
the Peninsula, in 1862, he moved up to West Point, Virginia, taking 
part in the affair at Brick House; and then moved on to White House 
on the Pamunkey, where he helped to hold the railroad between West 
Point and Richmond. Afterward holding the advance of McClellan's 
extreme right wing, about the middle of June, he occupied the Virginia 
Central railroad bridge across the Chickahominy ; and took part in the 
early portion of the seven days' fight, more especially at Gaines' Mills. 
His division, also, was in the battles under Pope, in the latter part of 
August; and in the Maryland campaign he had command of the first 
division of Franklin's wing, and was engaged at Antietam, September 



SKETCH OF MAJOE GENERAL HOWARD. 859 

17tli, 1862. Subsequently, a new corps of raw troops, called the 12th, 
having been created, General Slocum was made a major-general of volun- 
teers, commission dating from July ith, 1862, and organized and led it to 
the field. At the battle of Fredericksburg it formed half of Sigel's re.serve 
grand division, and when this was broken up, Slocum still retained the 
command of his corps. In Hooker's advance upon Chancellorsville, 
April, 1863, General Slocum commanded the three corps composing the 
right wing, and consisting of nearly sixty thousand men ; but when 
Hooker arrived at the front, Slocum resumed the command of his own 
corps, and during the battle days of Chancellorsville, from May 1st to 4th, 
fought with skill and bravery. At Gettysburg, he commanded on the 
right wing, and repulsed the furious and persistent assaults of Ewell's 
corps, with a courage and resolution not surpassed in that terrible conflict. 
In September his corps, as well as the eleventh, was ordered to Chatta- 
nooga, but he was detached from it and soon after placed in command of 
the important post of Vicksburg, where he remained till August 1864, 
when General Sherman called him to Georgia, to take command of the 
twentieth corps^ formed by the consolidation of the eleventh and twelfth. 
He arrived in season to receive 'the surrender of Atlanta, after its evac- 
uation by Hood, and his corps were the first to enter it. In the Savan- 
nah campaign, General Sherman placed him in command of the left wing 
of his army, the fourteenth and twentieth corps, under the name of the 
army of Georgia, which command he also retained in the campaign of 
the Carolinas, in which he distinguished himself for bravery and skilful 
generalship. After the war was over, he was assigned to the command 
of the Department of the Mississippi, with headquarters ^t Vicksburg, 
but resigned his commission in the army, in September, 1865, to accept 
the nomination of the Democratic party in the State of New York to the 
ofiice of Secretary of State. At the election in November, 1865, he was 
unsuccessful. 

Major-General Oliver Otis Howard, was born in Kennebec county, 
Maine, November, 8th 1830, and, with his brothers, was educated at Bowdoin 
college, where he became first in his class, and in his. senior year (1850), 
was admitted to West Point, graduating there in June, 1854, with the 
fourth rank in his class, he received the brevet of a second Ueutenant of 
ordnance. He served for some time in Texas and Florida, then at the 
United States arsenal in Augusta, Georgia, and afterward in that in 
Maine. Promoted to a first lieutenancy, July 1st, 1857, he also received 
the appointment of acting assistant professor of mathematics at the mili- 
tary academy, which position he held until the breaking out of the 
Eebellion. Resigning his position in the regular army, he accepted the 
colonelcy of the third Maine volunteers, and led them into the battle of 
Bull Eun, July 21st, 1861. In September of the same year he was pro- 
moted to a brigadier-generalship of volunteers, and ordered to McClellan's 



860 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

army, where he served oa the Peninsula, and at Fair- Oaks, May 31st, 
1862, received a wound which caused the amputation of an arm. After 
his recovery he returned to his brigade, then ia French's division, and 
which formed a part of Sumner's wing in the battle of Antietam, Septem- 
ber 17th, 1862. We next find him in command of the first division of 
Couch's — second — army corps, and leading his men at Fredericksburg, 
December 13th, 1862, his brigade losing nearly one thousand men. In 
tht ensuing spring he was made a major-general of volunteers, his com- 
mission dating from November 29th, 1862, and was placed in command 
of the second division of the second corps of the army of the Potomac. 
Holding this position until April, 1863, he relieved General Sigel in the 
command of the eleventh army corps. His corps took part in the battle 
of Chancellorsville, May 1st to 4th, 1863, where a part of them broke 
and nearly caused a panic in the whole army ; but at Gettysburg, July 
1st to 3d, 1863, they covered themselves with honor. In July, 1863, Gen- 
eral Howard was placed in command of the second corps, whose leader. 
General Hancock, had been severely wounded at Gettysburg. In Septem- 
ber, 1863, he was ordered with his corps to Cliattanooga, Tennessee, to re- 
inforce General Rosecrans, and arrived at Bridgeport, in company with the 
twelfth corps, in October. He took part in the battle of Wauhatchie, 
October 28th, and sent a part of his troops to aid Hooker in his famous 
battle on Lookout mountain, but was himself engaged with two divisions 
of his corps in Sherman's movement on Fort Buckner on the 25th of 
November. He also accompanied Sherman in his expedition to raise the 
siege of Knoxville. He took part in nearly every battle of the Atlanta 
campaign, cpmmanding the fourth corps till the death of McPherson, 
when he was appointed, at General Sherman's instance, commander of the 
army of the Tennessee. In the final movements around Jonesboro, he 
displayed great energy and courage and skilful generalship. General 
Sherman, a capital judge of men, prized him very highly and on the cam- 
paign described in this chapter, as well as in that through the Carol inas, 
placed him in command of the right wing of his army. In the latter 
campaign he distinguished himself in the battles of Averysborough and 
Bentonville. After the close of the war, he was appointed by the Presi- 
dent commissioner of the bureau of freedmen, refugees, and abandoned 
lands. A man of strong religious convictions and of most exemplary 
life, General Howard has never hesitated to avow his principles, and his 
consistent piety has won the respect even of the irreligious. 

Sherm.an's real destination was known only to himself, to the Lieuten- 
ant-General, and the War Department. Rebels, and the people of the 
North, were alike mystified as to whether Savannah or Charleston was his 
"objective," while the idea of an army thus cutting boldly loose from its 
base, on a march of three hundred miles, through the very heart of a 
hostile country, fairly staggered their comprehension, and challenged their 



SHERMAN'S ARMY AT MILLEDGEVILLE. 861 

credulity. The mystery of his movements was still further obscured by 
the adroitness with which he used his large cavalry force to scour the 
country for a wide distance on either side of his line of march, thus veil- 
ing the route of his infantry. His first object was, of course, to place his 
army in the very heart of Georgia, between Macon and Augusta, thus 
obliging the enemy to divide his forces in the defence of those points, as 
well as Millen, Savannah, and Charleston, and the event justified his ex- 
pectations. 

Marching his army in three columns, with cavalry on his extreme 
right, upon eccentric lines, he diverted the enemy's attention so that they 
concentrated their forces upon the widely separated cities of Macon and 
Augusta, leaving the country open to the advance of the central column. 
Slocum and the twentieth corps arrived at Milledgeville on the twenty- 
second, preceding Davis, with the fourteenth corps, by one day. At the 
same time, Kilpatrick's cavalry reached the Macon and Western road, 
destroying the Walnut creek bridge, and the day following, Howard, 
with the fifteenth and seventeenth corps, arrived at Gordon, and began to 
tear up the Georgia Central railroad. While this was going on, Novem- 
ber 22d, General Walcott, with a cavalry force and an infantry brigade, 
was sent forward to demonstrate near Griswoldville, and while occupying 
temporary breastworks, with a section of battery in position, he was sud- 
denly attacked by a Rebel force of about five thousand from Macon, which 
attacked him furiously, but were coolly received with grape shot and 
musketry, at point blank range, and finally fled the field, with a loss of 
over twenty-five hundred in killed, wounded, and prisoners, among them 
General Anderson. The Union loss was about forty killed and wounded. 
Meantime, Howard and the right wing had moved to Milledgeville, the 
State capital, via Jackson, Monticello, and Hillsboro. Here he was joined, 
on the twenty-third, by the left wing, under General Slocum, which had 
destroyed the great railroad bridge over the Oconee, fifteen hundred feet 
in length, as well as many miles of railroad, shops, mills, stores, and cot- 
ton, beside the line of railroad to Greensboro. At Milledgeville, whence 
the Governor, Legislature, and most of the white population had fled, 
General Sherman's army rested for a few days, during which no unneces- 
sary destruction of property was allowed, but the time was occupied in 
securing large supplies of food and forage from the rich surrounding 
country ; and Thanksgiving day was kept by the soldiers in the midst of 
a profusion of good fare, and even delicacies. On the 24th, the left wing, 
under General Slocum, left Milledgeville, marching by two roads on 
Sandersville, where, on the 25th, he met and routed Wheeler's cavalry 
in a brief but sharp fight, and on the 28th struck the Georgia railroad at 
Tennille, breaking up every thing as they advanced to the Ogeechee. 
Kilpatrick, moving eastwardly from Milledgeville, was busily engaged in 
tearing up the railroad from Milieu to Augusta, with the purpose of there 



862 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

making an attempt to rescue our prisoners confined at the former place, 
the latter town being at the same time threatened b_y Davis's — fourteenth 
— corps. The right wing, also, had moved down the Georgia railroad from 
Gordon, crossed the Oconee river at Oconee, and skirmished briskly with 
the Rebel cavalry under Wheeler and Wagner. The possession of 
Waynesboro, after Millen the chief station on the Savannah and Augusta 
railroad, and tlie destruction of Walker's bridge, over Brier's creek, a tribu- 
tary of the Savannah river, were now matters of importance to the Union 
commander, and Kilpatrick accordingly advanced from Louisville, skir- 
mishing heavily with Wheeler's cavalry during the 27th, 28th, and 29th; 
then falling back, he again advanced, December 1st, supported by an in- 
fantry division, and after a sharp encounter with the enemy, succeeded in 
destroying the railroad south of the town. Having finally accomplished 
their designs against the bridge and railroad on the third, they returned 
to Millen, where the whole army again concentrated, except Osterhaus's 
command, of the right wing, which was yet south of the Ogeechee. In 
the period of eight days, between their leaving Milledgeville (November 
2-ltli) and reaching Millen (December 2d), they had secured an ample 
supply of forage and provisions for forty days, a large amount of available 
ammunition, with horses, mules, and wagons quite sufficient for all the 
wants of army tjan.sportation. They failed only in one cherished plan, 
viz, the liberation of their comrades imprisoned at Millen, owing to 
their removal from that place some time previous; the officers being sent 
to Columbia, South Caroling, and the privates further south. 

The Union army now commenced the third stage of its progress sea- 
ward, from Millen to Savannah, and, pivoted upon the former place, 
swung slowly around from its eastern course, until, by December 3d, it 
was in full motion southward, in six columns, upon parallel roads — 
General Davis following the Savannah river road ; General Slocum on 
the middle road, via Springfield ; General Blair along the railroad, de- 
stroying the track as he went; and General Howard still south and west 
of the Ogeechee. Up to this time the enemy appears to have been com- 
pletely deceived, and expecting an attack on Macon and Augusta, had 
concentrated at those points, and found themselves shut closely up there 
by the general destruction of railroads, bridges, and roads, caused by 
Sherman on his march. Suddenly they discovered that Siierman was 
marching straight upon Savannah, and that they were helpless to prevent 
him, or to do more than feebly harass his progress. As the Union army 
approached Savannah, the country became more marshy and difficult, and 
they came more frequently upon obstructions, in the shape of felled trees 
at the crossings of roads, swamps, or narrow causeways, which, however, 
were removed in an incredibly short time by the efficient pioneer corps. 
Without meeting any considerable opposition from the enemy, the heads 
of the several columns arrived within fifteen miles of Savannah, at which 



ASSAULT AND CAPTURE OP PORT McALLISTER. 863 

point all the roads leading to the city were found to be obstructed by 
felled timber, with earthworks and artillery. These, however, were easily 
turned, and by the 10th of December the enemy was fairly driven within 
his lines, which substantially followed the course of a swampy creek 
emptying into the Savannah river some three miles above the city, and 
across to the head of another stream emptying into the Little Ogeechee. 
Both of these streams afforded the enemy a peculiarly favorable cover, 
as they were very marshy, and bordered by rice-fields flooded either by 
the tide-water or by inland ponds, the gates to which were controlled by 
heavy artillery. The only approaches to the city were five narrow cause- 
ways, viz : two railroads, and the Augusta, Louisville, and Ogeechee 
roads, all commanded by heavy ordnance. Deeming it unwise to assault 
an enemy of unknown strength at such disadvantage, with an army which 
he had successfully brought, almost unscathed, for so great a distance. 
and knowing that he could surely attain the desired result by the opera- 
tion of time, Sherman contented himself by establishing a complete 
investiture of the city from north to west, while he awaited the opening 
and establishing of communication with Admiral Dahlgren's fleet, which 
he knew to be waiting for him in Tybee, Wassau, and Ossabaw sounds. 

In approaching Savannah, the left wing, under General Slocum, had 
struck the Charleston railroad near the bridge, and occupying the river 
bank had captured two Eebel river-boats, and cut off two gunboats from 
communication with the city. The right wing, General Howard, had 
broken the Gulf railroad at Fleming's, occupying the line of the road, so 
that no supplies could reach Savannah, by any of the accustomed channels. 
The Union army, however, while thus cutting off supplies from the enemy, 
rejoiced in large herds of cattle, gathered on their march, while their 
wagons were loaded with ample quantities of bread-stuffs and other pro- 
visions, and the fine rice-crops which bordered the Savannah and Ogeechee 
rivers yielded quantities of rice and rice-straw. In addition to this, they 
controlled the country west and south of the Ogeechee, as foraging ground. 
Although thus conveniently and advantageously situated, Sherman realized 
the vital importance of a communication with the fleet, from which he 
wished to obtain siege guns for the reduction of Savannah ; and the Ogeechee 
river, a navigable stream, close to the rear of his camps, was the proper 
avenue for this purpose — but this was controlled by Fort McAllister, a 
strong enclosed redoubt, on the west side of the river, opposite to Savannah, 
and six miles above Ossabaw sound, manned by some two hundred troops, 
and mounting twenty-three guns en harletie, and one mortar. This fort, 
nearly two years before, had successfully withstood a lengthy bombard- 
ment by three monitors, and its reduction now, was the next step to be 
taken in the operations against Savannah. Sherman decided that it must 
be carried by assault, and this undertaking he committed to the second, — 
Hazen's — division of the fifteenth corps, which he had himself commanded 



864 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

at Vicksburg. Crossing to the west bank of the river, on the 13th of 
December, Hazen reached the vicinity of the fort about one o'clock p. m., 
deployed his division with both flanks resting upon the river, posted his 
skirmishers judiciously behind the trunks of trees, whose branches had 
been used by the Rebels for ahatlis, and made all his dispositions for the 
desperate attempt in the most skillful manner. "While this was going on, 
the signal officers who for two days had been anxiously watching for the 
appearance of the fleet, about the middle of the afternoon descried the 
smoke and the spars of a steamer creeping along over the salt marshes 
and rice fields, in the direction of Ossabaw sound ; and signals were speed- 
ily and joyfully exchanged between the army and the vessels. About 
five, p. M., as the sun was sinking slowly behind the tree-tops, General 
Sherman signalled to Hazen to assault at once, if possible. As the little 
flag fluttered back the reply, " I am ready, and will assault at once," a 
long line of blue coats and bright bayonets emerged from the woods sur- 
rounding the fort, moving to the attack in three columns. Through the 
thick abattis, over the deep ditch, wrenching away the palisades with 
which its bottom was planted, Hazen's gallant troops rushed at the double- 
quick — and though the Rebels gallantly defended their position, yet such 
was the dash and splendid daring of the Union troops, fighting as they 
well knew under the very eye of their great commander, that in less than 
thirty minutes from the start, the stars and stripes, floated victoriously 
from the ramparts of McAllister. With a loss of less than a hundred 
men they had won this strong earthwork fortification, capturing its garrison, 
its full complement of heavy guns, large stores of subsistence and ordnance 
together with all its camp and garrison equipage. As soon as Sherman 
saw the attacking party mount the parapet, he ordered his boat and started 
for the fort, where he briefly congratulated the successful General Hazen, 
and then pursued his way to the fleet. 

Meeting with General Foster's vessel on the Ogeechee, the two officers 
proceeded down to AVassau sound, where, about noon of the following 
day, they met Admiral Dahlgren, with whom Sherman enjoyed a full 
and free conference, and then returned, on the loth, to Fort McAllister, 
and the lines in the rear of Savannah. On the 17th, having received a 
number of thirty-pound Parrott guns from Port Royal, Sherman des- 
patched, by flag of truce, a formal demand for the surrender of Savannah, 
to which, on the day following, he received a refusal from General Hardee. 
Further reconnoissances from the left, satisfied General Sherman that it 
would be both impracticable and unwise to push any large force across 
the Savannah river, inasmuch as it would be isolated by the enemy's iron- 
clad gunboats, which held the river opposite to the city, and could destroy 
any pontoons which bis men might throw across from Hutchinson's island 
to the South Carolina shore. He therefore ordered his siege guns to be 
placed in position, made arrangements for an assault, and opened a water 



EESULTS OF THl'', CAPTURE OF SAVANNAH. 865 

basp at King's bridge, on tlie Ogeechee, from which point his lines 
stretclied across to the Savannah, his left being about three miles above 
the cit}', thus cutting off all the railroad supplies by which the Eebel citi- 
zens and soldiery were to be subsisted. The Rebel force thus locked up 
in Savannah, amounted to about fifteen thousand men, mostly militia, 
and although General Gustavus W. Smith, with a force of eight thousand 
Confederate troops, approached the Ogeechee, he was easily kept from 
coming any nearer to the beleaguered city, by Sherman's possession of 
Fort McAllister, and the Union gunboats in the river. Such was the atti- 
tude of affairs, when, on the morning of the 20th of December, it was dis- 
covered that Savannah had been evacuated by Hardee and his army on 
the previous night, under cover of a heavy fire which had been opened 
upon our lines, and soon its streets echoed to the tread of the veterans of 
General Blair's — seventeenth — corps. The sudden collapse of the Rebel 
defence of this important city and port, seems to have been due mainly to 
two causes : 1st, the moral influence produced on the enemy by the cap- 
ture of Fort McAllister, by direct assault, which demoralized both citizens 
and soldiers to an extent which could not have been produced simply by 
a regular investiture of the city ; 2dly, their knowledge of a flank move- 
ment, operating in connection with General Foster, by way of Black river, 
which, in two days, would have shut them up beyond all hope of escape. 
Hardee, therefore, wisely concluded to withdraw while opportunity re- 
mained, and did so through swamps hitherto considered impassable. The 
prize which the Union army had thus obtained was a magnificent one — 
the city, with- its valuable harbor and river; the forts and heavy ordnance 
in its vicinity; eight hundred prisoners; one hundred and fifty-two guns; 
thirteen locomotives and one hundred and ninety cars, in good order; 
immense supplies of ammunition and materials of war; three steamers, 
and over thirty-eight thousand bales of cotton, and other supplies. On 
the morning of the 21st, General Sherman received the formal surrender 
of the city from its Mayor and municipal authorities, and immediately 
telegraphed to the President of the United States, oftering him "as a 
Christmas gift, the city of Savannah," with all its contents. General 
Geary, commanding a division in the 20th corps, was made military gov- 
ernor of the city ; and, under his judicious management, order, protection, 
and improved sanitary condition, and a general sense of comfort and 
security, delighted the citizens, and caused them to honor the Union 
name. The army, flushed with its triumph, well received by the inhab- 
itants — who yielded gracefully and gladly to the restoration of the National 
authority — and enjoying superb quarters, fish, oysters and other good 
things, relished exceedingly the position of affairs, and plumed its wings 
afresh for other and no less glorious flights. 

The campaign through Georgia, which we have thus briefly sketched 
has no precedent in a military point of view, for the history of war 
55 



8C6 rilK CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATKS. 

records no similar conditions. Its success was due not so much to any 
lack of force on the part of the enemy opposed to the Union army as to 
the masterly plan of operations, as developed in the direction of columns, 
the disposition uf troops, and the selection of lines of travel, by which 
Sherman confused and deceived that enemy, so that concentration and 
effective resistance was only made when it was too late. In twenty-seven 
days, sixty thousand men swept across the State of Georgia, for a distance 
of three hundred miles, and in a track fifty miles wide, devastating and 
scarring all they touched. Railroads in every direction ; factories which had 
supjilied the Rebel Government with arms, ammunition, railroad stock, 
clothing, &c., were utterly destroyed. Fifteen thousand cattle, and five 
thousand horses and mules, besides hogs, sheep, and poultry, were 
captured ; corn and fodder along the entire length of the route was con- 
sumed, while at Savannah the enemy was obliged to destroy his iron- 
clads, navy yards, ordnance and stores. Freedom was given to over 
twenty thousand negroes, who followed their deliverers to Savannah ; and 
Sherman, with good reason, estimated the damage done to the State of 
Georgia and its military resources at one hundred million dollars, of 
which eighty million was " waste and destruction," the balance having 
enured to the advantage of the army. And the army which had done 
this lived mainly on the enemy's country, and its entire loss in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners, did not exceed one thousand six hundred ! Of 
the officers who commanded, their general, in his ofiicial report, speaks 
kindly and enthusiastically; while of the "rank and file," he says, "they 
seem so full of confidence in themselves that I doubt if they want a com- 
pliment from me; but I must do them the justice to say that, whether 
called on to fight, to march, to wade streams, to make roads, clear out 
obstructions, build bridges, make 'corduroy,' or tear up railroads, they 
have done it with an alacrity and a degree of cheerfulness unsurpassed. 
A little loose in foraging, they 'did some things they ought not to have 
done,' yet, on the whole, they have supplied the wants of the army with 
as little violence as could be expected, and as little loss as I calculated. 
Some of these foraging parties had encounters with the enemy which 
would, in ordinary times, rank as respectable battles. The behavior of 
our troops in Savannah has been so manly, so quiet, so perfect, that I 
take it as the best evidence of discipline and true courage. Never was a 
hostile city, filled with women and children, occupied by a large army 
with less disorder, or more system, order, and good government." Four 
co-operative movements of the Union forces, which took place during this 
campaign, are worthy of our notice, of which, however, only two had 
much practical importance; (1) General Foster's demonstration upon the 
Charleston and Savannah railroad ; and (2) a cavalry expedition from the 
Mississippi river to Seliua, Ala., both unsuccessful ; (3) Stoneman's cavalry 
raid up the Tennessee valley, admirable and successful in its execution 



SHERMAN'S GENERAL ORDERS. 867 

and destructive results ; and (4) Thomas's management of Hood, which, in 
reality, assumed the dignity of a separate campaign. It will be recollected 
that when Sherman conceived the plan of his "march to the sea," he pro- 
ceeded, in direct violation of that universally accepted axiom in the art 
of war, forbidding the division of forces in the face of an enemy, to detach 
a portion of his army to General Thomas, with orders to lure Hood into 
Tennessee. This Thomas successfully accomplished, and turning on him 
at the proper moment crushed him. All these operations formed separate 
links in the great chain of strategy, by which Lee, in the Kebel stronghold 
of Richmond, was bound hand and foot, and delivered into the hands of 
the national authority. 

On the 8th of January, 1865, General Sherman issued a congratulatory 
order to his troops, in which he reviewed their services during the two 
months previous, both in this campaign and in that under General Thomas, 
at Nashville (the troops in which, it will be remembered, belonged also to 
his military division of the Mississippi), and authorized the regiments in 
both armies to inscribe at their pleasure "Savannah" or "Nashville" on 
their colors, thus as was just, dividing the honors of the two great victories 
equally. 

On the 14th of January, he published another general order directing 
the adoption of measures for putting down guerillas, and providing for 
the protection and liberty of trade of farmers and others who were loyally 
inclined. This order met with very general approval by the citizens. 
But his most important action, while in Savannah, was that in reference to 
the freedmen. Though not technically an abolitionist, and indeed before 
the war regarded as pro-slavery in his views, General Sherman had been 
greatly impressed with the loyalty and fidelity of the negroes, whether 
slave or free, to the Union. He had found them, in his two Georgia 
campaigns, as well as in Mississippi, the warm and confiding friends of the 
Union army, and they manifested a most touching and implicit faith in 
him and his army. 

Secretary Stanton of the War Department visited Savannah while 
General Sherman was there, and taking advantage of his presence, the 
General assembled the leading men among the negroes — men in whose 
integrity, intelligence and character, they themselves had perfect confidence, 
and in whom they were willing to recognize as their representatives, and had 
a free conference with them, as to their views concerning the future con- 
dition and social position of these people, the Secretary taking part in the 
interview. It was found that they were uniformly desirous of colonizing 
the islands along the South Carolina and Georgia coast, and cultivating 
cotton, rice, and other crops for themselves. As a result of this interview, 
and for the purpose of responding to their views, the general issued, on 
the 18th of January, 1865, the following general order: 



& 



S68 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

"Head-Quarters Mimtakv Division of thk Mississippi, in the. Field Savannah, Ga. 

January IG//1, 1865. 

"I. The islands from Charleston, south, the abandoned rice-fields along 
the river, for thirty miles back from the sea, and the country bordering 
the St. Johns river, Florida, are reserved and set apart for the settlement 
of the negroes now made free by the acts of war and the President of the 
United States. 

"II. At Beaufort, Hilton Head, Savannah, Fernandina, St. Augustine 
and Jacksonville, the blacks may remain in their chosen or accustomed 
avocations; but on the islands and in the settlements hereafter to be estab- 
lished, no white person whatever, unless military officers and soldiers, 
detailed for duty, will be permitted to reside; and the sole and exclusive 
management of aSairs will be left to the freed people themselves, subject 
only to the United States military authority and the acts of Congress. 
By the laws of war, and orders of the President of the United Stales, the 
negro is free, and must be dealt with as such. He cannot be subjected to 
con.scription or forced military service, save by the written orders of the 
highest military authority of the department, under such regulations as the 
President or Congress may prescribe. Domestic servants, blacksmith.s, 
carpenters, and other mechanics, will be free to select their own work and 
residence; but the young and able-bodied negroes must be encouraged to 
enlist as soldiers in the service of the United States, to contribute their 
share toward maintaining their own freedom, and securing their rights as 
citizens of the United States. Negroes so enlisted will be organized into 
companies, battalions and regiments, under the order of the United States 
military authorities, and will be paid, fed and clothed, according to law. 
The bounties paid on enlistment may, with consent of the recruit, go to 
assist his family and settlement, in procuring agricultural implements, 
seeds, tools, boats, clothing, and other articles necessary for their liveli- 
hood. 

" III. Whenever three respecta.ble negroes, heads of families, shall desire 
to settle on land, and shall have selected, for that purpose, an island or a 
locality clearly defined within the limits above designated, the Inspector 
of Settlements and Plantations will himself, or by such subordinate 
officer as he may appoint, give them a license to settle such island or 
district, and alford them such assistance as he can, to enable them to 
establish a peaceable agricultural settlement. The three parties named 
will subdivide the land, under the supervision of the Inspector, among 
themselves, and such others as may choose to settle near them, so that 
each family shall have a plot of not more than forty acres of tillable 
ground, and when it borders on some water channel, with not more than 
eight hundred feet front, in the possession of which land the military 
authorities will afford them protection until such time as they can protect 
themselves, or until Congress shall regulate their title. The quartermaster 



DESTITUTION OF THE WHITES AT SATANNAH. 869 

may, on the requisition of the Inspector of Settlements and Plantations, 
place at the disposal of the Inspector one or more of the captured steam- 
ers, to ply between the settlements and one or more of the commercial 
points heretofore named in orders, to afford the settlers the opportunity to 
supply their necessary wants, and to sell the products of their land and 
labor. 

" IV. When a negro has enlisted in the military service of the United 
States, he may locate his family in any of the settlements, at pleasure, and 
acquire a homestead, and all otl>er rights and privileges of a settler, as 
though present in person. In like manner, negroes may settle their fami- 
lies, and engage on board the gunboats, or in fishing, or in the navigation 
of the inland waters, without losing any claim to land, or other advan- 
tages derived from this system. Bat none, except an actual settler, as 
above defined, or unless absent on government service, will be entitled to 
claim any right to land or property in any settlement by virtue of these 
orders. 

" V. In order to carry out this system of settlement, a general officer 
will be detailed as Inspector of Settlements and Plantations, whose duty 
it shall be to visit the settlements, to regulate their police and general 
management, and who will furnish, personally, to each head of a family, 
subject to the approval of the President of the United States, a possessory 
title in writing, giving, as near as possible, the description of boundaries, 
and who may adjust all claims or conflicts that may arise under the same, 
subject to the like approval, treating such titles as altogether possessory. 
The same general officer will also be charged with the enlistment and 
organization of the negro recruits, and protecting their interests while so 
absent from their settlements, and will be governed by the rules and regu- 
lations prescribed by the War Department for such purpose. 

'• VI. Brigadier-General R. Saxton is hereby appointed Inspector of 
Settlements and Plantations, and will at once enter on the performance of 
his duties. No change is intended or desired in the settlement now on 
Beaufort Island, nor will any right to jiroperty, heretofore acquired, be 
affected hereby. 

" By order of Major-General W. T. Sherman." 

Soon after the promulgation of this order, an " Educational Associa- 
tion" was formed among the freedmen, for the purpose of establishing 
schools for the education of their children. The first evening these poor 
people subscribed, in sums of three dollars each, more than seven hun- 
dred dollars, and in a few days five hundred colored children were assem- 
bled in their schools. 

There was found to be great destitution among the whites in Savannah, 
rice being almost the only article of food which was to be had in any 
considerable quantities. General Sherman gave of this twenty thousand 
bushels from his stores, and permitted a former officer of his army to visit 



870 THE CIVIL WAR IX TIIK UNITED STATES. 

New York to exchange it for other articles of food. On his arrival the 
generous citizens of New York allowed it to be sold and the pro- 
ceeds invested in food, but they added to the cargo of the government 
vessel which bore those supplies back, fifty thousand dollars' worth of 
provisions for the suffering poor of Savannah. Generous contributions 
to the same object were also forwarded from Boston, Massachusetts, and 
other cities. 



1 



THE NASHVILLE CAMPAIGN. STl 



CHAPTER LXVIII. 

THE NASHVILLE CAMPAIGN — SHERMAN's KESOLTE — DAVIs's BOAST — HOOD TRIES TO PUI.FII. IT 

THE OFFER TO GIVE HOOD HIS RATIONS MOVEMENTS OF GENERAL THOMAS'S COMMAND 

THE FOURTH AND TWENTY-THIRD CORPS ASSIGNED TO GENERAL THOMAS — SHERMAN'S ORDER 

HIS INSTRUCTIONS A PART OF HOOD's FORCE CROSSES THE TENNESSEE THE NUMBER 

OP hood's TROOPS — EFFECTIVE FORCE OF THOMAS — CHEATHAM's CORPS CROSSES THE TEN- 
NESSEE—FORREST'S RAID ON JOHNSONVILLE — SCHOPIELD PASSES THROUGH JOHNSONVILLE 
TO PULASKI — HOOD ADVANCES ON PULASKI — SCHOFIELD's AND THOMAs's MEASURES — FALL- 
ING BACK TO COLUMBIA — CALLING IN THE GARRISONS — THE CROSSING OF DUCK RIVER — • 

HOOD ATTF.MPTS TO FLANK SCIIOFIELD AT SPRING HILL BUT FAILS TO DO SO CAUSES OF 

THE FAILURE THE RACE FOR FRANKLIN SCHOFIELD WINS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE 

BTAKE — SCHOFIELD KEEPS THE REBELS AT BAY TILL HIS MEN HAVE THROWN UP TEMPORARY 
DEFENCES — HOOd's ADDRESS TO HIS TROOPS — HIS PLAN — ITS PARTIAL SUCCESS — HEROISM 
OF GENERAL STANLEY — RESULTS OF THE BATTLE — SKETCH OP GENERAL STANLEY — SCHO- 
FIELD PALLS BACK TO NASHVILLE, AND MILROY TO MURFREESBORO — THOMAS'S REINFORCE- 
MENTS COME UP — POSITION OF THE TWO ARMIES — HOOd's BLUNDER — THE EXPEDITION 

AGAINST MUKFREESBORO' ITS FAILURE — THOMAS PREPARES TO ATTACK HOOd's LEFT, AT 

THE SAME TIME DEMONSTRATING UPON HIS RIGHT THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE — FIRST DAY 

— RESULTS — hood's CONDITION AND HOPES — SECOND DAY — DISPOSITION OF THE TROOPS 
■ — CAVALRY ATTACK ON THE REAR — THE GENERAL ADVANCE — THE ASSAULT — REPULSE^ 
ADVANCING AGAIN — THE ENEMY'S LINES BROKEN, AND HE COMPELLED TO FLY IN THE 

UTMOST DISORDER THE RETREAT THE PURSUIT ITS RELENTLESS CHARACTER — RESULTS 

— GALLANT CONDUCT OF COLONEL PALMER — LVON's DEFEAT AND CAPTURE — SKETCH 

OF GENERAL SCHOFIELD SKETCH OF HOOD THE CAMPAIGN OF GILLEM, EURBRIDGK, AND 

STONEMAN, IN EAST TENNESSEE AND WESTERN VIRGINIA BATTLES OF KINGSPORT, ABINGTON, 

AND MARION CAPTURE OF WYTHEVILLE AND SALTVILLE BURBRIDGK's RETURN TO KEN- 
TUCKY. 

Our narrative of Sherman's campaign from Atlanta to the sea, left Hood 
at Gadsden, Alabama, whither he liad retreated from Sherman's pursuit, 
and where, behind strong fortifications, he awaited Sherman's attack. It 
was at this point, in accordance with his previously matured purpose, that 
Sherman determined not to be drawn out of Georgia, nor to suffer his 
communications to be longer at Hood's mercy. He had become satisfied 
that Hood liad a force sufficient to trouble his communications, but not to 
meet and cope with him in battle. Jefferson Davis had boasted at Macon, 
that the soil wrested from the Rebels in Tennessee should be regained, 
and Hood was about to attempt the fulfilment of that boast, by an expe- 
dition thither. The sailors have a proverb that "a stern chase is a long 
chase," and Sherman was well aware that if he attempted, with his large 
army, to pursue Hood, the chase would be a long and wearisome one, and 
Hood would be able to do a great deal of mischief before he could over- 
take him. If, on the contrary, he detached the skilful and resolute Thomas 



8T2 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

to hold Tennessee with a sufficient force, to draw him on, till he was away 
from his base of supplies, and finally to grapple with and destroy his army, 
while Sherman himself, with the remainder of his army, cut loose from 
his base, and marched through Georgia to the sea, he would accomplish 
far more for the overthrow of the Rebel power than he could do by re- 
maining on the defensive. He had communicated his views and plans 
to the Lieutenant-General, who gave them his full approval. " If," said 
Sherman to his generals, at this stage of the contest, "Hood will go into 
Tennessee, I will give him his rations." To his comprehensive and astute 
intellect, it was already evident that, in this move of Hood's, prompted by 
the Rebel President, he had thrown away his last hope of success, his last 
chance even of prolonging the war, and that for this phantom of an invasion, 
he had relinquished the great and controlling advantage of interior lines of 
movement. 

Early in October, 1864, General Thomas, then commanding the army 
of the Cumberland, had disposed his forces in such a way as to oppose 
the g^reatest resistance in his power to Hood's contemplated forward move- 
ment from Gadsden, either upon Bridgeport or Chattanooga, both which 
were thought to be threatened. Decatur, Huntsville, Stevenson, and the 
rest of northern Alabama were left to the care of their ordinary garrisons, 
but General Thomas caused Rousseau to recall his mounted troops from 
their pursuit of Forrest, who was at his favorite work of making raids on 
the Union lines of communications, and concentrate them at Athens; 
Croxton's brigade of cavalry was ordered to observe and protect the cross- 
ings of the Tennessee river, from Decatur to Eastport; Morgan's division 
of Jefferson C. Davis's — fourteenth — corps, to move by rail to Chattanooga, 
where were already Morgan's and Newton's divisions of the fourth — 
Stanley's — corps, and Steediiian; as ordered to follow Morgan to Bridge- 
port. On the 14th of October, Morgan reached his designated position, 
and Steedman's destination was also changed to Chattanooga. Hood, how- 
ever, did not move for some time, and, on the 2Uth of October, General 
Sherman detached the fourth corps, under Major-Geaeral Stanley, and 
ordered him to proceed to Chattanooga and report to General Thomas, at 
Nashville. On the 30th of October he also detached the twenlythird corps, 
Major-General Schofield, with the same destination. On the 28th of 
October he had delegated to General Thomas full power over the fourth 
and twenty-third corps, the two divisions of the sixteenth corps under 
command of General A. J. Smith, then in Missouri, but on their way to 
Tennessee, and all the garrisons in Tennessee, as well as all the cavalry 
of the military division of the Mississippi, except Kilpatrick's division. 
His special field order for this purpose was as follows : 

" In the event of military movements or the accidents of war separating 
the general in command from his military division, Major-General George 
[I. Thomas, commanding the Department of the Cumberland, will exercise 



EFFECTIVE FORCE OF GENERAL THOMAS. 8T3 

command over all the troops and garrisons not absolutely in the presence 
of the General-in-Chief." 

Brevet Major-General Wilson had been ordered from the army of the 
Potomac to report to General Thomas, and take command of the cavalry 
of his army, and he was sent back to Nashville with all dismounted de- 
tachments, and with orders to collect as rapidly as possible the cavalry 
serving in Kentucky and Tennessee, to mount, organize and equip them, 
and report for duty at the earliest moment. These forces General Sherman 
believed sufficient to enable General Thomas to defend the railway from 
Chattanooga to Nashville, and Decatur, and to give him an army, capable 
of coping successfully with Hood, should he cross the Tennessee north- 
ward. General Slierman also informed General Thomas of his entire 
plans for the campaign, and instructed him that he was expected to defend 
the line of the Tennessee river, to hold Tennessee in any event, and to 
pursue Hood should he follow Sherman. 

On the 26th of October, the enemy appeared in some force before 
Decatur, but, after skirmishing for three days, withdrew. On the 81st, in 
spite of all the efforts of Croxton's cavalry, which was, as we have said, 
guarding the river from Decatur to Eastport, the enemy succeeded in 
effecting a lodgment on the north bank of the Tennessee, about three 
miles above Florence. Only a small portion of Hood's army crossed at 
this time, the greater part remaining in Florence, perhaps because their 
commander was perplexed by the movements of Sherman, or, more prob- 
ably, was engaged in making preparations for the advance into Tennessee, 
on which he was fully determined. Hood had caused the Mobile and 
Ohio railroad to be repaired, and he now occupied Corinth, so that his 
supplies could be brought by rail from Selma and Montgomery to that 
point, and thence by way of the Memphis and Charleston railroad to 
Cherokee station. His force now consisted of the remnant of his three 
old corps under Lee, Stuart, and Cheatham, estimated at from thirty to 
thirty-five thousand men, and Forrest's cavalry, supposed to number 
twelve thousand. 

General Thomas's effective force (A. J. Smith, with his two divisions, 
not having yet arrived, and only a small part of Wilson's cavalry being 
remounted) numbered twenty -two thousand infantry, and seven thousand 
seven hundred cavalry, exclusive of numerous detachments, garrisoning 
Murfreesboro', Stevenson, Bridgeport, Huntsville, Decatur, and Chatta- 
nooga, and distributed along the railways to guard them. 

On the afternoon of the 12th of November, the last telegraphic despatch 
was received from General Sherman, and all railway and telegraphic com- 
munication with his army thenceforth ceased. From that day until the 
17th of November, was an anxious period for General Thomas, for he 
was uncertain whether he should be under the necessity of pursuing 
Hood, as would be the case if he followed Sherman, or whether he should 



S74 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

have to defend Tennessee against invasion ; but, on the 17th, Cheatham's 
corps crossed to the north side of the Tennessee, and suspense was at an 
end. The Rebel general could not now follow Sherman if he were dis- 
posed to do so, for he was already three days' march beyond Atlanta, on 
his way to the sea. 

On the 28th of October, Forrest had come from Corinth, with seven- 
teen regiments of cavalry, and nine pieces of artillery, and having cap- 
tured a gunboat and two transports, on the Tennes.see rivei', and burned 
a third transport at Fort Ilciman, seventy-five miles above Paducah, 
planted batteries above and below Johnsonville, which was an extensive 
d6p6t of Union stores, and connected by railroad with Na.shville. He had 
been compelled to destroy the gunboats he had captured, and one of the 
tran.-jports was recaptured. By the position of his batteries, he was able 
to isolate tiiree gunboats, eight transports, and about a dozen barges. 
On the 4th of November, he opened with his artillery on the gunboats 
and transports, as well as upon the town, and the gunboats, which were 
wooden vessels, having become disabled, their officers, fearing they would 
full into Forrest's hands, unwisely fired them and the transports, and the 
flames commiinicating to the government storehouses on the levee, which 
were filled with cornmissar\- and quartermaster's stores, those also were 
burned, involving a loss of about one and a half millions of dollars. The 
garrison of Johnsonville, however, showed no disposition to yield to 
Forrest, whose previous exploits at Fort Pillow and elsewhere, had caused 
his name to be greatly loathed, and after a somewhat protracted bombard- 
ment of the town, he withdrew, and ci;ossing the river just above the town, 
hastened southward. 

General Schofield with the twenty-third corps, arrived at Johnsonville 
from Nashville, the night after Forrest's withdrawal, and leaving a rein- 
forcement to the garrison at Nashville, went on to Pulaski, to join the 
fourth corps there. On the 19th of November, Hood began his advance 
northward, on parallel roads from Florence to Waynesboro'. General 
Schofield, who had command of the two corps at Pulaski, had orders to 
obstruct and delay Hood's progress as much as possible, without bringing 
on a "-eneral engagement, in order to afford more time for the arrival of 
Smith's two divisions fiom Missouri, and to enable Wilson to remount 
and equip more completely his cavalry. Finding that Hood was 
approaching Pulaski, General Schofield removed the public property from 
that town, and sent back his trains to Columbia, preparatory to falling 
back thither with his troops. 

Two divisions of the fourt'u — Stanley's — corps had already been de- 
tailed to proceed as far as Lynnville, fifteen miles north of Pulaski, to 
cover the passage of the wagons, and protect the railway. Capron's 
brigadeof cavalry was at Mount Pleasant, covering the approach to Colum- 
bia from that direction; and in addition to the regular garrison, there was, 



HOOD ADVANCES ON PULASKI. 



8t5 



at Columbia, a brigade of Euger's division of the twenty-third curps. The 
two remaining brigades of Euger's division, then at Johnsonville, were 
ordered to move, one by railway around through Nashville to Columbia, 
the other by turnpike by way of Waverly to Centreville, to occupy the 
crossings of Duck river near Columbia, Williamsport, Gordon's ferry and 
Centreville. About five thousand men, belonging to Sherman's column, 
bad collected at Chattanooga, comprising convalescents and furloughed 
men returning to their regiments. These men had been organized into 
brigades, to be made available at such points as as they might be needed. 
General Thomas had also been reinforced by twenty new one year 
regiments, most of which, however, were absorbed in replacing old 
regiments, whose term of service had expired. 

On the 23d of November, General R. S. Granger, commander of the 
garrisons along the line of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, in 
accordance with instructions previously given him, commenced withdraw- 
ing the garrisons from Athens, Decatur, and Huntsville, Alabama, and 
moved off toward Stevenson, sending five new regiments of this force to 
Murfreesboro, and retaining at Stevenson, the original troops of his 
command. This movement was made by rail with great rapidity, and 
without any opposition on the part of the enemy. 

General Schofield evacuated Pulaski, on the evening of the 23d of 
November, and reached Columbia on the 24th. The commanding officer 
at Johnsonville was directed to evacuate that post and retire to Clarks- 
ville. During the 24th and 25th, the enemy skirmished with General 
Schofield's troops at Columbia, and on the morning of the 26th his infantry 
came up and pressed Schofield's line strongly, during that day and the 
27th, but without assaulting. As the enemy's movements showed an un- 
doubted intention to cross Duck river. General Schofield withdrew to the 
north bank of that river, during the night of the 27th. Two divisions of 
the twenty-third corps were placed in line in front of Columbia, holding 
all the crossings in its vicinity ; while the fourth — Stanley's — corps, posted 
in reserve on the Franklin turnpike, was held in readiness to repel any 
vigorous attempt the enemy should make to force a passage ; and the 
cavalry, under Wilson, held the crossings above those guarded by their 
infantry. About two A. M., on the 29th, the enemy succeeded in pressing 
back General Wilson's cavalfy, and effected a crossing on the Lewisburg 
turnpike; at a later hour, part of his infantry crossed at Huey's mills, six 
miles above Columbia, convinced that it was Hood's intention to attempt 
to flank him at Spring Hill. General Schofield now made preparations 
to fall back to Franklin, where his position would be much stronger. 
He sent General Stanley promptly in the early morning to Spring Hill 
fifteen miles distant, with one division of the fourth corps, to cover the 
trains, and hold the road open for the passage of the main force ; and dis- 



S1G THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

positions were made preparatory to a withdrawal, to meet any attack coming 
from the direction of Huey's mills. 

Hood had despatched Forrest, with the greater part of his cavalry, 
across Duck river, a few miles above Columbia, on the evening of the 
28th, and on the morning of the 29th he followed with Stewart's and 
Cheatham's corps, and Johnson's division of Lee's, in light marching order, 
with only one battery to each corps, leaving the other divisions of Lee's 
corps in front of Schofield's troops at Columbia. His object was, of course 
to throw his force, or the greater part of it, upon the trains of the Union 
army, and cut it off, as well as the troops which guarded it, from the 
remainder of Schofield's force, which he hoped to hold at Columbia till 
this was accomplished. The plan was well conceived, and came near 
proving successful. General Stanley reached Spring Hill just in time to 
drive off Forrests' cavalry, and save the trains ; but he found, in the after- 
noon, that Cheatham's corps had come up, and renewing the attack in con- 
nection with Forrest, they had at onetime nearly succeeded in dislodging 
him from his position. General Stanley, was, however, just tlie man for 
this emergency, firm and unyielding as well as daring, he withstood the 
fearful odds, and kept the roads open for the passage of the long train, 
notwithstanding the terrible pressure of the Rebel force. Hood, indeed, 
blamed Cheatham severely for his failure to crush Stanley at this time, and 
speaks of his attack as but feeble and paitial ; but the failure was probably 
due to Stanley's splendid fighting powers, rather then to any lack of 
energy or zeal on the part of Cheatham. 

The divisions which Hood left in Schofield's front at Columbia, fought all 
day, attempting to cross Duck river, but were repulsed many times, and 
suffered severe loss : giving directions for the withdrawal of the troops 
from Columbia, so soon as the darkness would cover the movement. 
General Schofield started, late in the afternoon, with Ruger's division of 
the twenty-third corps to the relief of General Stanley, at Spring Hill, and 
when near that place came upon a body of Rebel cavalry, bivouacking within 
eight hundred yards of the road, but easily drove them off. Posting a 
brigade to hold the road at this point, against the coming up of the re- 
mainder of his troops, General Schofield, with Ruger's division, pushed on 
to Thompson's station, three miles beyond, where he found the enemy's 
camp fires still burning, a cavalry force haviilg occupied the place till dark^ 
when they were removed. General Hood states that, at dark, he furnished 
Lieutenant-General Stewart with a guide, and ordered him to move his 
corps beyond (or to the left) of Cheatham's and place it across the road 
beyond Spring Hill. Shortly after this, General Cheatham came to his 
headquarters, and when Hood informed him of Stewart's movement, he 
said that Stewart ought to form on his right ; Hood asked if that would 
throw Stewart across the turnpike. Cheatham answered that it would, and 
a mile beyond. Accordingly one of Cheatham's staff officers was sent to 



SCHOFIBLD KEEPS THE REBELS AT BAY. 8fT 

show Stewart where his right rested. In the darkness and confusioa, 
Stewart did not succeed in getting the position desired, and about eleven 
P. M. went into bivouac. About twelve p. St., General Hood, ascertaining 
that the Union troops were moving past in great confusion (such are his 
words) — artillery, wagons and troops intermixed — sent instructions td 
General Cheatham to advance a heavy line of skirmishers against them, 
and still further impede and confuse their march. For some reason, 
Cheatham did not attempt this, and the column which left Columbia after 
nightfall on the evening of the 29th, passed Spring Hill about midnight, 
Generals Stanley and Schofield, with the divisions they commanded in 
person, having preceded them, and though within hearing of Hood's army 
nearly all night, were unmolested. The night march of twenty-five miles 
was made in safety, and the whole command were in position at Franklin, 
at an early hour on the morning of the 30th, the cavalry moving on the 
Lewisburg turnpike on the right of the infantry. Finding that Hood was 
pursuing him rather closely, General Schofield made a feint of an intention 
of giving battle on the hills four miles south of Franklin, but when the 
Rebels had paused and begun to deploy their troops for the attack, he 
fell back slowly to Franklin. This had been a race for the possession of 
Tennessee, of whose importance and moment both commanders were fully 
aware. Franklin once reached by Schofield and his troops put in order 
of battle there, the odds were strongly against Hood. The Union general 
was near his base — Nashville — and could without serious difficulty reach 
it, while his adversary was moving constantly farther from his base, and 
in the topography of the country, as well as in the large force which 
would then oppose him, his chances of success would be greatly dimin- 
ished. If on the contrary, he had been successful in dividing and 
defeating Schofield's army at Spring Hill, it would have been difficult and 
perhaps impossible to prevent him from overrunning Middle Tennessee 
and Kentucky, and though, in the end, this triumph might not have 
greatly prolonged the war, it would have caused immense losses in troops 
and property to have repelled the invasion. 

Franklin, which place General Schofield had reached with his troops 
without serious loss, is situated on the Nashville and Decatur railroad, 
eighteen miles south of Nashville, in a bend of the Big Harpeth river, 
an affluent of the Cumberland. The river encircles the town on three 
sides, and General Schofield stretched his army across the bend, and 
hastened the crossing of his trains over the bridge on the north side of 
the town, toward Nashville. In the position which he had selected for 
his line of battle, there were already some fortifications and rifle-pits, and 
General Schofield kept his skirmishers engaged in pushing back the 
advance-guard of Hood's army, while the troops were completing a line 
of temporary defences. By their skilful manceuvring, the enemy were 



878 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES, 

kept at bay until four P. M., when Hood having massed his troops in front 
of Schofield's position, battle could be no lojiger delayed. 

Riding along his lines, Hood encouraged his troops to make a desper- 
ate attack, telling them that the Union force in their front was greatly in- 
ferior to their own, and that if they once succeeded in breaking it, they 
could drive the Yankees out of Tennessee. His plan of battle was to 
hurl his force, massed as it was, upon the Union centre, break it, seize 
upon the trains, and if possible destroy the Union army before it could 
cross the Harpeth river. But Schofield's position was an admirable one, 
and though his force was greatly inferior to Hood's, it could and did repel 
his attacks, with terrible loss. At four p. M., Hood appeared with hi.< 
troops, advancing out of the woods into the plain in front of the Union 
position, Schofield's skirmishers meantime foiling back slowly toward the 
main army, and maintaining a sharp musketry fire as they retreated. 

As the Kebels advanced, the Union troops opened a heavy and destruc- 
tive cannonade upon them, and as they came nearer, in dense lines, four 
deep, the deadly grape and canister, and the severe musketry fire at short 
range made fearful havoc with them. But though the deadly missiles cut 
wide swaths in their advancing columns, they struggled on, and at last 
Maury's division of Cheatham's corps reached the Union outworks, held 
by Wagner's division, and after a fierce struggle, drove it back upon the 
second and stronger line, held by Cox's and Ruger's divisions of the 
twenty-third corps. Withdrawing a short distance, and reforming their 
lines, the Rebel troops flung themselves with great fury upon this second 
line, and after a desperate and terrible contest, forced their way inside of 
it also, and captured two guns. At this critical moment, when the tide 
of battle seemed turned against the Union forces, General David S. Stan- 
ley, the commander of the fourth corps, put himself at the head of 
Opdyke's brigade, with Conrad's in support, and rushing with intense 
energy upon the enemy, after a fierce hand to hand encounter, with 
bayonets and clubbed muskets, succeeded in driving them out of the 
works, though not until he had himself been severely wounded. Infuri- 
ated at this discomfiture, just at the moment of success, Hood and his 
corps commanders urged on their troops to renewed attacks, and for more 
than five hours they surged up, again and again, against the Union lines, 
but in vain. The Union soldiers stood like a wall of adamaut, and their 
artillery, served with the utmost precision, and at short range, dealt de- 
struction to the foe at each advance. At length, at ten o'clock at night, 
finding that he was only sacrificing his men to no purpose, the Rebel com- 
mander desisted, and fell back out of range. The Union trains were by 
this time well on their way to Nashville, and a part of them already 
arrived there, and at midnight, Schofield withdrew with his army in per- 
iect order, and marching swiftly over the excellent roads reached Nash- 
ville on the morning of December 1st. 



HEROISM OF GENERAL STANLEY. 879 

The battle of Franklin had been one of the severest actions for the 
time it occupied and the number of troops engaged, in the annals of the 
war. Hood reported it as a victoiy on his part, on the ground probably 
of Schofield's retreat to Nashville during the night, but it was a victory 
dearly bought and almost ruinous in its losses. His killed numbered, 
according to his official report, seventeen hundred and fifty, his wounded, 
three thousand eight hundred, and seven hundred and two of his officers 
and men were captured by the Union troops, making his total casualties 
six thousand two hundred and fifty-two. Among the killed, were Major- 
General Patrick E. Cleburne, one of his best division officers, and five 
brigadier-generals, viz: Williams, J. Adams, Gist, Strahl, and Granbury. 
Major-General Brown, and Brigadier-Generals Carter, Mauigault, Quarles, 
Cockerell, and Scott, were wounded; and Brigadier-General Gordon cap- 
tured. The Union losses were one hundred and eighty-nine killed, one 
thousand and thirty-three wounded, and one thousand one hundred and 
four missing, making an aggregate of two thousand three hundred and 
twenty-six. The Union troops captured thirty-three stands of colors, and 
seven hundred and two prisoners. Major-General Stanley* was the only 
Union general officer wounded. The Union army were compelled to 
leave their slain and severely wounded upon the field, but they were cared 
for by the people of Franklin. 

On the evacuation of Columbia, General Thomas sent orders to General 

* Major-tieneral David S. Stanley, was born in Cedar "Valley, Wayne county, Ohio. 
June 1st, 1828 ; he received a good english education, and commenced the study ot 
medicine in 1847, but entered' West Point the ne.xt year, and graduated in 1852, 
eighth in his class. He was appointed, July 18.52, brevet second lieutenant of the 
second dragoons ; received his commission as full second lieutenant, in 1853 ; was 
promoted to. be first lieutenant of the first cavalry, in March 1850; was assigned to 
duty on the frontier in New Mexico, Te.xfls, Missouri (now Dakotah) territory, &c.. 
and had several engagements with the Indians, from 1853 to 1861. On the 16th of 
March, 1861, he was promoted to be captain of the fourth cavalry, and removed the 
United States garrisons in Texas, to Leavenworth, Kansas. He took part in the 
battles of Dug Spring and Wilson's creek, Missouri, in August 1861; was commis- 
sioned brigadier-general of volunteers, September 28, 1861 ; commanded a brigade and 
ere long a division, and distinguished himself in the sieges of New Madrid, Island 
Number Ten, and Corinth ; and in the battles of luka, Septemljcr 19, 1862. and Corinth, 
October 3d and 4th, 1862 ; was appointed by General Rosecrans his chief of cavalry, 
and won distinction in several minor engagements, and in the battle of Stone river. 
December 31st, 1862, to January 3d, 1863 ; was commissioned major-general of volun- 
teers, dating from November 29th, 1862; participated in the pm-suit of Bragg in 
June, 1863; in the battles of Chickamauga, September 19th, and 20th, 1863; Mission 
Ridge, November 25th. 18C3, and Knoxville, December 4th, 1863. He continued to 
command a division in the fourth corps till August, 1864, when he succeeded (General 
Howard as commander of that corps. He took part in all the battles of the Atlanta 
campaign, and, as we have seen, returned to Tennessee in November, and was severely 
wounded in this battle. He resumed the command of his corps late in the winter, but 
was unable to engage in active service. 



880 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Milroy at TuUahoma to abandon that point and retire to Murfreesboro, 
joining forces with General Rousseau at the latter place, but to maintain 
the garrison at the block house at Elk river bridge. 

Nashville was placed in a state of defence, and the fortifications man- 
ned by the garrison, reinforced by volunteers from the employees of the 
quartermaster's and commissary departments, who had previously been 
organized into a division, under brevet Brigadier-General J. L. Donaldson. 
This force, aided by railway employees, the whole under the direction of 
Brigadier-General Tower, worked dilligently in constructing addititional 
defences. Major-General Steedman, with the five thousand men isolated 
from General Sherman's column and a brigade of colored troops, started 
from Chattanooga by rail, on the 29th of November, and reached Cowan 
on the morning of the 30th, when orders were sent to him to proceed 
directly to Nashville. At an early hour on the morning of the 80th, the 
advance of Major-General A. J. Smith's command arrived at Nashville, 
on transports from St. Louis. Thus General Thomas had, witli Schofield's 
army, an infantry force superior in numbers to that of Hood, though one 
fourth of them or more were new troops, while Hood's were all veterans ; 
the Rebel cavalry was, as yet, more numerous than that of the Union 
army, but Wilson was fast remounting his troops, having received an 
order from the War Department to impress horses in Kentucky and Ten- 
nessee for the purpose, and in a few days he would be able to match 
Forrest both in numbers and efficiency. 

On the 1st of December, 1864, Schofield's army was drawn up in line 
of battle on the heights south of Nashville, connecting with the rest of 
the army under General Thomas's command ; A. J. Smith's corps occu- 
pied the right, on the Cumberland river below the city ; the fourth corps 
temporarily commanded by Brigadier-General Thomas J. Wood, in con 
sequence of General Stanley's wound, the centre ; and Schofield's — 
twenty -third — corps, the left, extending to the Nolensville turnpike. The 
cavalry, under General Wilson, took post on the left of Schofield, thus 
securing the interval between that flank and the river, above the city. 
Nashville, it .should be said, is situated in a bend of the Cumberland 
much as Franklin is in that of the Harpeth. General Steedman's troops 
reached Nashville on the evening of the 1st of December, and on the 3d, 
when the cavalry was moved to the north side of the river, to watch and 
protect the railroad against the Rebel cavalry, occupied the space on the 
left of the line which it had vacated. 

On the morning of the 4th, after skirmishing during the two preceding 
days. Hood succeeded in gaining a position, on a line of hills south of tiic 
Union lines, with his salient on the summit of Montgomery hill, within 
six hundred yards of the Union centre, his main line occupying the high 
ground on the southeast side of Brown's creek, and extending from the 
Nolensville turnpike, on which his extreme right rested, across the 



THE EXPEDITION AGAINST MUEPEEESBORO. 881 

Franklin and Granny White roads, in a westerly direction to tlie hills 
south and southwest of Richland creek, and down that creek to the Ilills- 
boro' road, with cavalry extending from both flanks to the river. Hood 
bad hitherto been notable for his reckless daring, and the fury of his sud- 
den attacks upon an enemy, and had won a renown which such hardihood 
and daring deserves ; but in this campaign he seemed anxious to imitate 
Sherman, but without possessing Sherman's clear head and magnificent 
strategic ability. He might, had he flung his troops against Nashville, 
when he first came up, before Steedman's division had arrived, and while 
Schofield's two corps were worn out with fighting by day and marching 
by night, have had some chance of success in breaking through Thomas's ■ 
lines, and pushing him to and across the Cumberland. The outlook was 
but an indifi'erent one, even then, but when he neglected his opportunity, 
and sat down to besiege Nashville, with its river and railroad communi- 
cations yet perfect, he forfeited all prospects of success, and was as really I 
though not as tangibly defeated as when, a fortnight later, he commenced 
his winter flight toward the Tennessee. i 

Between the 4th and 7th of December, Hood sent one division each 
from Cheatham's and Lee's corps, and two thousand five hundred of ! 

Forrest's cavalry, to attempt the capture of the blockhouse at the railway | 

crossing of Overall's creek, and Fort Eosecrans, at Murfreesboro, but they 
were repulsed at both points by Generals Milroy and Rousseau, who 
commanded the garrisons. The Rebel loss here was thirty killed, one 
hundred and seventy -five wounded, two hundred and seven prisoners and ! 

two guns. Buford's Rebel cavalry entered Murfreesboro, but was speed- i 

ily driven out by a regiment of infantry and a section of artillery, and on | 

retiring moved northward to Lebanon, and along the south bank of the I 

Cumberland, threatening to cross to the north side of the river, and inter- ] 

cept the railway communications with Louisville, which was at that time 
the only source of supplies for Thomas's army, the river below Nashville j 

being blockaded for transports, by Rebel batteries along the shore. The 
Union gunboats, under Lieutenant-Commander Le Roy Fitch, patrolled the 
Cumberland, above and below Nashville, and prevented the enemy from 
crossing. General Wilson also sent a cavalry force to Gallatin, to guard I 

the country in that vicinity. j 

General Thomas had been waiting impatiently for an opportunity to j 

attack Hood and punish him for bis temerity ; but the intense cold, which | 

had covered the hills around Nashville with ice, prevented any military i 

movements on either side. On the 14th of December, there being indi- 
cations of a thaw and of milder weather, General Thomas called together \ 
his corps commanders, announced his intention of attacking on the mor- 
row, should the weather prove propitious, and explained his plan of opera- 
tions. A. J. Smith, holding the right, was to form on the Harding road, 
and make a vigorous attack on the enemy's left, supported by three divi- 

56 • 1 



882 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

sions of Wilson's cavalry, ready to assail the enemy as occasion might 
serve. Wood, with the fourth corps, leaving a strong skirmish line on 
Laurens' hill, was to form on the Ilillsboro' road, supporting Smith's left, 
and act against the left and rear of the enemy's advanced post on Mont- 
gomery hill. Schofield was to be in reserve, covering Wood's left. 
Steedman's troops from Chattanooga, the regular garrison of Nashville, 
under Brigadier-General Miller, and the quartermaster's, commissary's, 
and railway employees, under brevet Brigadier-General Donaldson, were 
to hold the interior line, constituting the immediate defences of the city, 
the whole under the command of Major-General Steedman. 

Hood's right was known to be his strongest point, and General Tliomas's 
plan was to demonstrate so vigorously on this, as to lead him to bring 
still more of his troops to that wing ; and then, massing the Union forces 
upon the enemy's weakened left, overwhelm it, break his line, and roll it 
back upon the centre, and if possible crush that also. This was the work 
he had assigned to the first day of the battle ; for the second day, he pro- 
posed to break down Hood's right, and either envelope and capture his 
army, or if that could not be done, shatter it so thoroughly, that he 
would fly with his routed and demoralized troops south of the Tennessee 
river. 

On the 15th of December, every thing being favorable, the army took 
its position, and was ready at an early hour to carry out this programme. 
The formation of the troops was partially concealed from the enemy, by 
the broken nature of the ground, as well as by a dense fog, which only 
lifted toward nopn. For some reasons Hood seemed to have been entirely 
unaware of Thomas's intention of attacking him and especially of his 
design upon his left wing. Before dawn, Steedman deployed with a 
heavy line of skirmishers, mostly colored troops, and thoroughl)' trained, 
and made a fierce demonstration against the Rebel right, east of the 
Nolensville turnpike, and soon after daylight, he pushed his line up to 
and across this turnpike. The enemy's picket line resisted stoutly, but 
being strongly pressed fell back, and Steedman pursued, until ho came 
within short range of a battery planted on the other side of a deep rocky 
cut of the Chattanooga railroad, which his troops could neither flank nor 
cross. After a sharp and somewhat obstinate action, having accomplished 
his object of impressing the enemy with the belief that the principal 
attack was to be made at that point, and inducing him to di-aw rein- 
forcements thither from his centre and left, General Steedman withdrew. 

As soon as Steedman had completed this movement, General A. J. 
Smith's corps and Wilson's cavalry moved out along the Harding turn- 
pike, and commenced the great movement of the day, by wheeling to the 
left, and advancing against the enemy's i)osition across the Harding and 
Hillsboro road. Johnson's division of cavalry was sent, at the same 
time, to look after a Rebel battery on the Cumberland road, at Bell's 



THE BATTLE OP NASHVILLE. 883 

landing, eight miles below Nashville, which had been preventing the pas- 
sage of transports up the river to Nashville. The remainder of Wilson's 
cavalry, Hatch's division leading and Knipe in reserve, moving on 
the right of A. J. Smith, first struck the enemy along Eichland creek, 
near Harding's house, and rapidly drove him back, capturing a number 
of prisoners ; and continuing to advance, while slightly swinging to the 
left, came upon a redoubt containing four guns, which was splendidly 
carried by assault, at one p. m., by a portion of Hatch's division, who 
fought dismounted, and the captured guns were turned upon the enemy. 
A second redoubt, stronger than the first, was next assailed and carried 
by the same troops that captured the first, and four more guns and about 
three hundred prisoners taken. In both these assaults, McArthur's 
division, of A. J. Smith's corps, participated with the cavalry, and reached 
the position about the same time. 

Finding that General Smith had not lapped so far upon Hood's right 
as he expected, though he had broken his right wing, General Thomas 
now directed General Schofield to move his — twenty-third — corps, which 
had thus far been in reserve, to the right of General Smith, and thus 
enable the cavalry to operate more freely upon the enemy's rear. This 
was rapidly accomplished by General Schofield, and his troops participa- 
ted in the closing operations of the day. 

The fourth corps (Woods) formed on the left of A. J. Smith's corps, and 
as soon as the latter had struck the enemy's flank, assaulted and carried 
Montgomery hill, Hood's most advanced position at one P. M., capturing 
a considerable number of prisoners, connecting with Garrard's division, 
which formed Smith's left. The fourth corps continued to advance, car- 
ried the enemy's entire line in its front by assault, and captured several 
pieces of artillery, about five hundred prisoners, and several stands of 
colors. By these movements, Hood was crowded out of his original line 
of works, and compelled to take a new position along the base of the 
Harpeth hills, still, however, retaining his line of retreat to Franklin by 
the main turnpike through Brentwood and by the Granny White road. — 
During the day, sixteen pieces of artillery and twelve hundred prisoners 
had been captured from the enemy, and he had been forced back at all 
points with heavy loss, his strongest positions taken, and his right wing 
crushed. The Union casualties had been unusually light, and the 
behavior of General Thomas's troops was remarkable for steadiness and 
alacrity in every movement. Still, though the Union army was full of 
enthusiasm and confident that the next day would witness the destruction 
of the invading army, it was not to be denied that his new position, 
on the Overton hills, was a strong one. He had straightened and short- 
ened his line by nearly one half, and the line of intrenchments which he 
occupied, had been previously constructed and fortified by him. He still 
held the two turnpikes, by which his retreat could be effected should he 



884 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

be compelled to retreat. His position was very similar to that of Eose- 
crans at the close of the first day at Stone river ; and if, like that able 
commander, he should be able to turn his previous defeat into victory, and 
repulse with heavy loss the Union army, which had come out of Nash- 
ville to attack him, there was still hope that his expedition into Tennes- 
see might not prove wholly a failure. If, on the other hand, the disasters 
of that day were but the precursors of a thorough and overwhelming 
defeat on the morrow, his campaign would not only prove a failure, but 
there would remain for him only a rapid and ignominious flight, in 
which he could not hope to save his trains, or even the greater part of 
his army, and the cause on which he had staked every thing would be 
seriously perilled, if not lost. Gloomy as was the prospect, it served to 
nerve the Rebel commander to the energy of despair, and he attempted to 
infuse his own fiery spirit into his troops. 

General Thomas, on the other hand, was calm, quiet and self-possessed. 
Notwithstanding Hood's strong position, and the advantage which he still 
possessed, the Union commander felt that victory was in his hands, and 
that the evening of the next day would witness Hood's army flying, in 
haste and disorder, southward. His plans, deliberately formed, and slowly 
carried out, admitted no loophole for failure, no possibility of defeat. 
Hood's army was to be crushed — that much, at least, he had settled. 

The Union army bivouacked in line of battle, during the night, on the 
ground occupied at dark, and preparations were made to renew the battle 
at an early hour next morning. 

At six A. M., on the 16th of December, Wood's corps pressed back the 
enemy's skirmishers across the Franklin road, to the eastward of it, and 
then, swinging a little to the right, advanced due south from Nashville, 
driving the Rebels before them until they came upon a new main line of 
works, constructed during the night on Overton's hill, about five miles 
south of the city and cast of the Franklin road. General Stcedman moved 
out from Nashville by the Nolensville turnpike, and formed his provisional 
corps on the left of General Wood, effectually protecting his flank, and 
made preparations to co-operate with him in the movements of the day. 
A. J. Smith's corps marched on the right of the fourth corps, and estab- 
lishing connection with it, completed the new line of battle. Schofield's 
corps remained in ilie position which they had taken at dark the day 
before, facing eastward and toward Hood's left flank, the line of the corps 
running perpendicular to that of Smith's corps. 

General Wilson's cavalry, which had rested for the night at the si.x 
mile post on the Hillsboro road was dismounted and formed on the right 
of Schofield's command, and, by noon of the 16th, had succeeded in gaining 
the enemy's rear, and stretched across the Granny White pike, one of the 
two roads leading toward Franklin. 

As soon as these dispositions were completed, having visited the 



DISPOSITION OF THE TROOPS. 885 

different commands, General Thomas gave directions that the movement 
against the enemy's left flank should be continued. Smith and Schofield, 
who had been listening for the welcome sound of Wilson's cannon against 
the Rebel rear, had already heard it and were moving, when the order 
came. The troops were brought up at all points, to within six hundred 
yards of the Eebel lines. Here they halted, to await the result of an 
assault ordered at three p. M. The assaulting column was composed of 
Post's brigade of Wood's corps, supported by Streight's brigade, and 
Morgan's colored brigade of Steedman's provisional corps. The ground 
on which this column formed, being opened and exposed to the view of 
the enemy, he was enabled to draw reinforcements from his left and centre 
to the threatened points. The Union troops moved steadily forward up 
the hill, being met from the moment of starting by a severe fire of grape, 
canister, and musketry, and as they neared the crest, the enemy's reserves 
rose, and suddenly poured into the assaulting column a terribly destruc- 
tive fire, causing it first to waver, and then to fall back, leaving dead and 
wounded, black and white, mingled indiscriminately in the dense and 
almost impenetrable abatis. General Wood at once reformed his command 
in the position it had previously occupied, preparatory to a renewal of 
the assault. Immediately following this effort of Post's and Morgan's 
brigades. General Smith's and Schofield's corps moved against the enemy's 
works in their respective fronts, carrying all before them, breaking his 
lines in a dozen places, and capturing all his artillery, and thousands^of 
prisoners, including four general officers. The Union loss was very light. 
All of the enemy that did escape were pursued over the top of Brentwood 
and Harpeth hills. General Wilson had dismounted his cavalry, and at- 
tacked the enemy in rear simultaneously with the attack of Smith and 
Schofield in front, and gaining full possession of the Granny White turn- 
pike, cut off his retreat by that route. Wood's and Steedman's troops, 
hearing the shouts of victory coming from the right, rushed impetuously 
forward for another assault on Overton's hill, and although the resistance 
was stern and the Rebel fire heavy, their onset was irresistible, and the 
enemy's artillery and troops fell into their hands. The Rebel army, hope- 
lessly shattered, .fled in confusion through the Brentwood pass, the fourth 
corps pursuing closely for several miles, when darkness closed the 
scene and the wearied troops rested from their chase. 

As the fourth corps pursued the enemy along the Franklin turnpike. 
General Wilson hastily mounted Knipe's and Hatch's divisions, and 
directed them to move rapidly on the Granny White road, and endeavor 
to reach Franklin in advance of the Rebel army. After proceeding 
about a mile, they came upon the enemy's cavalry under General 
Chalmers, posted across the road and behind barricades. The twelfth 
Tennessee cavalry, Colonel Spalding, charged upon and carried the 
position, scattering the Rebel troops in all directions, and capturing 



88€ THE CIVIL WAB IN THE UXITED STATES. 

a ooDsiderable number of prisoners, among them Brigadier-General £. W. 
Backer. 

The porsoit vas resamed the next morning, bj Johnson s and Knipe's 
dirision of the caTalrr. and Wood's corps, and these were followed, in 
slower marches, bj Smith's and Schofield's oorpe^ and die Bebel army 
were hunted down relentlessly, f<»- the next fortnight, amid Bevere storms 
impracticable roads, and intense cold. At Hollow Tree gap. four miles 
from Franklin, the caTalry overUx^ th^ rear-gvaid on the 17th. and 
carried their position, taking four hundred and thirteen |Miaoners. The 
Bebels fled to Franklin, and attempted in rain to defaid the (sossings of 
the Harpeth iiTer. but were again defeated and driven from Uie town, 
leaving &eir hospitals, containing over two thousand wounded, of whom 
two hundred were Union men. captured at the battle of Franklin. About 
&Te miles south of Franklin, the cavalrj pressed thesa eo cloeelr, that 
they were compelled to make a stand again, but it was only to fly widi 
still gTeater*rapidity, when Wilson's cavalry charged upon them again. 
At this point, they abandoned nearly all their remaining aitillery. Hood 
had iormed a powerful rear-guard from the few r^imoits which retained 
their organization, and as much of Forrest's caTalry as was available ; 
and this lear^guard, consisting <^ seven or eight thooaand men, half of 
than mounted troops, defended die flying army with eooaidendde 
resolution ; the remainder of Hood's fine army of neariy fifty dioaaand 
tioops, which, at the b^inning of Deoemb^, had udertakeii so confi- 
dently the siege of Nashville, had become a didwaitaaed and disorgan- 
ized rabble of half armed or unanned and barefoot men, who sought 
every opportunity to iall out by the wayside and desert their cause, to 
put an end to their soferings. The few cannon whidi they had 1^ were 
either captured by their porsaers. or thrown into the river, from which 
they were afterwards recovered, and their supply train was almost wholly 
o^Kured and destroyed. General Thomas sent General Steedman by way 
(^ Mnrfreesboro to Decatur, to re-occupy those points in Alabama which 
had been evacuated in November, and to threatem the Bebd railroad 
communications, weet<^ Flafaiee, and at General ThcMnas's request Bear- 
Admiral S. P. Lee sent gunboats to FloroMse, to patrol the river and 
prevent Hood &<Mn croesii]^ at oi below that point. The ELAel oom- 
maader succeeded h o wev er in bringing the shattered debrii of his army 
across the Tennessee in safety, on the 27th <^ December, at Bainbridge, a 
shttft distance above Florence. 

The results of this victory were ; vhe capture by the Union army of 
thirteen thousand <»ie hundred and eighty-nine (msoneis of war. indading 
seven generals and nearly me thousand staff and line t^eas, eighty 
sarioeable cannon, many thousand small arms and several scores of battle 
flags. Besides these, two thousand two hundred and seven deserters from 
the Bebd army came in and took the oath of alkgianoe. The number of 



GALLANT CONDUCT OF COLONEL PALMER. 887 

Rebels killed and wounded canaot probably be ascertained with exactness, 
but from the best data to be obtained was estimated as exceeding eighteen 
thousand. General Thomas reported his own loss in killed, wounded and 
missing as not exceeding ten thousand. 

On the 29th of December, General Thomas ordered the pursuit discon- 
tinued, and assigned to the different corps of his army their winter quarters, 
but on the following day Lieutenant-General Grant telegraphed his dis- 
approval of the army's going into winter quarters, and General Thomas 
at once issued orders to Generals Schofield, Smith, and "Wilson to concen- 
trate their commands at Eastport, Mississippi, and to General Wood, to 
hold his corps in readiness at Huntsville, for a renewal of the campaign 
against the enemy, in Mississippi and Alabama. 

The gallantry and daring of Colonel W. J. Palmer, a young cavalry officer 
who continued the pursuit of Hood's retreating forces, after the other 
officers had given it up, deserves to be recorded in this connection. 
Colonel Palmer left Decatur on the 30th of December, with a force of six 
hundred mounted men, and followed the route of Hood, skirmishing with 
Rhoddy's cavalry and pressing it back toward the mountains, until he as- 
certained the direction taken by Hood. Then avoiding theEebel cavalry, 
and moving rapidly by way of La Grange and Russellville. he overtook 
and destroyed the enemy's pontoon train, consisting of two hundred wagons 
and seventy -eight pontoon boats, ten miles beyond Russellville. He learned 
there that a large supply train was on its way to Tuscaloosa, for the 
Rebel army, and started at once in pursuit. He overtook it on the 1st 
of January, near Aberdeen, Mississippi, and burned the wagons, one hun- 
dred and ten in number and killed the mules which drew it. The Rebel 
cavalry now pursued him in large numbers, and near Russellville, Rhoddv, 
Riffles. Russell and Armstrong attempted to surround him, but he evaded 
them in the darkness, and when twelve miles from Moulton came upon 
Russell unexpectedly, attacked and routed him, capturing a number of 
prisoners and burning five of his wagons. He then returned to Decatur, 
which place he reached in safety on the 6th of January, having marched 
over two hundred and fifty miles, captured one hundred and fifty prisoners, 
and destroyed nearly one thousand stand of arms, three hundred and 
fifteen wagons., and seventy-eight pontoon boats. His loss was one killed 
and two wounded. A Brigadier-General Lyon, whom Hood had sent into 
Kentucky, while he was before Nashville, with about eight hundred 
cavalry and two guns to operate against the Union railroad communica- 
tions with Louisville, succeeded in capturing Hopkinsville, Kentucky, 
about the middle of December. General Thomas had sent, on the 14th 
of December, McCook's division of cavalry to Bowling Green to protect 
the road. La Grange's brigade of this division met Lyon near Greens- 
burg, Kentucky, and, after a sharp fight, defeated him, capturing one of 
his guns, several prisoners, and a part of his wagon train ; but the Rebel 



888 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

commander succeeded, by making a wide detour, in reaching the Cumber- 
land river, and crossing at Burksville, from whence he proceeded by way 
of McMinnville and Winchester, Tennessee, to Larkinsville, Alabama. 
On the 10th of January he attacked the little Union garrison at Scotts- 
boro, but was again repulsed, and his command scattered. He finally 
succeeded, however, in escaping across the Tennessee river with about 
two hundred of his men and his remaining gun. Colonel Palmer now 
heard of his movements, and immediately set out in pursuit of him with 
the fifteenth Pennsylvania cavalry, and on the l-ith of January overtook 
him near Eed Hill, surprised, and captured him and about one hundred 
of his men, with their horses, and his gun. Put under guard, he treach- 
erously murdered his guard and made his escape. We have already 
[Chap. LIII.] given a sketch of General Thomas, the able commander of 
this campaign. It remains to give a brief portraiture of his accomplished 
and skilful lieutenant, to whose adroit and careful management the success 
of the earlier battles of the campaign is due, and who lured Hood to his 
destruction. 

Major-General John McAllister Schofield is the son of a clergyman, 
Eev. James Schofield, residing in Chautauqua county. New York, and 
was born in that county on the 29th of Sci)tember, 1831. In 18-43 his 
father removed to Bristol, Illinois, andjin 1845 to Freeport, in the same 
State, where his youth was passed. At the age of eighteen he entered the 
military academy at West Point, and graduated in 1853, ranking seventh 
in his class. He was appointed a brevet second lieutenant, and attached 
to the second regiment of artillery. On the 30th of August, the same 
year, he was advanced to the rank of full second lieutenant in the first 
artillery ; and on the 1st of March, 1855, promoted to be first lieutenant 
in the same regiment. After serving for two years with his company 
in South Carolina and Florida, he was ordered to West Point, in the 
autumn of 1855, as Assistant Professor of Natural and Experimental 
Philosophy. He held this position till June, 1860, when he obtained 
leave of absence for twelve months, to accept the chair of Physics in 
Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, intending to quit the army 
at the end of the leave. At the opening of the war, however, his views 
changed, and waiving the remainder of his leave, he reported at once for 
orders, and was assigned to duty as mustering officer at St. Louis. Shortly 
afterward, by permission of the War Department, he accepted the position 
of major of the first regiment of Missouri volunteers, and in that capacity 
participated with his regiment in the capture and dispersion of the nest 
of secessionists at Camp Jackson, on the 10th of May, under Captain, 
afterward Brigadier-General, Nathaniel Lyon. On the lith of May, 1861, 
Lieutenant Schofield was advanced to the rank of captain in the regular 
army, and soon after became General Lyon's principal staff officer and 
served with that gallant commander throughout the campaign, which 



SKETCH OF GENERAL SCHOFIELD. 889 



* 



ended with his death. After this event he returned to his volunteer 
regiment, which had now been converted into one of heavy artillery, and 
with that regiment participated in the defeat of JeS". Thompson at Frederick- 
town, Missouri. On the 20th of November Major Schofield was appointed, 
by the President, brigadier-general of volunteers, and at the same time 
received, from the Governor of Missouri, a corresponding commission in the 
Missouri militia, with orders to organize, equip, and command a force of 
ten thousand militia to be called into the service of the United States, 
within the limits of Missouri during the war. His success in this under- 
taking led Major-General Ilalleck to appoint him, in the spring of 1862, 
commander of the district of Missouri. In the autumn of that year he 
organized and took personal command of the army of the frontier, serv- 
ing in the southwestern part of the State, and suppressed with great vigor 
the guerrilla warfare then raging in Missouri. On the 29th of November, 

1862, the President appointed him major-general of volunteers, but some 
of the Missouri politicians, who were dissatisfied with his management, 
prevented the confirmation of the appointment by the Senate, and his com- 
mission consequently expired by its own limitation on the 3d of March, 

1863. Having been immediately relieved, at his own request, from duty 
in Missouri, he was now ordered to report to General Eosecrans, com- 
manding the army of the Cumberland, and was by him assigned to the 
command of Thomas's old division of the fourteenth corps. In April, 
President Lincoln re-appointed liim major-general of volunteers, and sent 
him back to St. Louis to relieve General Curtis as commander of the 
Department of Missouri. Here he rendered very efficient service to Gen- 
eral Grant in the siege and capture of Vicksburg, sending him Herron's 
large and fine division of the army of the frontier, and as many other 
troops as could possibly be spared from Missouri. After the capture of 
Vicksburg, General Grant reinforced Schofield with Steele's division, 
formerly of Sherman's corps, and with this and his own troops, Schofield 
planned and carried into successful execution the Arkansas campaign, 
which drove the Eebels out of that State. 

In January, 186i, he was engaged in concerting a plan with General 
Banks, for a joint occupation of Shreveport, Louisiana, and the line of 
the Red river, when the President, wearied with the constant clamor of 
the Missouri politicians for Schofield's removal, sent General Eosecrans 
to relieve him from command, but on the 9lh of February, at General 
Grant's request, appointed him to the command of the Department of the 
Ohio. Here, with his headquarters at Knoxville, he was engaged for 
some time in observing Longstreet's army, but with the opening of the 
spring made active preparations to join Sherman in his Atlanta campaign. 
In that campaign he commanded the army of the Ohio, a single large 
corps — the twenty-third — and distinguished himself throughout the cam- 
paign by liis steady courage, his remarkable efficiency, and his thoroughly 



890 THE Cn^L WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

practical cbaracter. In November, 18(34, he was, as we have seen, detached 
to reinforce General Thomas in this campaign of Nashville, and won yet 
higher fame as a commander. In January, 1865, he was sent eastward 
with his corps, and took part in the capture of Wilmington, and in the 
battle of Kinston, and joining his old chief, Sherman, at Goldsboro, was 
with him in the closing movements of the campaign and the war, and at 
its close was placed, permanently, in command of the Department of North 
Carolina; in the autumn of 1865, obtaining leave of absence, he went to 
Europe for a year. 

The Rebel commander, whose defeat and rout we have chronicled, is 
also deserving of a brief notice. Lieutenant-General John B. Hood was 
born at Owensville, Bath county, Kentucky, June 29,1831. lie was 
educated at Mount Sterling, entered West Point in 1849, in the same class 
with Schofield, and graduated in 1853, without distinction. He was 
appointed brevet second lieutenant of the fourth regiment of infantry, in 
July 1853, and after serving for two years in California, was transferred to 
the second cavalry. He did duty with his regiment on the Texas fron- 
tier, for several years, and, in 1856, was wounded in a fight with the 
Indians. He was ordered, we believe in 1858, to West Point, as instructor 
of cavalry, but was soon after, at his own request, allowed to return to his 
regiment at San Antouia, Texas. He resigned his commission in the 
army of the United States,. April 16, 1861, and immediately entered the 
Rebel army with the rank of first lieutenant. He was soon after appointed 
captain of cavalry, and sent to Magruder, on the Peninsula. On the 30th 
of September, 1861, he was promoted to the colonelcy of an infantry 
regiment. On the 3d of March, 1862, he was appointed brigadier-general 
to succeed Wigfall, who was a Senator in the Rebel Congress. He took 
part in the battle of West Point, May 7th, 1862, in the battle of Gaines' 
Mill, June 27th, 1862, where he distinguished himself in a charge upon 
the Union troops, and was promoted to the rank of major-general for his 
gallantry. He also took an active part in the battles of Yorktown and 
(second) Bull Run, August 29th and 30th, 1862, at Boouesboro or South 
Mountain, at Fredericksburg, and at Gettysburg, where he was severely 
wounded in the arm. lie took part in the battle of Cbickamauga, and 
on the second day was again desperately wounded, and lost a leg. He 
was soon after made lieutenant-general, but was unable to take the field 
until the spring of 1864, when he commanded one corps of Johnston's 
army. After Sherman's army crossed the Chattahoochie, Johnston was 
removed froni command by the Rebel President, and Hood appointed his 
successor. Of his subsequent career, our pages have given a sufficient 
account. After the Na.shville campaign, he was relieved of his command, 
on the 23d of January, 1865, but made great exertions to bring his troops 
forward to attack Sherman in his campaign through the Carolinas, but, 
we believe was not in any engagements in that campaign. 



CAPTUEE OP WYTHEVILLE AND SALTVILLB. 891 

Pending the struggle between Hood and Thomas, another campaign had 
been conducted in East Tennessee, with good results, though without so 
overwhelming a defeat of the Eebel forces. It had commenced indeed 
with a disaster. The Union troops in East Tennessee, aside from the garri- 
son at Knoxville, were under the command of Generals Gillem and Am- 
men, the former having charge of the cavalry, the latter of the infantry. 
For some time it was not understood that these troops wei'e under General 
Thomas's command, and hence there was no cordial co-operation between 
them and the Kentucky troops which belonged to his army proper. 
Against these East Tennessee troops, the Eebel Generals J. C. Breckin- 
ridge, Basil Duke, and Vaughn, were operating. On the 13th of Novem- 
ber, Breckinridge attacked General Gillem, near Morristown, Tennessee, 
at midnight, routed him, and captured his artillery and several hundred 
prisoners. Breckinridge's force was estimated at three thousand, while 
Gillem's was one thousand five hundred, all Tennesseeans, with six guns. 
After this defeat, Gillem escaped, with the remainder of his force, about 
one thousand in number, to Strawberry plains, and thence to Knoxville. 
Breckinridge followed, passing through Strawberry plains to the immedi- 
ate vicinity of Knoxville ; but, on the 18th, he withdrew, as rapidly as 
he had advanced, having heard intelligence which alarmed him. General 
Ammen, having received a reinforcement of one thousand five hundred 
men from Chattanooga, commenced pursuing him. Major-General Stone- 
man had started a few days before, from Louisville for Knoxville, to take 
the general charge of affairs in that section, having previously ordered 
General Burbridge to march, with all his available force in Kentucky, 
by way of Cumberland gap, to General Gillem's relief. When General 
Stoneman passed through Nashville, General Thomas instructed him to 
concentrate as large a force as possible, in Bast Tennessee, move against 
Breckinridge, and either capture and cut to pieces his force, or drive it 
into Virginia, and, if possible, destroy the salt works at Saltville, and the 
railroad from the Tennessee line as far into Virginia as he could go, 
without endangering his command. 

Finding himself pursued by so large a force, Breckinridge, about the 
6tli of December, fell back toward the Virginia line. General Stoneman, 
having concentrated his troops at Bean station, moved on Bristol, on the 
12th, his advance, under General Gillem, striking a body of the enemy 
under Basil Duke, at Kingsport, and killing, capturing or dispersing the 
whole command. General Stoneman then sent General Burbridge to 
Bristol, where Vaughn had a considerable Eebel force, with which he 
skirmished till Gillem came up, when Vaughn retreated toward Marion, 
and Burbridge pushed on to Abingdon, having orders to cut the railroad 
at some point between Saltville and Wytheville, in order to prevent the 
Eebels from receiving reinforcements from Lynchburg. Gillem pushed 
on through Abingdon, on the 15th of December, in pursuit of Vaughn, 



892 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

who still retreated, and overtook him the next day, routed him and pur 
sued him to WytheviUe, capturing all his artillery and trains and one 
hundred and ninety-eight prisoners. WytheviUe, with its stores and 
supplies, was destroyed, together with the extensive lead- works near the 
town, and the railroad bridges over Reedy creek. General Stoneman then 
turned his attention toward Saltville, and its important salt-works, which 
had supplied the Rebel armies and commissary department largely with 
salt. At this place, also, were large quantities of supplies for the Rebel 
army of Virginia. The garrison of Saltville had been reinforced, by 
Giltner's, Crosby's, and Witcher's commands, and all that remained of 
Duke's, and was under the command of Breckinridge in person. This 
force had followed Stoneman as he moved on WytheviUe, and, on return- 
ing, General Stoneman met them at Marion, where he made preparations 
to give Breckinridge battle, and disposed his command to assault him in 
the morning; but, during the night, the Rebel commander retreated, and 
was pursued by the Union cavalry into North Carolina, where some of his 
wagons and caissons were captured. Moving now on Saltville. with his 
entire command, General Stoneman captured, at that place, eight pieces 
of artillery, and a large amount of ammunition of all kinds, two locomo- 
tives, and a considerable number of horses and mules. The extensive 
salt-works were destroyed, by breaking the kettles, filling the wells with 
rubbish, and burning the buildings. This work accomplished, General 
Stoneman returned to Knoxville, accompanied by General Gillcm's troops, 
General Burbridge's proceeding to Kentucky, by way of Cumberland 
gap. The route through which they passed was laid desolate, to prevent 
its being used again by the enemy. 



GRANT MAKES A FEINT AGAINST THE EEBELS. 893 



CHAPTER LXIX. 

THE ARMY OP THE POTOMAC AND THE ARMY OP THE JAMES — GRANT MAKES A FEINT AGAINST 
THE REBEL FORCES NORTH OF THE JAMES, AND STRIKES THE WELDON RAILROAD — SHARP 
FIGHTING — THE ENEMY HANDSOMELY REPULSED — AFTER A DESPERATE ENGAGEMENT 
KEAMS'S STATION FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF THE ENEMY — FORT, OR BATTERY HARRISON 
CAPTURED FROM THE ENEMY, AND HELD — THE REBELS MAKE STRENUOUS EXERTIONS TO 
RECAPTURE IT — BATTLE OF CHAFFIn's FARM — THE MOVEMENT ON POPLAR SPRING CHURCH 
ON THE LEFT — CAPTURE OF FORT MCRAE — BATTLE OF PEEBLES' FARM, REPULSE OF UNION 
TROOPS, FORT m'cRAE HELD — KAUTZ's CAVALRY DEFEATED — ATTEMPT TO TURN THE RIGHT 
FLANK OF THE UNION ARMY — IT FAILS — RECONNOISSANCE TOWARD RICHMOND AND YORK 
RIVER — REPULSE OF THE UNION TROOPS — THE ATTEMPT TO REACH THE SOUTHSIDE BAIL- 
ROAD ON THE 27tH of OCTOBER — THE BATTLE OF HATCHER's RUN — MAHONE INTERPOSES 
BETWEEN THE SECOND AND FIFTH CORPS — REPULSE OF THE UNION FORCES — FAILURE OF 
THE ENTIRE MOVEMENT — SKIRMISHING — THE FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT FISHER — 
GENERAL BUTLER'S MANAGEMENT — THE POWDER-BOAT — THE REBELS HAVE KO IDEA WHY 
IT WAS EXPLODED — GENERAL BUTLEr's DEBARKATION, RECONNOISSANCE AND RE-EMBARK- 
ATION — HE IS RELIEVED OF HIS COMMAND — THE SECOND EXPEDITION, UNDER COMMAND OP 
GENERAL TERRY — HIS PLAN OF ATTACK — FURIOUS BOMBARDMENT — DESPERATE FIGHTING — 
SAILORS REPULSED — THE FORT CARRIED — SKETCH OF GENERAL TERRY — SKETCH OP 
ADMIRAL PORTER. 

We resume the narrative of the operations of the Union armies below 
Richmond, which we had suspended to bring up the history of the move- 
ments which were taking place in other parts of the field. After the 
Petersburg mine disaster, the Rebels had sent, as we have seen, a very 
considerable body of troops down the Shenandoah valley under Early 
to create a diversion in Maryland and Pennsylvania, in the hope of com- 
pelling Grant to relax his grip upon Lee's army. General Grant prepared 
to take advantage of this weakening of their force, by movements against 
their lines of communication. 

It was reported by spies and deserters from the Rebel lines that, early 
in August, three divisions had been sent from Petersburg to reinforce 
Early in his raid on Maryland ; and partly to ascertain whether their 
strength had been so greatly reduced, and partly to draw a larger force to 
the north side of the James, and thus weaken the Rebel right while he 
should operate upon the railroads, General Grant ordered a strong de- 
monstration to be made on the Rebel lines north of the James, on the 
night of the 13th of August, having previously made a feint of sending 
the second corps down the river in transports in the day time, but bringing 
them back at night. The tenth and second corps wei'e both posted north 
of the James, and moved out upon Strawberry plains and encountered 
the enemy's skirmishers on the morning of Sunday, August 14th. They 
drove them back, and gained a considerable advance toward Richmond ; 



894 TnE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

compelling the enemy to send over a great number of troops to repel their 
attacks; but the Union force captured six pieces of artillery and several 
hundred prisoners, and ascertained that but one division of Eebels 
had yet departed northward, but that others were under orders to march 
soon. 

This demonstration, however, was only preliminary to a struggle on the 
enemy's right for the possession of the Weldon railroad. At four o'clock 
A. M., on the 18th of August, the fifth corps moved from its camp with four 
days rations, and marched toward Reams's station, driving in easily the 
enemy's skirmishers, of whom a part were captured. GrifBn's division 
reached the Weldon railroad and began to destroy it, five or six miles from 
Petersburg, while the other three divisions proceeded toward Petersburg, 
completing the work of destruction. At Yellow tavern, they encountered 
the Eebcl cavalry under General Bearing, who fell back to Davis's farm, 
two miles and a half from Petersburg. Ilere the Rebel General A. P. 
Hill advanced upon them, with the divisions of Mahone and Heth ; the 
former being east of the railroad and the latter west of it. The Union 
line was formed and halted in an open field; Crawford's division confront- 
ing Mahone, and Ayres' opposing Heth, while Cutler's was in reserve. 
Ayres was attacked with great vehemence, and driven back about a mile 
to his intrenchments ; but being supported by Cutler, held the main line, 
which was greatly strengthened during the night, and against which the 
Eebels surged in vain. 

On Friday, August 19th, the Union troops occupied an intrenched line; 
their left being on the Boydtown plank-road, and their right, across the 
railroad, held the Jerusalem road, which it was necessary to connect with 
the main line at Petersburg. This was accomplished by sending AVilcox's 
division of the ninth corps to fill the gap. Between Ayres' and Crawford's 
divisions ran the railroad, and between the right of the fifth corps, Craw- 
ford's and Wilcox's divisions, the Jerusalem road, where there was still a 
dangerous gap. At four o'clock p. M., in the midst of a heavy rain storm. 
Hill assailed the Union troops with great fury ; Mahone's division pressing 
through the gap separating Wilcox and Crawford, and getting upon 
Crawford's flank and capturing nearly one thousand of his men. On the 
left, Heth's impetuous attack carried the intrenchments, drove back the 
line, forced its way between Crawford and Ayres, and enveloped Hayes' 
regular brigade. The first and second divisions of the ninth corps now 
came up, after a severe forced march, to reinforce the fifth corps, and form- 
ing, quickly chargetl, capturing several hundred prisoners. This charge 
enabled Warren's hard pressed troops to rally; and the Rebels being in 
turn overlapped, were driven back with loss, and the disaster of the after- 
noon retrieved. 

The darkness put an end to the conflict. The Union loss was about 
fifteen hundred killed and wounded, and about two thousand prisoners. 



DESTRUCTION OF THE WELDON RAILROAD. 895 

That of the Rebels could not have been less in killed and wounded. The 
enemy held possession of the Weldoa road as far as the Yellow Tavern, 
while Warren and the divisions of the ninth corps still held the section 
below. 

There was no fighting of importance on the 20th, but on the 21st 
the Rebels renewed the effort to drive the Union troops from the 
Weldon railroad. The Union lines remained very much as on Friday, 
and at four A. M. the Rebels opened a heavy artillery fire, first upon 
the left, then all along the line as far as the Appomattox river. About 
seven o'clock they made a slight feint against the ninth corps, but it was 
not until nine o'clock that the grand attack began. The Rebel columns 
emerged from the woods in fine style, and dashed across the open space 
intervening between the woods and breastworks. At the same moment, 
a heavy artillery fire burst from all their batteries, which was promptly 
answered by the Union troops. The Rebel flanking column on the left 
of the railroad fell upon the right of Ayres' and the left of Cutler's 
division. The Union skirmishers were speedily driven in, and their pits 
taken ; but as the Rebels swept across the opening they were received 
with a staggering fire of musketry. Again and again they pressed for- 
ward, but were as often repulsed, with fearful slaughter. On the right, 
they did not succeed in reaching the main works. On the left, the cohimn 
which came down the Vaughan road was caught with a cross-fire, and a 
part of one brigade threw down their arms and surrendered, those who 
attempted to escape suffering great loss. The repulse of this brigade 
decided the battle in that direction ; and the Rebels hastily withdrew 
under a withering fire. An effort to flank the Union position was foiled 
with equal promptness. The battle was over in about two hoiirs, but the 
fighting was very severe while it lasted, and the victory was as decided 
as the contest was desperate. The Rebel loss in killed and wounded ex- 
ceeded twelve hundred, and the Union troops captured eight hundred 
prisoners. The entire Union loss did not exceed six hundred. Early on 
Monday morning, the 22d of August, it was found that the enemy had 
retired from the front of the fifth and ninth corps, and were intrenching 
themselves about three miles from Petersburg. The Union skirmishers 
were pushed forward, and both parties labored assiduously in erecting 
works, the picket lines frequently skirmishing ; but there was no general 
engagement. 

Meantime, on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, the second corps, and part 
of the tenth, had recrossed the James, and were marching down upon the 
vicinity of the contest, covered by Gregg's cavalry ; and on Monday, 
Miles's, formerly Barlow's division of the second corps, was occupied in 
breaking up the Weldon railroad, as far as Reams's station, and was joined 
on Monday night by Gibbon's division of the same corps, who finished the 
work to a point two miles beyond Reams's station, a distance in all of 



896 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

about eleven miles. Gregg's cavalry, which had, during the whole of 
this work of destruction, interposed between the enemy and the infantry 
who were engaged in it, had several sharp skirmishes with the Eebels, 
but beat them off with loss. 

On Thursday morning, August 25th, Gibbon's division of Hancock's 
corps moved down from Eeams's station to prosecute the destruction of 
the railroad still further. They had not gone far when they encountered 
the enemy's skirmishers, and soon after the Eebel force in mass. Con- 
siderable skirmishing ensued, but the enemy seemed reluctant to engage 
in a close battle. This was, in fact, only a demonstration on the part of 
the Kebel General A. P. Hill, to conceal his attack on Barlow's (now 
Miles's) division, which was still at Eeams's station, and occupying the 
old intrenchnrents around the station. The enemy appeared soon after 
noon in front of this division, and General Hancock immediately ordered 
Gibbon to fall back and form a junction with Miles's left, in order to pro- 
tect that flank. The cavalry followed, and covered the left flank and rear. 
At two o'clock the Eebel skirmish line advanced, sweeping forward with 
the usual frantic yells of the southern soldiers. It was received with a 
combined fire of musketry and artillery, and fell back in confusion, 
having suffered far more loss than it inflicted. Sharp skirmishing now 
began on both sides, under cover of which the contending forces arranged 
their lines and fortified them. At half past three o'clock, the Eebel column 
emerged from the woods in a heavy and close line of battle, and with 
fixed bayonets rushed upon the Union works. A galling fire from the 
infantry, and from four batteries withered their ranks, and, though they 
advanced to within twenty paces of the works, it was only to recoil 
broken to their cover after fearful loss. The Union troops suffered mainly 
from a musketry fire on the left, very destructive to men and horses in the bat- 
teries. In front, the Eebels scarcely fired a shot during the charge. An hour 
later, a third assault was tried, and again the enemy was driven back with 
severe loss. A lull ensued, and the axe-strokes of the Eebels were plainly 
audible, felling trees for planting batteries, and the Union artillery threw 
shells in the direction of the sound. At length, all being ready, the 
Eebel batteries opened a terrible concentric fire upon the Union troops, 
pouring shell and solid shot with fearful profusion, and without a mo- 
ment's cessation, into their circular intrenchments. For twenty minutes 
this furious shelling was kept up, with very serious effect upon the Union 
lines. At the first pause in the fire, the hideous yells of the Eebels an- 
nounced a fourth a.ssault. The Eebel column rushed forward, overwhelm- 
ing in numbers, solidly massed, and with a fierce impetuosity. Artillery 
and infantry greeted it with a hot and galling fire ; but in spite of the 
most determined resistance, the Eebels gained the breastworks after a 
bloody hand-to-hand contest, and broke the Union lines. The centre 
having given way, tlie entire line at this point was quickly routed, though 



THE BATTLE AT REAMS'S STATION. 89T 

some regiments remained fighting, with a determination almost unparal- 
leled in the war. 

On this last attack against Miles, a part of Gibbon's division were hur- 
ried across the circle, under heavy fire, to his support, a distance of more 
than a mile. The movement was gallantly executed. They succeeded in 
repulsing the enemy, though at a fearful cost of officers and men, while 
ia the very moment of his triumph. General Miles, meanwhile, skilfully 
rallied his division, and the lines were partially restored. But at this 
juncture the Rebel commander hurled his force on the Union left, weak- 
ened by the withdrawal of some of Gibbon's brigades, with the same 
reckless fury with which he had attacked the centre. Gibbon's troops 
were hurried back across the fatal open space, and hurled exhausted 
against the enemy. Overcome by its severe exertions, the gallant division 
was borne back by the sheer weight of the enemy, whose advance, how- 
ever, was resisted to desperation by some unconquerable regiments which 
were cut to pieces on the ground they occupied. General Gregg, how- 
ever, brought his dismounted cavalry to the assistance of the wearied and 
jaded infantry, and the enemy's farther progress was stayed. Soon after 
dark, Hancock withdrew, leaving Reams's station in the hands of the 
Rebels. This battle was one of the most desperate and obstinately fought 
in which the army of the Potomac had been engaged. The Rebel force 
brought into action undoubtedly outnumbered that of the Unionists. They 
had three divisions in their assaulting column, and another in support, 
while the Union force engaged consisted only of Miles's and Gibbon's 
divisions, and these had previously lost heavily. The casualties on the 
side of the Union forces were, in killed and wounded about one thousand, 
in prisoners two thousand and thirty, including eighty officers. They also 
lost seven stands of colors and five cannon. The Rebel loss was about 
fifteen hundred, killed and wounded. The Weldon railroad was however 
hopelessly destroyed for so long a distance, that the Rebels could not hope 
again to resume the use of its entire length, and indeed a considerabl«5 
portion of it was thenceforth in possession of the Union army. On the 
12th of September a branch railroad was completed from City Point to 
the Weldon road, bringing supplies directly to the army in their camps. 

The position of the Union army on the Weldon railroad, though dearly 
won, was firmly held; and, as General Grant had foreseen, it required so 
great an extension of the enemy's line to maintain their connection with 
it below Reams's station, that they were compelled to withdraw a very 
considerable portion of the troops hitherto stationed north of the James 
to man it. No sooner was it evident that this had been done, and that 
they could not readily bring back their troops to the north side of the 
James, than General Grant threw a large body of troops across the river 
to dash upon the Rebel lines and gain a position nearer Richmond. 
General Ord, commanding the eighteenth corps, moved with his troops to 
67 



898 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Jones's Neck on the night of the 28th of September, crossed the river 
and the next morning advanced on the Rebel intrenchments at ChafTrn's 
or Chapin's farm. These consisted of a strong earthwork known as Fort 
Harrison, and a long intrenched line extending westerly to the river. The 
fort mounted sixteen pieces of artillery, two of them one hundred pound- 
ers, and one sixty-four pounder. These works did not form part of the 
defences proper of Richmond, but were covered by the fire of Rebel 
fortifications on the other side of the James, and by the Rebel gunboats 
in the river. Tlie advanced line, composed of the brigades of Stannard, 
Burnham, Roberts, and Hickman, moved steadily forward under the ter- 
rible artillery fire of the fort, and though losing about eight hundred in 
killed, wounded, and missing, swept over the parapet and drove out the 
garrison, capturing fifteen guns and all the intrenchments, as well as 
about one hundred and fifty prisoners. 

Simultaneously with this, the tenth — Birney's — corps, which had 
crossed the James at Deep Bottom, moved toward New Market, carried 
the Rebel fortifications on New Market heights, the Rebels losing five 
hundred in killed, wounded, and prisoners, and advanced upon their 
strong works on Laurel hill, at the junction of the Varina and New Market 
roads, six miles from Richmond. This position, called by them Fort 
Gillmore, was promptly assaulted, but proved too powerful to be carried 
with the limited force which Birney commanded, and at night he with- 
drew his troops, after having suffered a loss of three hundred and tliirty- 
six men, and occupied his intrenchments a little distance south of the 
fort, where he was soon after joined by the eighteenth corps, and both 
busied themselves in strengthefcing their position. Kautz's cavalry, which 
had taken part in the fighting of the previous afternoon, was also encamped 
here. At about two A. M., on the 30th of September, the Rebels, who had 
been reinforced by Hoke's division from Richmond, fell with great fury 
upon Stannard"s brigade. The Rebels deployed in three strong columns 
at the edge of the wood, and the Rebel irou-clads in the river, and their 
batteries on the opposite side, having commenced a heavy artillery fire 
on the Union line to cover their approach, they charged with great prompt- 
itude. As they advanced, a well directed rolling musketry fire sent them 
reeling back into the \vood. Their officers rallied and reformed them 
again and again, and they charged upon the Union works twice with gnjat 
resolution. But though they approached quite near, it was only to be 
repulsed with great slaughter. The Union troops had been instructed to 
lower their pieces as they fired, and as a considerable portion of t'jem 
were armed with the Spencer repeating rifle, their fire was both incessant 
and murderous. They finally broke and fled, and the Union commander 
succeeded in capturing two hundred prisoners, including twenty oflioers. 
The entire loss of the Rebels in this battle was over one thousand, while 
that of the Uaion forces was less than two hundred. Fort Harrison and 



THE BATTLP: of PEEBLES' FARM. 899 

the other positions captured, threatened Richmond so strongly that Gen- 
eral Grant determined to hold them, and did so, although the Rebels 
made several desperate eft'orts to dislodge him, for all which they paid 
dearly. 

On the morning of the 30th of September, General Meade sent Gregg's 
cavalry, with two infantry brigades, on a reconnoissance toward Poplar 
Spring church, on the right of the enemy, which he had reason to sup- 
pose was weakened in the effort to hurry support to the left, and followed 
it by two divisions and a brigade of the fifth, and two divisions of the 
ninth corps. 

The cavalry encountered Hampton's cavalry, and received and repelled 
successfully his repeated charges, compelling him to retire discomfited and 
with heavy loss. Meantime, the four divisions n'kraed had marched 
toward the Southside railroad, and at Peebles' farm, about three miles south 
of that road, encountered a considerable body of the enemy in a strong 
redoubt and intrenchments, known as Fort McRae, which they carried by 
assault, capturing one gun and about sixty prisoners. The Rebels fell 
back about half a mile to stronger works on the Squirrel Level road, 
where they were largely reinforced, and Porter's division (ninth corps), 
attempting to carry this by assault, were repulsed, and the Rebels charging 
them in turn, forced their way between the fifth and ninth corps and cap- 
tured about nine hundred prisoners. The Union troops, however, retained 
possession of Fort McRae, and defeated the eflForts of the Rebels to 
regain it. On Saturday, October 1st, the Rebels repeated'their efforts to 
recapture this fort, but were repulsed with heavy loss at each charge. On 
the 8th of October, the fifth and ninth corps pushed a reconnoissance up 
to the vicinity of the railroad, with but trifling loss, and then returned to 
their intrenchments. 

We return to the Union right, north of the James. On the 1st of Oc- 
tober, Generals Terry and Kaut? made a reconnoissance toward Richrflond 
with two brigades of infantry, a considerable cavalry force, and six pieces 
of artillery, and penetrated to within two miles of the city, meeting with 
but slight resistance. The Rebels jwere maddened at this, but at the 
moment all the troops they could possibly spare were at the right, fighting 
the fifth and ninth corps. As soon as they could withdraw a portion of 
them, they hurried back to the north side of the James, and on the 7th 
of October made a vigorous and partially successful effort to turn the 
right flank of the army of the James. The Union line was formed with 
the eighteenth corps on the left, the tenth on the centre and right, and. 
Kautz's cstvalry on the extreme right on the Darbytown road. The left 
was intrenched at Battery or Fort Harrison, about ten miles from Rich- 
mond, and the right of the infantry was on the Charles' City road, 
about five miles in a straight line from the Rebel capital. At early dawn 
on the 7th, the Rebel General Anderson, with one brigade of cavalry and 



900 THE CIVIL WAU IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Hoke's and Field's divisions of infantry, advanced down the Darbytown 
and Charles' City roads, and attacked Kautz's cavalry with such sudden- 
ness and fury that they broke and fled, losing their cannon — six pieces. 
This disaster gave the enemy possession of the Darbytown road, and 
pushing on in pursuit, they soon came upon the right-centre, Terry's 
division of tlie tenth corps. This corps held a strongly intrenched posi- 
tion, its right flank, Terry's division being refused, and covering the New 
Market road. Terry's troops were in rifle-pits in heavy woods. The 
ground on the left of the line was open, and where the artillery was 
posted, four six gun batteries, which swept not only its own front, but 
shelled the ground by which the right could be approached. Forewarned 
of the danger by the stampede of the cavalry. General Terry made the 
necessary disposition of his troops with great skill, and before the enemy 
was t^n him, was ready for their coming. 

As the enemy approached he was greeted with a heavy cross fire of 
artillery from the left, in answer to which he got two batteries in position. 
These, however, were soon overmatched. Meanwhile, Field's (Rebel) 
division moved up in good order to assault Terry's position, dashing over 
the open space at the double-quick, and succeeded in gaining the woods 
at the Union right. But if the open was dangerous from being swept by 
artillery over every foot of its space, the woods were not less so from the 
extreme difficulty of penetrating them, half-felled as they were, and with 
their thick boughs interlacing at every conceivable angle, and locking in 
with the dens* undergrowth below. Tiie Union infantry remained quiet, 
till their assailants were well entangled in this impromptu abatis, and 
witliin very short range, when all four brigades, rising from their half- 
ambush, poured into them a sudden, destructive, and incessant fire from 
the deadly Spencer rifle. After struggling vainly against the overwhelm- 
ing tide of death, for some time, the Rebels withdrew in great confusion 
alortg the Central road,, and General Terry with his troops followed them 
closely. They finally relinquished the Central road, and fled toward 
Richmond on the Charles' City road. The Union loss during the day, in- 
cluding that of Kautz's cavalry, wasjiot more than five hundred in killed, 
wounded, and prisoners, while that of the Rebels considerably exceeded 
one thousand. General Terry, who was now, in consequence of General 
Birney's illness, in temporary command of the tenth corps, after a few 
days of quiet had passed, undertook a reconnoissance in force toward 
Richmond, to ascertain the condition of the enemy'.s lines. The move- 
ment commenced on the evening of the 12th of Octcber, but owing to the 
darkness of the night, the troops halted soon after moving out of camp. 
At daybreak on the 13th, they again moved forward, keeping to the riglit 
till they reached the Darbytown road. The cavalry, arriving at the 
Charles' City road, dismounted and deployed as skirmishers. Brigadier- 
General Birney's division took their position on the left of the Central 



ATTEMPT TO EEACH THE SOUTHSIDE RAILROAD. 901 

road, and Brigadier-General Ames' on the right, while Kautz's cavalry 
covered the extreme right, between the two roads. The Rebel videttes 
were soon encountered on the Charles' City road, and driven baqk after a 
protracted skirmish, until they reached the line of their intrenchments 
two miles from the Union position. These works mounted two guns and 
were connected by rifle-pits, while the whole was protected by a broad 
slashing.' General Terry now advanced with his infantr}', but as soon as 
they came into range, the Rebels opened upon them with a sharp fire, 
which was promptly returned. The Union forces were halted, brought 
into position, and opened upon the enemy a rapid musketry charge, which 
was maintained for hours. 

It being General Terry's object to discover the length and strength of 
the enemy's line, brigades were pushed out, at different points, to recon- 
noitre. They advanced to the slashings and then withdrew. Thus, the 
whole line of intrenchments was felt, without bringing on serious demon- 
strations. On the right, it was thought that the Union line overlapped 
the enemy's works, and, accordingly. Pond's brigade was ordered forward 
to turn the enemy's left. They moved promptly, but soon found that the 
Rebel line extended far beyond them, and they were in a trap, where the 
enfilading fire of the Rebel batteries was making fearful havoc in their 
numbers. They withdrew as quickly as possible, but steadily and in good 
order. Encouraged by this success, the Rebels sallied forth from their 
breastworks, and made a spirited charge, with all their available force; 
and for a short time the musketry fire was very sharp. At length, failing 
to accomplish their purpose, the Union lines remaining unbroken, they 
withdrew. The Rebel loss was two hundred men ; that of the Union 
troops four hundred and fourteen. 

Soon after Sheridan's victory of Middletown, and while Sherman was 
pursuing Hood into northern Alabama, General Grant deemed the time 
an auspicious one for another blow upon Lee's right; accompanying it, as 
usual, with a demonstration upon his left. It was by such blows only 
that he could hope to reach the vital point of his communications, the 
Southside railroad, and reduce him to extremities, until the time when 
Sherman and Sheridan, drawing their lines, the one on the south and 
southwest, the other on the north and northwest, closely upon him, should 
render escape impossible, and further fighting hopeless. 

The preparations for this attack were more extensive and complete than 
on any previous attempt. All the sick, baggage, and incumbrances, com- 
missary stores, etc., were sent, with profound secrecy, to City Point, under 
protection of the gunboats.- Three days' rations and forage were issued 
to the cavalry, and four days' rations to the infantry. The long line of 
intrenchments was only occupied by a sufficient rear-guard. The troops 
north of the James were to make a demonstration, while those south of 
that river were to undertake a combined movement upon Hatcher's run, 



902 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



a small stream or tributary of Eowanty creek, which is itself an affluent 
of Nottoway river. Along this run, and the Boydton plank road, and 
other roads partly parallel and partly cro-ssing it, the Rebel lines of defence 
ran ; by which they protected the Southside railroad from attacks by the 
Union troops. That road was of vital importance to them, as their prin. 
cipal means of communication with AVilmington, Danville, Lynchburg, 
and their other sources of supply. Obtaining possession of bliat road. 
General Grant could compel the evacuation of Petersburg and Richmond 
witliin forty-eiglit hours. As might be expected, the Rebel defences which 
guarded it were of the strongest character. Whatever engineering .skill 
could do, in a wooded and marsh}' country, to make the line impregnable, 
bad been done; and the only weak point in the defence was, that Lee was 
beginning to fail in men to maintain so long and strong a lino as Grant 
was compelling him to keep up. It was on his knowledge of this weakness 
that General Grant based his attack, at this time. The first movement, in 
point of time, was the demonstration on the north of the James. It was 
not successful. At dawn of day on Thursday, October 27th, the tenth 
corps moved out on the Darbytown road, and extended their lines across 
in the direction ofCharles' City road. On reaching the hamlet of Darby- 
town, four and a half miles from Richmond, a skirmish line was tlirown 
forward, and a sharp encounter with the enemy took place. The Union 
skirmishers easily pushed the Rebels back; but at lengtli they came upon 
ihe Rebel breastworks, and were checked by a galling fire. After a little 
delay, at mid-day, all preparations having been made^an advance along 
the whole line was ordered, and the Union soldiers dashed upon the foe, 
driving them inside their intrenchments ; from whicli, however, tliey con- 
tinued to keep up a bri.sk fire. The Union troops, with great stubborn- 
ness, took and held a position well up to the enemy's lines, and maintained 
a most persistent fusilade until nightfall. 

Meanwhile, the eighteenth corp.s, accompanied by Kautz's cavalry, 
which led the way, followed the tenth corps for some distance, and then 
turning north, moved toward tlie old battle ground of "The Seven Pines?." 
Thence a movement was made up the Williamsburg road, which was 
commanded by the enemy's works. The Rebels had laid a trap for the 
L^nion force. Ambushing both sides of the road, they placed a small force 
in front, who made but feeble resistance to the advance of the Union 
troops, and sufi'ered themselves to be pushed back till, at the given signal, 
on approaching closely to their works, they opened a murderous cross- 
fire, right and left, which made further progress impossible. The Union 
troops stood firm for some time, but were at length completely broken. 
Retreat was now hardly more practicable" tlian advance, for the Rebel 
artillery and musketry swept the whole ground over which they must 
pass. In this moment of indecision, the disaster was completed by the 
fiebels sallving out of their intrenchments and capturing the greater part 



THE BATTLE OF HATCHER'S RUN. 903 

of the two advance brigades. The battery was also obliged to withdraw, 
mo.st of the guns being disabled. Having received such indubitable proof 
that the Rebels were in sufficient strength there to repel any invading 
force, the troops were called out of range, and the next morning ordered 
by General Grant to withdraw to their camps. The entire Union loss 
in this disaster was about fourteen hundred, a large number of them 
prisoners. The Rebels lost no prisoners, and, as they claimed, less than 
two hundred in killed and wounded. 

The attack on the left was undertaken by the second — Hancock's — 
corps, aided by Gregg's cavalry ; this force was to march round the 
enemy's right flank, turn it, and seize the line of defences on Hatcher's 
run, at the same time that the fifth and ninth corps approached and 
attacked these works in front. The second corps, therefore, drawing out 
of camp on Wednesday evening, October 26th, marched across to the 
Church road ; and at three and a half A. M., on Thursday, reached the 
Vaughan road, along which they moved to Hatcher's run, and came to 
the crossing of that stream at seven and a half A. M. The crossing was 
disputed by a small force, which they dispersed, and the corps proceeded 
on the west side of the run to the Boydton plank road, which they reached 
at eleven and a quarter A. M. Here Gregg's cavalry came up and joined 
them on the left, while Generals Grant and Meade came upon the field 
about the same time. Egan's division was then deployed on the right of 
the Boydton plank road, facing toward the bridge over Hatcher's run, 
and Mott's on the left of the road. De Trobriand's brigade connected with 
Gregg's cavalry, which held the extreme left. One brigade was left to 
look after any Rebel troops which might be in the rear. Rugg's brigade 
formed the advance of Egan's division; and his skirmishers, at the word 
of command, rushed forward to Hatcher's run, seized the bridge, and 
crossed the creek The next movement was to carry the enemy's works 
beyond Hatcher's run. Egan's division was accordingly despatched, with 
Rugg's brigade oh the left, Price in the centre, and Smyth on the right ; 
with Beck's battery co-operating. McAllister's brigade of Mott's division 
was in support of Egan. The fifth corps was now heard rapidly firing 
on the right, and it was expected that they would sweep round and effect 
a junction with the second corps; but owing to the uncertainty of the 
roads, which in that vicinity form a complete labyrinth, and the very per- 
plexing character of the country, they were unable to do this, and the 
Rebels were prompt to see and seize their advantage. About four o'clock 
p. M., as the second corps were preparing to advance, Mahone's division of 
Hill's corps broke in with great fury upon Hancock's right flank, sweeping 
off one section of Beck's battery ; and, crossing the Boydton plank road, 
bore down upon Egan's division. With commendable energy and prompt- 
ness, Egan changed front with his own brigades and McAllister's, and with 
the aid of Beck's, Roder's, and Sleeper's batteries (the last commanded by 



904 



THE CIVIL WAi 



TIIK UNITED STATES. 



Granger), succeeded, after a prolonged and desperate figbt, in rej ulsing 
the enemy. In the fury of Muli'Mie's first onset upon Smyth's brigade, it 
was driven Vjack, several hundruij prisoners captured, and the Union line 
so chsordered that the enemy ohiaiued partial possession of the plank 
road. A part of these prisoners wrere recaptured, by being conducted, by 
mistake, into the lines of the fil'ili corps. Hancock's prompt and skilful 
management, and the firmness of Egan's troops, soon arrested the disaster 
which was threatened. Egan now fell, in turn, upon Mahone's flank, and 
drove him back; Smyth's and McAllister's brigades distinguishhig them- 
selves by their bravery; while Mott promptly co-operated with De 
Trobriand's brigade. The enemy abandoned the guns he had captured, 
and began to retreat; leaving behind him three flags and five or six hun- 
dred prisoners, who had crossed the plank road. The loss of the second 
corps and the cavalry, in this alVair, was about nine hundred killed and 
wounded, and four hundred prLsoners. This repulse placed these troops 
in a precarious position, as tiio ammunition and rations were growing 
scarce; though orders had been given to serve out a supply for four days. 
The rain fell in torrents, and the second corps and the cavalry retraced 
their weary steps to their cam|), leaving some of their wounded on the 
field. 

The operations of the fifth and ninth corps, during this time, may be 
briefly summed up. They left camp at daylight on the 27th, and during 
the forenoon got into position, with the ninth on the right and the fifth on 
the left, confronting the enemy's works at Hatcher's run. Ilere they made 
demonstrations, and skirmished sharply during the day ; returning to their 
camps at night. Their loss was about four hundred. The Rebel losses 
during the day had probably been not far from one thousand. The whole 
movement, on both sides of the James, which had promised so fairly, had 
proved a failure, and had cost the Union army about three thousand men, 
while it had effected nothing. From this time forward there was, for three 
months, only petty skirmishes and occasional small encounters along the 
lines of the army of the Potomac and the army of the James. 

The sixth corps having returned from the valley of the Shenandoah 
to the army of the Potomac, and his losses in the other corps being more 
than made good by the large numbers of new or re-enlisted troops which 
were pouring in. General Grant telt strong enough to undertake an enter- 
prise on which he had ^ong set his heart, viz : the reduction of the Rebel 
forts at the entrance of Wilmington harbor and the sealing up of that port 
against bluokade running; and, should circumstances prove favorable, he 
hoped to capture also the city itself, which had long been the chief mart 
for supplying the Rebel government and army with those goods which 
neutral England was so ready to furnish to the conspirators against our 
national life. Cannon, small arms, fixed ammunition, powder, shot, 
shell, clothing, shoes, artillery harness, army saddles, accoutrements for 



FIRST EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT FISHER. 905 

cavalry, artillery, and infantry, whatever could aid or encourage the Eebela 
in keeping up their warfare, was sent in the greatest abundance in these 
blockade runners to "Wilmington, and cotton taken out in return. True 
nearly three out of every five of these vessels were captured or sunk, but 
the profits of the trafSc were so enormous that even with these losses it was 
lucrative. The harbor, thirty-four miles in length, to the city of Wilming- 
ton, is formed by the estuary of the Cape Fear river, which here spreads out 
into a broad bay, nearly land-locked at its entrance by Smith's island, a 
huge sand barrier which extends across its mouth, and leaves but two 
comparatively narrow channels, nearly thirty miles apart, into the river. 
The sand bars all along the coast, and the distance between these two 
entrances, rendered the work of blockading the port one of great difficulty, 
and made a complete blockade impossible. The navy department had 
long been desirous of the capture of the forts which guarded the entrance? 
into the harbor, but it was a work which could hardly be accomplished 
by the navy alone. A land force was necessary to attack when the 
vigorous bombardment of the naval squadron had weakened the defences 
of the forts and demoralized their garrisons. About the first of Novem- 
ber, General Grant agreed to furnish the required troops for the expedition, 
and Rear-Admiral D. D. Porter, in command of the North Atlantic squad- 
ron, began to assemble at Fortress Monroe an armada, the most powerful 
perhaps, ever concentrated for the attack of a single fortress or port. As this 
attracted the attention of the enemy, and reports in relation to the plan of ope- 
rations, etc., were circulated through the newspapers, it was deemed best to 
postpone the expedition for a while ; but General Grant having learned, on 
the 30th of November, that General Bragg had gone to Georgia, taking with 
him most of the troops about Wilmington, deemed it desirable that the 
attack should be made before his return, and went with General Butler 
to Fortress Monroe to consult with Rear-Admiral Porter in regard to the 
number of troops which would be needed. It was decided that six 
thousand five hundred would be sufficient, and that they should be taken 
from the army of the James, and General Weitzel was assigned to the 
command. General Butler, whose attention had been directed to the 
terrible effects then recently produced by the explosion of a powder 
magazine in the Erith marsbes near London, in the shaking down of 
buildings shattering glass, etc., at a long distance, desired to have a strong 
vessel, heavily charged with powder, exploded as near to Fort Fisher as 
possible, in the belief that it would shake down the walls of the fort and 
greatly demoralize its garrison; and he was allowed to try the experiment 
On the 6th of December, General Grant addressed to General Butler the 
following letter of instructions : 

" CiTT Point, Va., Dec. Uh, 1864. 
" General : — The first object of the expedition under General Weitzel 
is to close to the enemy the port of, Wilmington. If successful in this 



906 



THE CIVIL WAU IN THE UNITED STATES. 



the second will be to capture Wilmington itself. There are reasonable 
grounds to tope for success, if advantage can be taken of the absence of 
the greater part of the enemy's forces now looking after Sherman in 
Georgia. The directions you have given for the numbers and equipment 
of the expedition are all right, except in the unimportant matter of where 
they embark and the amount of intrenching tools to be taken. The object 
of the expedition will be gained by effecting a landing on the main land 
between Cape Fear river and the Atlantic, north of the north entrance 
to the river. Should such landing be effected while the enemy still holds 
Fort Fisher and the batteries guarding the entrance to the river, then the 
troops should intrench themselves, and, by co-operating with the navy, 
efl'ect the reduction and capture of those places. These in our hands, the 
navy could enter the harbor, and the port of Wilmington would be sealed. 
Should Fort Fisher and the point of land on which it is built fall into the 
hands of our troops immediately on landing, then it will be worth the 
attempt to capture Wilmington by a forced march and surprise. If time 
is consumed in gaining the first object of the expedition, the second will 
become a matter of after consideration. 

"The details for execution are intrusted to you and the officer immedi- 
ately in command of the troops. 

" Should the troops under General WeitJiel fail to effect a landing at or 
near Fort Fisher, they will be returned to the armies operating against 
Richmond without delay. / 

"U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

"MaJOR-GeNEBAL B. F. BUTLKB." 



The expedition was detained for several days at Hampton roads awaiting 
the loading of the powder-boat. It was distinctly understood by General 
Grant that General Weitzel was to command the expedition, and he was 
not aware that General Butler intended to go until the evening before its 
departure, and he then supposed that he went rather to witness the effects 
of the explosion of the puvvder-boat than any thing else. Once under way, 
however. General Butlsr assumed the command of the expedition. 

The expedition finally got off on the 13th of December, and arrived at 
the place of rendezvous, off' New Inlet, near Fort Fisher, on the evening 
of the 15th. Admiral Porter arrived on the evening of the 18th ; having 
put in at Beaufort to get ammunition for the monitors. The sea becoming 
rou'^h, making it difficult to land troops, and the supply of water and 
coal being about exhausted, the transport fleet put back to Beaufort to 
replenish. This, with the state of the weather, delayed the return to the 
place of rendezvous until the 24th. The powder-boat was exploded on 
the morning of the 2-ith, before the return of General Butler from Beaufort ; 
but it would seem from the notice taken of it in the Southern newspapers, 



BOMBARDMENT OP FORT FISHER. 



90T 



that the enemy were never enlightened as to the object of the explosion 
until they were informed by the northern press. 

At daylight of the 2-ith the fleet stood in, in line of battle, and shortly 
before noon took up their positions according to Admiral Porter's orders, 
the iron-clads, of which there were four, the New Ironsides being one, 
forming the 6rst.line, three fourths of a mile from the fort, each having 
a gunboat as a tender within supporting distance. A quarter of a mile 
behind the iron-clads was a line of heavy frigates, comprising the Minne- 
sota, Colorado, Wabash, and other vessels of that class, and behind these 
still another line of vessels, composed of the larger gunboats, the double- 
enders, etc. Each anchored intermediate between the vessels of the first 
line. Another division, consisting chiefly of gunboats, took positions to 
the south and southwest of the forts and to the left of the frigates, and 
still another was posted to the northward and eastward of the iron-clads 
for the purpose of enfilading the fort. 

About one o'clock p. M. the New Ironsides opened fire against Fort 
Fisher, followed almost immediately by the monitors ; and within half an 
hour the Minnesota, followed soon after by her consorts in the second 
line, obtained the range and commenced a steady bombardment, in which, 
a little later, the third line joined, and all maintained a rapid, accurate, 
and terrible fire upon the fort. 

On the afternoon of the 25th (the bombardment having been continued 
through this day also), the transports arrived from Beaufort, and three 
thousand of the troops were landed, under cover of the fire of the fleet, 
five miles east of the fort. A reconnoissance was ordered at once, under 
Brevet Brigadier-General Curtis, General Weitzel accompanying it in 
person. It was pushed nearly up to the fort. General Weitzel reported 
that the fort was not seriously injured, as a defensive work, by the bom- 
bardment, and that it was so strong that, under the circumstances, it would 
be butchery to order an assault. Other officers in the reconnoissance 
entertained a different opinion ; but General Weitzel was an able officer 
of engineers, of known bravery and daring, and his view, which coincided 
with that of General Butler, prevailed, and the men were ordered to re- 
embark, without making any eflbrt to capture the fort. Eear- Admiral 
Porter was, naturally enough, greatly chagrined at this failure, and ex- 
pressed himself in somewhat strong terms in regard to General Butler's 
management. Nor was General Grant any better satisfied. He claimed 
that General Butler should not have gone on the expedition, and that 
having, in opposition to his views, taken command of it, he violated his 
express instructions in ordering the hasty re-embarkation. For these 
reasons he requested the War Department to relieve General Butler from 
the command of the Army of the James, and to assign General E. O. C. 
Ord to that command, and his request was complied with. 

General Butler justified himself by claiming that it would have been a 



908 



TUE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



useless slaughter of his troops to have led them against the fort at that 
time, and adduced the testimony of the Eebel General Whiting, then in 
command of tlie fort, but afterward a prisoner, and mortally wounded, 
who stated, in the strongest terms, that at that time, and with the force 
General Butler had at command, the capture of the fort would have been 
impossible, and that the assailing force would have been wholly cut to 
pieces had they attempted it. The question was one admitting of doubt, and 
its discussion occasioned much unpleasant and bitter feeling. The com- 
mander of the North Atlantic blockading squadron. Rear- Admiral Porter, 
was not, however, disposed to relinquish the struggle. He maintained the 
bombardment for some time longer, and sent a despatch to General Grant, 
informing him that he was still off Fort Fisher, and expressing the belief 
that, under a proper leader, it could yet be taken. General Grant an- 
swered, asking the Admiral to hold on and he would send a force, and 
make another attempt to take the place. This time he selected brevet 
Major-Gcneral (now Major-General) Alfred H. Terry, who, as we have 
seen, had been much of the time during the autumn in command of the 
tenth corps, to command the expedition. The troops composing the 
expedition were the same that had gone with General Butler, not having 
disembarked after their arrival at Fortress Monroe, with the addition of a 
small brigade, numbering about fifteen hundred men, and a small siege 
train. General Grant communicated to General Terry the following 
instructions : 

"City Poi.nt, Va., January .3, 1865. 

" General : — The expeditron intrusted to your command has been fitted 
out to renew the attempt to capture Fort Fisher, N. C, and Wilmington, 
ultimately, if the fort falls. You will then proceed, with as little delay as 
possible, to the naval fleet, lying off Cape Fear river, and report the 
arrival of yourself and command to Admiral D. D. Porter, commanding 
North Atlantic blockading squadron. 

"It is exceedingly desirable that the most complete understanding 
should exist between yourself and the naval commander. I suggest, 
tlierefore, that ypju consult with Admiral Porter freely, and get from him 
the part to be performed by each branch of the public service, so that 
there may be unity of action. It would be well to have the whole pro- 
gramme laid down in writing. I have served with Admiral Porter, and 
know that you can rely on his judgment and his nerve to undertake what 
he proposes. I would, therefore, defer to him as much as is consistent 
with your own responsibilities. The first object to be attained is to get a 
firm position on the sp^tof land on which Fort Fisher is built, from which 
you can operate against that fort. You want to look to the practicability 
of receiving your supplies, and to defending yourself against superior 
forces sent against you by an}' of the avenues left open to the enemy. K 
such a position can be obtained, the siege of Fort Fisher will not be aban 



THE SECOND EXPEDITION AGAINST FORT FISHER. 909 

doned until its reductiou is accomplished, or another plan of campaign is 
ordered from these headquarters. 

" My own views are, that, if you effect a landing, the navy ought to run 
a portion of their fleet into Cape Fear river, while the balance of it oper- 
ates on the outside. Land forces cannot invest Fort Fisher, or cut it off 
from supplies or reinforcements, while the river is in possession of the 
enemy. 

"A siege train will be loaded on vessels and sent to Fortress Monroe, in 
readiness to be sent to you, if required. All other supplies can be drawn 
from Beaufort as you need them. 

"Keep the fleet of vessels with you until your position is assured. 
When you find they can be spared, order them oack, or such of them as 
you can spare, to Fortress Monroe, to report for orders. 

"In case of failure to effect a landing, bring your command back to 
Beaufort, and report to these headquarters for further orders. You will 
not debark at Beaufort until so directed. 

• " General Sheridan has been ordered to send a division, of troops to 
Baltimore, and place them on sea-going vessels. These troops will be 
brought to Fortress Monroe and kept there on the vessels until you are 
heard from. Should you require them, they will be sent to you. 

"U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

"Brevet Major-General A. H. Terry." 

Fort Fisher, the strong earthwork against which this second attack was 
about to be made, was one of the most formidable fortifications on the 
coast. It had two faces, one, landward, across the Federal Point, four 
hundred and eighty yards in length, twenty-five feet thick, an average of 
twenty feet in height, with twelve or fifteen traverses rising ten feet above 
the parapet and running back thirty or forty feet from the interior crest ; 
the other front seaward, running at right angles with the first, and of equal 
thickness and height with it, thirteen hundred yards in length, and par- 
allel with the lee shore of the peninsula. This front was a succession of 
strong batteries, from the frowning bastion at the angle to the' mound bat- 
tery at its lower extremity, and all the batteries were connected by cur- 
tains and strong infantry parapets. A deep ditch encircled the fort, and 
on the landward side, rows of palisades ; while lines of torpedoes, each 
containing a hundred pounds or more of powder, were sown thickly all 
along the two fronts and the approaches, and were connected with the fort 
by electric wires. It mounted on each front twenty-four heavy guns, five 
or six of which had been disabled in Admiral Porter's first bombardment. 
Above it, on the north, were Flag Pond and Half Moon batteries, each 
mounting two guns. 

The expedition under General Terry sailed from Fortress Monroe on 
the morning of the 6th of January, 1865, arriving on the rendezvous off 



910 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Beaufort, on the 8th where, owing to the difficulties of the weather, it lay 
until the morning of the 12th, when it got under way and reached its des- 
tination that evening. Under cover of the fleet, the discmbarliation of the 
tnwps commenced on the morning of the 13th, and by three o'clock p.m. 
was completed without loss. On the 14th, a reconnoissance was pushed to 
within five hundred j'ards of Fort Fisher, and a small advance work taken 
jiossession of and turned into a defensive line against any attempt that 
might be made from the fort. This reconnoissance disclosed the fact that 
the front of the work had been seriously injured by the navy fire, wliich 
had been maintained with great fury on the 13th and 14th, and was kept 
'ip with increased vigor on the loth, from eleven A. M. to half-past three 
P. M. 

General Terry finding that a considerable Eebel force under General 
Iloke had left Wilmington, and were intending to attack him in rear, 
established a strong intrenched line across the peninsula, about two miles 
from the fort, strengthened it as much as possible, and planted his siege 
cannon upon it to defend his troops from any assault in that direction, am^ 
manned it with Abbott's brigade. Then turning his attention to tlie fort, 
he came to the decision that it was better to assault at once, while tlie 
garrison were suffering from the effects of the terrible bombardment of 
tlie navy, than to attempt a siege in this inclement sea.son. The guns of 
the fort had been silenced for the time, and a considerable number dis- 
mounted or disabled by the fire of the fleet, and the electric wires con- 
necting the torpedoes with the fort had also been broken, though the 
assailants were not aware of this at the time. 

Under cover of the fire from the ships, sixteen hundred sailors, armed « 
with cutlasses, revolvers and carbines, and four hundred marines, the 
whole commanded by Fleet Captain K. R. Breese, were landed on the 
beach, and by digging zig-zags and rifle-pits, worked their way up to 
witliin two hundred yards of the fort. Tiie attention of the garrison was 
occupied by these, and they were preparing to beat off this assault, whiclj 
they believed to be the main one, while tlie land forces were creeping up 
in their rear, on the landward front of tlie fort. At hall-past tliree tlie 
signal was made to the fleet to change the direction of the fire, that tlie 
troops might assault, and at the word of command the sailors rushed furi- 
ously toward the parapet of the fort, which was soon manned with Rebel 
soldiers, who met thera with a murderous fire of musketry. The marines, 
fur some cause, failed to perform their duly of covering the assaulting 
party, and the sailors, after a gallant struggle, were forced back and 
retreated to the shore. But though unsuccessful in their direct a.ssault, 
they had contributed largely to the success of the land forces. The Rebels, 
glowing with triumpli at having beaten off their invailers, turned about 
to find the parapet already surmounted by the land furccs, who were 
Steadily pushing them back from one traverse to another. The fighting 



SKETCH OP GENERAL TERRY. 91 ; 

which followed was desperate in the extreme, and much of it hand to 
hand. No artillery could be used, and, indeed, the Kebel guns were mostly 
dismounted. An hour and a half of this terrible conflict had passed 
and nine of the traverses had been carried by hard fighting, but the brig- 
adier-generals in command were all wounded, and the men were becoming 
sorely wearied, when General Terry, having obtained from Admiral Porter 
permission to use the sailors and marines, who were still on the shore, to 
man his rear defensive line, brought up Abbott's brigade of fresh troops 
to reinforce the assaulting column. With their aid the fight was renewed 
with unceasing fury, and at about ten P. M. the Rebels were driven from 
their last traverse, and falling back to Federal Point, surrendered about 
midnight unconditionally. The garrison numbered originally about two 
thousand three hundred men. Of these, two thousand and eighty-three, 
.including one hundred and twelve officers, surrendered, tlie remainder 
were killed or severely wounded. The Union loss was, in the army, 
one hundred and ten killed, and five hundred and thirty-six wounded; 
and in the navy, three hundred and nine killed and wounded. The next 
morning, by an explosion of one of the magazines of Fort Fisher, about 
one hundred and eighty soldiers and sailors were killed or severely 
wounded. On the 16th and ]7th the enemy abandoned and blew up 
Fort Caldwell, and the vorks on Smith's island, which were immediately 
occupied by the Union troops. This gave the Union authorities the entire 
control of the mouth of Cape Fear river, and a considerable number of 
blockade-runners, unaware of the change of owners of the fort, ran in and 
were made prizes. Thus was secured, by the combined efiforts of the 
array and navy, one of the most important successes of the war. 

Major-General Alfred Howe Terry, the successful leader of the land 
forces in this expedition, was born in Hartford, Connecticut, November 
10th, 1827. , He graduated at ^ale College, studied law, and was admitted 
to the New Haven bar in 1848. He speedily took a high position in his 
profession, though manifesting a strong taste for military studies, and had, 
during the Crimean and Italian campaigns, made himself master of the 
theory of military movements. In 1854, he had been chosen colonel of 
the second Connecticut regular militia. In April, 1861, at the outbreak 
of the war, he was commissioned, by Governor Buckingham, colonel of the 
second regiment Connecticut volunteers. His regiment took paj't in the 
battle of Bull Eun, but was one of the few which did not run. Return- 
ing home after the three months' campaign, he was commissioned colonel 
of the seventh Connecticut volunteers; took part in the reduction of Port 
Royal and the capture of Fort Pulaski ; was made brigadier-general of 
volunteers April 25, 1862. He was in the battle of Pocotaligo, in June, 
1863 ; took part in the siege of Wagner and Sumter, July, August, and 
September, 1863, and by a feint on James island, on July 10th, drew the 
attention of the Rebels from Morris island. In May, 1864, be joined the 



912 THE OrVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

army of the James ; fought, as we have seen, in the battles of Deep Run, 
Richmond Central railroad, etc. He was twice for several months in 
command of the tenth army corps, and after its consolidation with the 
eighteenth, as the twenty-fourth corps, commanded the first division. He 
was brevetted major-general in July, 1864, and, as we have seen, was 
selected by General Grant to lead the second assault on Fort Fisher. He 
subsequently, reinforced by Schofield, moved upon Wilmington, which 
was captured February 22d, 1865. Thence he marched to Goldsboro to 
join Sherman. After the close of the war he was appointed to command 
the Department of Virginia, having been promoted to be major-general 
of volunteers for his gallantry at Fort Fisher, and soon after made briga- 
dier-general, and brevet major-general, in the regular army. 

Rear- Admiral David D. Porter, whose management of his squadron and 
protracted bombardment of Fort Fislier contributed so largely to its over-, 
throw, was born in Philadelphia about 1814; he was instructed at the 
naval school at Annapolis; entered the navy as a midshipman February 
2d, 1829; cruised in the Mediterranean for several years; was rated as 
passed-midshipman July 3d, 1835 ; and was for some years connected with 
the coast survey. Promoted to be lieutenant, February 27th, 1841, he was 
ordered to the Mediterranean, and afterward to the Brazil squadron. He 
was assigned to duty at the Washington Observatory in 1845; took part 
in the capture of Vera Cruz in 1847; was next ordered to the naval 
rendezvous at New Orleans; and thence again to the coast survey. From 
1847 to 1853, he commanded the United States mail steamers Panama 
and Georgia; in 1855 he was made lieutenant;Commander, and was 6rst 
in command of the storeship Supply, and afterward on duty at Ports- 
mouth navy yard. In 1861 he became commander, and was assigned to 
the Powhatan, on the West Gulf blockading squadron. In April, 1862, he 
commanded the mortar fleet below New Orleans. He was made acting rear- 
admiral, and placed in command of the upper Mississippi squadron, Octo- 
ber 22d, 1862. He co-operated in the siege of Vicksburg, sending portions 
of his squadron up the rivers tributary to the Mississippi, attacking and 
running past the Vicksburg batteries, bombarding Grand Gulf, Haines's 
bluff", etc. He was commissioned rear-admiral July 4th, 1863. For some 
months following the fall of Vicksburg he patroled the Mississippi with his 
fleet, and in May, 1864, took part in the disastrous Red river expedition. On 
the 1st of November, 1864, he was transferred to the North Atlantic 
squadron, where he planned and executed the naval portion of the two 
attacks on Fort Fisher, and subsequently aided in the reduction of Wil- 
mington. After the close of the war, be was appointed superintendent of 
the naval academy at Annapolis. 



SHERMAN'S GRAND MARCH THROUGH THE CAROLINAS. 913 



CHAPTER LXX. 

THE GOLD3BOKO CAMPAIGN' — SHERMAN DETERMINES TO MARCH THROUGH THE CAROLINAS 
— THE DIFFICULTIES TO BE EN'COUNTERED — MOVEMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH AND SEVEN- 
TEENTH CORPS TO HILTON UEAD-^CAPTUEE OF POCOTALIQO BRIDGE, AND THE CHARLES- 
TON AND SAVANNAH RAILROAD — MOVEMENT OF THE L^FT WING TO PUREYSBURG AND 
sister's ferry — DELAYED BY FLOODS — GROVEr's DIVISION GARRISONS SAVANNAH — 
GENERAL SHERMAn's ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUPPLIES TO BE SENT TO GOLDSBORO — 
SAVANNAH AND ITS DEFENCpS TRANSFERRED TO MAJOR-GENERAL FOSTER — THE REBELS 
ADOPT THE SALKAHATCHIB A3 THEIR DEFENSIVE LINE — SHERMAN, BY A FEINT ON 
COMEAHEE FERRY, KEEPS THEM FROM INTERFERING WITH HIS ROUTE — MOVEMENTS OF 

THE ARMY OF THE TENNESSEE — SLOW PROGRESS OF THE LEFT WING CROSSING THE 

SALKAIIATCHIE — THE DEMONSTRATION AGAINST AUGUSTA — THE ADVANCE UPON ORANGE- 
BURG — APPROACHING THE TOWN — EVACUATION OF CHARLESTON — THE APPROACH TO 
COLUMBIA — SURRENDER OF THE CITY — DESTRUCTIVE PIKE — THE ADVANCE TO WINN8- 
BORO — DESTRUCTION OF THE RAILROAD — KILPATRICK's MOVEMENTS — THE SPECULATIONS 
OF THE REBELS AS TO SHERMAN'S OBJECTIVE — THEY COMPEL DAVIS TO GIVE JOHNSTON 
THE COMMAND OF THEIR ARMIES IN KORTH AND SOUTH CAROLINA — CHARLOTTE OR 
GOLDSBORO? WHICH? — CROSSING THE WATEREE — THE APPROACH TO, AND CAPTURE OF, 
CHERAW — ADVANCE ON FAYETTEVILLE, N. C. — HARDEE ABANDONS IT — CAVALRY MOVE- 
MENTS — THE BATTLE OF SGLOMOn's GROVE — EILPATRIOK SURPRISED, BUT RALLIES AND 
DEFEATS THE ENEMY — SHERMAn's MESSAGES TO WILMINGTON AND NEWBERN — SHERMAN'S 
LETTER TO THE LIEUTENANT-GENERAL — HIS CORRESPONDENCE WITH WHEELER AND WADE 
HAMPTON — PUSILLANIMITY AND COWARDICE OP SOUTH CAROLINA — THE HORRORS OF WAK 
DEALT OUT TO HER IN FULL MEASURE — NORTH CAROLINA SPARED — THE LAST STAGE OF 
THE CAMPAIGN — CROSSING THE CAPE FEAR RIVER— THE CONCENTRATION OF THE REBEL 

FORCES — Hardee's attack on the left wing at avervsboro — its object — the 

BATTLE OF AVERYSBORO — ADVANCE TOWARD GOLDSBORO — THE BATTLE OF BENTONVILLE 
— THE ADVANCE TO GOLDSBORO — MOVEMENTS OF SCHOFIFXD AND TERRY — MOWER's 

daring flank movement — goldsboro reached, and the army resting and receiv- 
ing supplies — general. sherman visits general grant's headquarters — general 
Sherman's summing up of results. 

Geiveral Shermatst bad scarcely takea possession of Savannah, before 
his active mind was again employed in planning another important move- 
ment of the most vital importance to the national cause. Hood's army 
being now completely broken up, Tennessee and Kentucky fully con- 
trolled by the Federal authority, and no considerable Eebel force — except 
Lee's army in Virginia — remaining in the southern Atlantic States, the 
field of operations was virtually reduced to three States. In his own 
mind, therefore, General Sherman had decided — and the plan met with 
General Grant's approval — to sweep, with his powerful army, through the 
two Carolinas, without halting or seeking a base, from Savannah to Golds- 
boro, and at that point to open communication with the sea by the New- 
bern railroad. Thus, crippling and rendering useless the coast seaports, 
58 



9U 



THE CrVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



by the destruction of interior lines of railroads, he aimed to reach the 
theatre of war in Virginia by the time the season would admit of active 
operations in that quarter. If successful in this, he knew that the con- 
centration of his own army with that of General Grant, before the Rebel 
capital, would speedily compel the capitulation of Lee's forces, and, con- 
sequently, the entire collapse of the Rebellion. The plan was a masterly 
one, yet attended with risks not disproportionate to the prize which it 
oflered. He would be obliged again to cut loose from his base, and enter 
upon a march of nearly fi,ve hundred miles, through a country intersected 
by numerous wide rivers, whose sedgy, oozy banks were lined for miles 
with dismal and impassable swamps, over which roads and causeways must 
be built ; his troops, in many cases, dislodging and fighting the enemy as 
they moved. The Rebel forces, although scattered, were stronger, both in 
numbers and condition, than the Georgia militia whom they had encoun- 
tered in the previous campaign ; and, under the command of General 
Johnston, who it was understood was again to be put in command, would 
be able to concentrate rapidly, and throw serious obstacles in the way of 
Sherman's advance, as his men toiled tediously through the morasses. 
But the conqueror of Atlanta, and the leader of the "march to the sea," 
was not the man to be easily deterred from the execution of any plan 
which promised destruction to the Rebellion — especially if it gave him the 
opportunity to be " in at the death." So his preparations went rapidly, 
yet quietly forward. His first movement was to send the right wing of 
his army, commanded by General Howard, and comprising Logan's 
— fifteenth — corps, and Blair's — seventeenth — Corps, by transports to 
Beaufort, near Hilton Head, S. C. The object of this movement wa.s to 
secure the important railroad bridge on the Savannah and Charleston 
railroad, at Pocotaligo, about forty-nine miles from the former, and fifty- 
five miles from the latter city. This bridge, which, with the trestle-work 
in the swamp, was a mile in length, was a most important point in 
the communication between the two cities, which the Union commanders, 
of operations in that department had frequently endeavored to destroy, but 
without success. On the 13th of January, General Hatch's division moved 
out from Beaufort,^nd took position near the bridge, with their cannon 
commanding the railroad ; and the seventeenth corps, crossing on pontoons 
at Port Royal ferry, rapidly approached the railroad, and scattered the 
Rebel pickets. On the 15th, the seventeenth corps and General Hatch's 
division advanced, and gained the railroad a little south of the bridge, 
driving off the enemy's skirmishers, who were supported by light artillery. 
The bridge thus gained, as well as the earthwork defences at its further 
end, was promptly carried by the seventeenth corps, with a rapidity which 
defeated the enemy's attempt to set it on fire, and with a loss of only fifty 
men. The rebel force were completely driven off, and the gallant seven- 
teenth occupied the railroad from Coosawhatchie to the Tallahatchie ; a 



THE DIFFICULTIES TO BE ENCOUNTERED. 915 

depot of supplies being established near tbe mouth of Pocotaligo creek, 
with convenient communication, by wa,ter, to Hilton Head. 

Simultaneously with this movement, the left wing, under General 
Slocum, and General Kilpatrick's cavalry, received orders to rendezvous 
near Robertsville and Coosawhatchie, S. C, and establish a depot of sup- 
plies at Pureysburg, or Sister's ferry, on the Savannah river. In order to 
carry out these orders, Slocum repaired and "corduroyed" the "Union 
causeway" leading through the low rice fields opposite Savannah, and 
also constructed a good pontoon bridge opposite the city. But before the 
time appointed for him to march, the January rains had swollen the river, 
broken up the pontoon bridge, and, overflowing the whole " bottom," so 
that the causeway was four feet under water, compelled him to seek a pas- 
sage over the Savannah at some point higher up. He, therefore, moved 
up to Sister's ferry ; but even there, the river, with its overflowed bottoms, 
was nearly three miles wide ; so that he did not succeed in getting his 
whole army across until the first week in February. 

Meanwhile, Savannah was garrisoned by Grover's division of the nine- 
teenth corps, from Sheridan's army of the Potomac, and the troops 
previously serving in the Department of the South were placed undej' 
command of Major-General Foster — thus leaving to Sherman, for his ex- 
pedition, the entire army with which he had made the Georgia campaign. 
The twenty-third corps, Major-General Schofield commanding, was, as we 
have seen, also transferred from Tennessee to the reinforcement of Generals 
Terry and Palmer, then operating on the North Carolina coast, to prepare 
the way for General Sherman's advance. That general, in order that no 
time might be lost in opening communication with the sea, on hie arrival 
at Goldsboro, had also ordered Colonel W. W. Wright, superintendent 
of military railroads, to proceed to Newborn, North Carolina, in advance, 
and be fully prepared to extend the railroad from that place to Goldsboro 
by the 15th of March. At the same time, the chief quartermaster, 
and the commissary were directed to fill the dep6ts of supplies at Sister's 
ferry and Pocotaligo, and follow his movements coastwise, with a view 
of forwarding supplies to him at Goldsboro, by March 15th, via More- 
head City, North Carolina. 

All these preparations having been made, and the different movements 
in successful progress, General Sherman, on the 18th of January, trans- 
ferred the city of Savannah and its defences to Major-General Foster, 
commanding the Department of the South, at the same time imparting to 
him his plans of the campaign, with instructions to follow the inland 
movements of the army, by such demonstrations as should secure to the 
Union arms the possession of Charleston and other points of military 
value along the seacoast. The capture, by the combined naval and land 
forces under Admiral Porter and General Terry, of Fort Fisher and the 
Eebel defences at the mouth of the Cape Fear river only four days before. 



916 THE CiriL "WAR IN' THE UNITED STATES. 

gave an additional feeling ot security to General Sherman aa, on the 
19th, he gave the final order for a general advance. The campaign was 
now fairly opened, and Sherman, on the the 22d, embarked for Hilton 
Head, where he held a conference with Admiral Dahlgren, U. S. N., 
and Major-General Foster, and tlience proceeded to Beaufort, from whence, 
on the 2-±th, he rode out to Pocotaligo, to the encampment of Blair's 
seventeenth corps. The fifteenth corps was somewhat scattered ; two 
divisions being at Beaufort; another on the march, coastwise, from 
Savannah ; and a fouith still at that cit}', storm and freshet bound. The 
enemy evidently supposed Charleston to be the objective at which the 
Union army was aiming, and under this impression had adopted the 
Salkahatchie as a defensive line. Shermati personally reconnoitercd the 
line, and saw, that in consequence of the heavy rains, the river had become 
so swollen that the swamj)s, for a breadth of over a mile, were under water 
to a depth of from one to twenty feet. As he had not the slightest inten- 
tion of approaching Charleston, he contented himself with making a 
demonstration against the Combahee ferry and railroad bridge across the 
river ; and by the exhibition of a comparatively small force, in seeming 
preparations to cross over, he kept in his front a large force of the 
Eebels disposed to contest his advance on the city. On the 27th, General 
Hatch's division, on the Tullaflnney and Coosawhatchie river.s, broke 
up camp and moved to Pocotaligo, with the purpose of keeping up the 
feints already began, so that the riglit wing could move higher up and 
cross the Salkahatchie near Rivers' or Braxton's bridge. By the 
29th, the subsidence of the flood permitted General Slocum to put his 
wing in motion, and as he approached Sister's ferry, the gunboat Pontiac 
was sent up to cover the crossing. In the meantime, three divisions of 
the fifteenth corps had closed up at Pocotaligo, and the right wing was 
in readiness for the advance. General Howard, with the seventeenth 
corps, now (February 1st) moved up the Salkahatchie to Rivers' bridge, 
while the fifteenth corps marched by Hickory hill, Loper's cro.ss-roads, 
Anglesey post office, and Beaufort bridge, leaving General Hatch's divi- 
sion still at Pocotaligo, demonstrating against the Salkahatchie railroad 
bridge and ferry, until the movement of the Union army should turn the 
enemy's position and force him to fall behind the Edisto. The road 
northward, on which Sherman was now moving his army, had been held 
for several weelca previously, by Wheeler's cavalry, who had diligently 
improved tlie time to fell trees, burn bridges, and prepare all possible 
obstructions to impede the progress of our troops. But so well organized 
was Sherman's pioneer corp.s — enlarged, before leaving Savannah, by the 
addition of some thousands of intelligent and able-bodied negroes — that 
under the direction of the efficient engineer-in-chief, bridges were rebuilt 
and obstructions removed with a rapidity which scarcely delayed the advance 
of the army a single day. Meanwhile, General Slocum, still harassed 



-CROSSING THE SALKAHATCHIE. 917 

by the bigh water in the Savannah river, had only crossed two divisions 
of the twentieth corps — General Williams — and Kilpatrick's cavalry, 
over to the east bank. Williams was. sent, by Sherman's order, to Beau- 
fort bridge via Lawtonville and AUandale ; and Kilpatrick to Blaokville 
via Barnwell. General Slocum was urged to hasten his crossing as fast 
as possible, and overtake the right vring on the South Carolina railroad. 
General Howard, with the right wing, was also ordered to cross the 
Salkahatchie, and strike the same road near Midway. The line of the 
Salkahatchie was held by the enemy in force, their infantry and artillery 
being intrenched at Eivers' and Beaufort bridges. The former position 
was carried, on the 3d of February, by Mower's and Giles A. Smith's 
divisions of the seventeenth corps. The swamp here was nearly three 
miles wide, with water ranging from knee to shoulder deep, and the 
weather was bitterly cold. Disregarding, however, these circumstances, 
Generals Mower and Smith gallantly led their divisions in person, on foot, 
waded the swamp under a heavy fire, effected a lodgment below the bridge 
and drove the Eebel brigade wiuch guarded it in confusion toward 
Branchville, with a loss of only one ofl&cer and seventeen men killed, and 
seventy wounded. Beaufort bridge, strong both in its natural position 
and artificial defences, was evacuated by the enemy immediately upon the 
successful crossing of the Union troops at Rivers' bridge ; and the line of 
the Salkahatchie being thus broken the enemy at once retreated behind 
the Edisto, at Branchville. The Union army now held the peninsula 
formed by the Salkahatchie and Edisto rivers, and had the choice of 
moving on Augusta, Branchville and Charleston. Sherman, however, at 
once pushed the whole army to the South Carolina railroad at Midway, 
Bamberg (or Lowry's station), and Graham's station. The enemy, fright- 
ened by a demonstration made by the seventeenth corps against Branch- 
ville, burned the railroad bridge, and Walker's bridge across the Edisto ; 
and from the 7th to the 10th of February, the seventeenth corps de- 
voted its whole energies to the destruction of the railroad track from the 
Edisto up to Bamberg; the fifteenth corps attending to that portion 
between Bamberg and Blackville. General Kilpatrick, by this time, had 
brought up his cavalry to Blackville, and turning toward Aiken, demon- 
strated against Augusta, skilfully avoiding any regular battle," although 
he skirmished heavily with Wheeler's cavalry at Blackville, Williston, 
and Aiken. On the 8th, two di\ isions of Williams — twentieth — corps, 
reached Graham's station on the South Carolina railroad, and General 
Slocum arrived at Blackville on the 10th ; while the destruction of the 
railroad was continued from that point up to Windsor. By the 11th, 
the entire army occupied the railroad from Midway to Johnson's station, 
thus dividing the enemy's forces, part of "which were at Branchville and 
Charleston on the one side, and part at Aiken and Augusta on the other. 
The army was marching north and cast, demonstrating upon Charleston 



918 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

and Augusta, but really aiming at Columbia, tbe capital of tLe truculent 
State of South Carolina. Meanwhile, the citizens of the two former cities 
were in an agony of fear and suspense ; their newspapers filled with frantic 
appeals for resistance to the invader, and their minds and hands occupied 
with every possible plan and preparation for defence. The first step in 
the campaign was now an accomplished fact. It had been accomplished 
with little use of cavalry, and with less than half our infantry ; and, better 
than all, with but slight loss of life. 

Now commenced the movement on Orangeburg, a town of some three 
thousand inhabitants, situated upon the north bank of the Edisto river, 
thirteen miles from Branchvillc. At this point the state road, between 
Charleston and Columbia, intersects with the railroad between that place 
and Branchville ; and Orangeburg, from its position upon the ridge of 
high lands on which the railroad runs, really possessed more importance 
than Branchville, which the enemy had most carefully fortified. 

Sherman marched with the right wing, the seventeenth corps crossing 
the south fork of the Edisto at Binnaker's bridge, and moving directly on 
Orangeburg ; while the fifteenth crossed at Holman's, and proceeded to 
Poplar, Springs, to act as a support. The left wing and cavalry, still 
engaged on the railroad, had orders to cross the same stream at New and 
Guignard's bridges, and take position on the Orangeburg and Edgefield 
road, in readiness to support the right wing. On the 12th of February, 
the seventeenth corps skirmished heavily with the enemy, who were found 
intrenched in force in front of the Orangeburg- bridge, on the north fork 
of the Edisto, and finally swept them away by a dash, pressing them 
across the bridge, which was partially burned. Behind the bridge was a 
battery in position, covered by a cotton and earth parapet, with wings as 
far as could be seen. General Blair now pressed Giles A. Smith's division 
closely up to the Edisto, at the same time moving the other two divisions 
to a point about two miles below, where he crossed Force's division by a 
pontoon bndge, holding Mower's in support. As Force's column emerged 
from the swamp, the enemy fell back, and Smith's division gained and 
crossed the bridge, and held the parapet. The bridge was speedily 
repaired, and by four o'clock of that afternoon, the whole corps was in 
Orangeburg, and had commenced to destroy the railroad. This was 
effected as far as Lewisville, and the enemy being pushed across the 
Congaree, were obliged, on the 14th, to burn the bridges. Up to this 
point, the enemy had been mystified as to the real destination of the Union 
army ; but now perceiving clearly, for the first time, what was Sherman's 
objective, the Rebel General Hardee evacuated Charlj--ton, retreating on 
Florence, parallel to Sherman's recent line of march, and General Gill- 
more's troops entered and occupied that city on the 18th. The different 
columns of the Union army were now all en route to Columbia, fifty-one 
miles distant from Orangeburg ; the seventeenth corps on the state road. 



SUEEENDER OF THE CITY OF COLUMBIA. 919 

■ and the fifteenth marching from Poplar Springs on a country road, which 
entered the state road at Zeigler's. The twentieth corps moved north, on 
a line west of the fifteenth, diverging toward Columbia ; the fourteenth 
moving on a parallel line still further west, with the cavalry on their left 
flank. On the 15th, the fifteenth corps discovered the enemy strongly 
posted at Little Congaree bridge, across Congaree creek, with a ifte-du-jJoyil 
on the south side, and a well built fortification on the north, commanding 
the bridge with artillery. The ground in front was level and clear, but 
covered with a deep and fresh deposit of mud from a recent overflow. 
General 0. E. Woods, commanding the leading division, turned the flank 
of the iete-du-pont, by sending a brigade through a cypress swamp to the 
left, and, pushing the retreating enemy, soon carried and held the bridge 
and fort beyond. As it was necessary to repair the bridge before it could 
be used for the passage of the artillery, it was night before the head of the 
column reached the bridge across the Congaree, in front of Columbia. 
During the night, the Union camps were shelled by the enemy's battery 
on the east side of the Congaree, above Granby. Early the following 
morning, February 16th, the advance reached the bank of the Congaree 
opposite Columbia, although too late to save the fine bridge which spanned 
the river at that point, and which the enemy had fired. While they 
waited for the pontoons, they could easily see into the streets of Columbia, 
where the citizens were moving about in evident excitement ; and occa- 
sionally small bodies of cavalry were seen, but no masses of troops. No 
white flag, or other token of surrender was visible ; and General Sherman 
limited the operations of his artillery to the firing of a single gun, aimed 
at the railroad depot, for the purpose of scattering the people who were 
seen carrying away sacks of corn and flour, which his army needed. 
While waiting, and within an hour after his arrival at the river, the head 
of column of the left wing, under General Slocum, also appeared ; where- 
upon General Howard, with the right wing, moved three miles up the 
river to Saluda factory, and crossed on the 16th, skirmishing with the 
Eebel cavalry. The same night he constructed a flying bridge across 
Broad river, three miles above Columbia, and threw across a brigade of 
the fifteenth corps, under cover of which a pontoon bridge was laid on 
the morning of the 17th, thus approaching Columbia on the north. 

General Sherman, in his ofBcial report, thus describes the entrance to 
Columbia: "I was in person at the pontoon bridge (on the 17th), and at 
11 A. M. learned that the mayor of Columbia had come out in a carriage, 
and made a formal surrender of the city to Colonel Stone, 25th Iowa 
infantry, commanding third brigade, first division, fifteenth corps. About 
the same time, a small party of the seventeenth corps had crossed the 
Congaree in a skiff, and entered Columbia from a point immediately west. 
In anticipation of the occupation of the city, I had given written orders 
to General Howard touching the conduct of the troops. These were to 



920 



THE CIVIL WAR IN TUB UNITED STATES. 



destroy absolutely all arsenals and public property not needed for our 
own use, as well as all railroads, depots, and machinery useful in war to 
an enemy; but to spare all dwellings, colleges, schools, asylums, and 
harmless private property. I was the fir.st to cross the pontoon bridge, 
and in company with General Iloward, rode into the city. The day was 
clear, but a perfect tempest of wind was raging. The brigade of Colonel 
Stone was already in the city, and was properly posted. Citizens and 
soldiers were on the streets, and general good order prevailed. General 
Wade Hampton, who commanded the Confederate rear-guard of cavalry, 
had, in anticipation of our capture of Columbia, ordered that all cotton, 
public and private, should be moved into the streets and fired, to prevent 
our making use of it. Bales were piled everywhere, the rope and bagging 
cut, and tufts of cotton were blown about in the wind, lodged in the trees 
and against the houses, so as to resemble a snow-storm. Some of these 
piles of cotton were burning, especially one in the very heart of the city, 
near the court house ; but the fire was partially subdued by the labors of 
our soldiers. During the day the fifteenth corps passed through Columbia, 
and out ou the Camden road. The seventeenth did not enter the town at 
all ; and, as I have before stated, the left wing and the cavalry did not 
come within two miles of the town. 

" Before one single public building had been fired by order, the 
smouldering fires set by Hampton's order were rekindled by the wind, 
and communicated to the buildings around. About dark they began to 
spread, and got beyond the control of the brigade on duty within the city. 
The whole of Wood's division was brought in, but it was found impossible 
to check the flames, which, by midnight, had become unmanageable, and 
raged until about 4 A. M., when, the wind subsiding, they were got under 
control. I was up nearly all night, and saw Generals Howard, Logan, 
Woods,''and others, laboring to save houses, and protect families thus 
suddenly deprived of shelter and of bedding and wearing apparel. I 
disclaim on the part of my army any agency in this fire, but, on the con- 
trary, claim that we saved what of Columbia remains unconsumed. And, 
without hesitation, I charge General Wade Hampton with having burned 
his own city of Columbia, not with a malicious intent, or as the manifesta- 
tion of a silly Roman stoicism, but from folly and want of sense in filling 
it with lint cotton and tinder. Our officers and men on duty worked well 
to extinguish the flames ; but others, not on duty, including the oflicers 
who had long been imprisoned there, rescued by us, may have assisted in 
spreading the fire after it had once begun, and may have indulged in 
concealed joy to see the ruin of the capital of South Carolina. During 
the 18th and 19th, the arsenal, railroad depots, machine shops, foundries, 
and other buildings, were properly destroyed by detailed working parties, 
and the railroad track torn up and destroyed to Kingville and the 
Wateree bridge, and up in the direction of Winnsboro." 



THE ADVANCE TO WINNSBORO. . 921 

On the 16tli, immediately on Slocum's arrival at Columbia, he had 
been ordered to march by the left directly on Winnsboro. Crossing the 
Saluda, at Hart's ferry, and marching by Oakville and Rockville, he 
reached Broad river, near Alston, on the 17th; and, on the 19th, crossed 
the river, entered Alston, and began to break up the railroads in the 
vicinity. Having thoroughly destroyed the Spartausburg railroad for 
fourteen miles north of Alston, including the bridge over the Broad river, 
Slocum, on the 20th, crossed the Little river, and reached "Winnsboro on 
the following day. Meanwhile, Sherman and the right wing, having de- 
stroyed all in Columbia that could be of use for military purposes, marched, 
on the 20th, directly on Winnsboro; the fifteenth corps destroying the 
railroad as they went, and the seventeenth moving on a parallel road; 
Howard reaching Winnsboro on the 21st. 

While the main army was thus engaged, the cavalry, under Kilpatrick, 
had been acting separately on the extreme left flank ; concealing, as well 
as covering the movements of the infantry. Following the march of the 
infantry, Kilpatrick's troops reached Robertville on the 3d, Lawtonville 
on the 4th, Allandale on the 5th, and, on the 6th, demonstrated strongly 
against Augusta, driving before them a Rebel cavalry brigade. Then 
turning shortly to the right, he crossed the Salkahatchie just below Barn- 
well, in face of the enemy, about three hundred strong, who occupied a 
well chosen position behind earthworks on the opposite side of the stream, 
commanding the bridge, which was then on fire. But Colonel Hamilton's 
ninth Ohio cavalry, and Lieutenant Colonel Van Buskirk, with the ninety- 
second Illinois mounted infantry, dashed through the swamp, wading up 
to the men's armpits, crossed the stream on trees felled by the pioneer 
corps, and, disregarding the terrible fire to which they were exposed, 
drove the enemy, routed, back to Barnwell. The bridge was partially 
saved, and having been repaired, the Union troops entered Barnwell at 
four o'clock, p. M. The next day, the 7th, the energetic Kilpatrick was at 
work destroying track on the Charleston and Atlanta railroad, at Black- 
ville, from which town he drove a brigade of Wheeler's cavalry. On the 
evening of the 8th, having moved up to Williston station. Colonel Spencer's 
brigade, while holding the Augusta road, Avas sharply attacked by 
Wheeler's cavalry, and a spirite'd fight ensued, in which the enemy were 
completely routed, with a loss of one officer and many men killed, a large 
number wounded, and several prisoners and five battle-flags captured. 
The routed enemy were so closely pursued by Colonel Spencer, for several 
miles, that they were finally compelled to scatter and take to the woods 
for safety. The next day, our troops moved along the railroad to Wind- 
sor, and thence to Johnson's, tearing up track as they went. The move- 
ments and manoeuvres of the cavalry from Blackville had been so skilfully 
planned by Kilpatrick, as to impress the Rebels with the idea that his 
progress was simply the advance of the main army towa,rd Augusta. 



922 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Under this impression, Wheeler left the Edisto unguarded and Columbia 
uncovered, and, by marching day and night, reached Aiken at daylight 
of the morning of the 11th, with his whole command. A carefully man- 
aged reconnoissance revealed to Kilpatrick the certainty that his enemy 
had fairly got into the trap ; and, at eleven A. M. the same day, a mounted 
charge by Wheeler's entire oommand was received and handsomely re- 
pulsed by the Union troops, with a loss to the Rebels of thirty-one killed, 
one hundred and sixty wounded, and sixty taken prisoners. Disgusted 
with this unexpectedly warm reception, Wheeler fell back to his former 
position at Aiken, without any further attempt at attack. At Johnson's, 
Kilpatrick remained, busily engaged in the demolition of the railroad, 
until the 12th, when he crossed the south fork of the Edisto, at Guig- 
nard's, and encamped four miles higher up the stream, throwing out 
pickets as far as Pine Log bridge. On the 15th, he crossed the north fork 
of the Edisto, and marching parallel with the left of the fourteenth corps, 
struck the Lexington and Augusta road, nine miles north of the former 
place. By this movement he intercepted Wheeler's cavalry, fifteen hun- 
dred of whom had just passed over the road m route for Columbia — 
Cheatham's infantry corps being similarly intercepted by our infantry. 
On the evening of the 18th, he reached Alston's, on Broad river; having 
destroyed a portion of the track, the depots, and several bridges between 
that place and Pomaria station. On the 19th, he crossed the river, and 
the next day reached Monticello, and found that Wheeler was in advance 
of him, moving on Chesterfield. 

Winnsboro is situated on the Charlotte (N. C.) and South Carolina 
railroad, seventy miles south of the former place, and thirty-nine miles 
north of Columbia ; Monticello being nearly opposite between Winnsboro 
and Broad river. The movements of Sherman's forces up to this date, 
and the massing of his infantry at Winnsboro, deluded the enemy with 
the idea that the Union army was aiming for Virginia by the inland route, 
via Charlotte. In the alarm caused by their new apparent danger, the 
Rebel authorities had forced from Jefferson Davis the re-appointment of 
General Johnston to the chief command of all the Rebel forces west of the 
Chattahoochie river, and south of Virginia ; and he had concentrated at 
Charlotte, N. C, the forces with which Beauregard had evacuated Colum- 
bia, the local garrisons and militia of Georgia, and some reinforcements 
from Lee's army. The remnants of Cheatham's Rebel corps, however, 
had been cut off from reaching Johnston by Sherman's march and the 
burning of the bridges over the Saluda. The turning point of the cam- 
paign had been the abandonment of Columbia ; and Johnston, with a 
dispirited and deficient army, found himself sadly puzzled whether to 
choose Charlotte or Goldsboro as his next defensive point. They were 
apparently equally threatened by Sherman, but were too far distant, the 
one from the other, to warrant an attempt to defend both. K he decided 



DESTRUCTION OP THE EAILEOAD. 923 

to hold Goldsboro, he must seriously expose his flank and rear to a move- 
ment from Newbern or the Roanoke, while Sherman would quietly " walk 
over the course" through Charlotte to the James. If, on the contrary, he 
attempted to hold Charlotte, Goldsboro and the seaboard would be left to 
chance. In fact, the campaiga was already lost, before Mr. Davis took 
any proper steps to restore it, and Sherman was not slow to push his ad- 
vantage. 

On the 22d of February, General Slocum left Winnsboro for Charlotte; 
destroying the railroad as far as Blackstake's station, fifty -iive miles from 
Charlotte, and then turning to the right, reached the Catawba or Wateree 
river that night, at the point called Rocky Mount. During the night, the 
twentieth corps came up, and laid a pontoon bridge, over which they 
passed during the 23d ; followed, in the night, by Kilpatrick's cavalry, in 
the midst of a terrible rain. This cavalry was directed to move toward 
Lancaster, as part of the feint of a- general movement on Charlotte, N. C, 
where General Beauregard, with a large force of cavalry, was stationed. 
From the 23d to the 26th, the roads and stream's were well-nigh impassa- 
ble from heavy rains ; but by the latter date, the twentieth corps had 
reached Hanging Rock, and waited for the fourteenth to get across the 
Catawba. When, in spite of the swollen streams, which broke the pon- 
toon bridge, the fourteenth had crossed and closed up, the left wing was 
again put in motion toward Cheraw. The right wing, meantime, had 
crossed the Catawba at Peay's ferry, before the heavy rains set in, and 
was also moving on Cheraw ; the seventeenth corps, via Young's bridge, 
and the fifteenth by Tiller's and Kelley's bridges. Detachments from this 
latter corps burned the bridge over the Wateree at Camden, together with 
the depot, stores, etc. ; and a small force of mounted men was sent out to 
break up the railroad from Charleston to Florence; but, after a night 
skirmish with some Rebel cavalry at Mount Clio, was compelled to return 
without accomplishing their intent. Bad roads at Lynch's creek delayed 
the right wing about as long as the streams had delayed the left wing at 
the Catawba. On the 2d of March, the twentieth corps entered Chester- 
field, skirmishing with Rebel cavalry ; and about noon of the day following, 
the seventeenth occupied Cheraw, the enemy retreating over the Great 
Pedee, and burning the bridge there. At Cheraw, our forces destroyed 
twenty-five guns and much ammunition, conveyed there by the Rebels in 
tlfeir retreat from Charleston ; also, the railroad trestles and bridges as far 
as Darlington. An unsuccessful expedition of mounted infantry was also 
made in the direction of Florence. 

Once more the columns were put in motion, directed on Fayetteville, N. 
C. ; the right wing crossing the Great Pedee at Cheraw, the left wing and 
cavalry at Sneedsboro. The seventeenth corps led the right wing, and 
Davis's corps taking the right of the left wing, while Kilpatrick's cavalry 
kept well out on the left flank. Heavy rains prevailed, and the numerous 



934 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



small streams along the line of march were swollen and difficult to pass ; 
while the roads, worked into quicksands of unknown depth by the travel 
of so many men and animals, became almost impassable. Yet Davis's 
fourteenth cOrps reached and crossed Love's bridge, over the Lumber 
river, on the 7th of March ; marched to within twenty miles of Fayette- 
viUe on the 9th, and on the 11th reached and occupied the town. The 
seventeenth corps, marching via Laurel Hill and Gilchrist's bridge over 
the Lumber river on the ninth, came into Fayetteville on the 12th. Be- 
fore their advance, Hardee retired beyond the river, without offering 
serious opposition, and burned the bridge after him. 

Kilpatrick, meanwhile, on the left flank of the army, crossed the 
Lumber river at Love's bridge, and coming, at Solomon's Grove, upon the 
rear of Hardee's retreating force, determined to intercept Wade Hampton, 
whose cavalry was covering the Eebel rear. Hampton was moving on 
two roads, the Morgantown road and one parallel with it and three miles 
to the north. South and east from Solomon's Grove, Kilpatrick posted, 
on each of these roads, a brigade of cavalry ; and then, by a rapid night 
march, he placed Colonel Spencer's brigade, increased by four hundred 
dismounted men and a section of artillery, on a road still further north, 
on which it was possible the enemy's troops might move. But Hampton 
had managed, by eleven o'clock that evening, to flank Atkins's division, 
and was encamped within three miles of Colonel Spencer ; and Kilpatrick 
actually rode into and through one division of the Rebel cavalry, luckily 
escaping with his staft^ while his escort of fifteen men and one officer 
were captured. At 2 A. Ji. Hampton, with his entire command, suddenly 
and furiously charged upon the camp of Spencer's brigade, and the house 
in which General Kilpatrick and Colonel Spencer had their quarters. In 
an instant the artillery was captured, and the Union troops were in full 
flight ; Colonel Spencer and a large portion of the general's staff being 
taken prisoners. Kilpatrick, however, escaped on foot, rallied his men, 
also on foot, in a neighboring swamp, and turned upon the enemy, who 
were eagerly pillaging the captured camps. Inspired by the gallantry of 
their leader, the brave boys charged upon the foe, retook the artillery, 
turned it upon the enemy at scarcely twenty paces distance, and drove 
them headlong from the camp; regaining horses, equipage, and every 
thing except some prisoners whom the enemy carried oflj leaving their 
dead and wounded behind. Kilpatrick at once re-established his lines, ai^ 
fur an hour and a half successfully foiled Hampton's attempts to retake 
them ; receiving no reinforcements until the battle was over. In this 
" surprise," the Union forces lost four officers, and fifteen men killed, sixty- 
one wounded, and one hundred and three, of all ranks, taken prisoners. 
On the 11th of March, the cavalry reached Fayetteville, in advance of the 
fourteenth corps ; and, by the 12th, the whole army was massed at that 
place ; where the two succeeding days were spent in thoroughly demolish- 



MESSAGE FROM GENERAL SHERMAN TO AVILMINGTON. 925 

ing the Eebel (formerly United States) arsenal, together with all the 
machinery appertaining thereto. 

From Laurel Hill, on the 8th of March, Sherman had despatched a brief 
message, by two trusty scouts, whose route lay directly through the 
enemy's country, down the Cape Fear river to "Wilmington, to notify the 
Union commander in North Carolina of his safe progress. Those 
despatches, which simply said, "We are all well, and have done finely. 
Details are, for obvious reasons, omitted," reached "Wilmington on the 
1-ith, and were the first tidings which had been received from the army 
since it left Savannah and Beaufort. On the 12th, an army tug-boat 
reached Fayetteville from "Wilmington, bringing full intelligence of events 
which had been transpiring in the outer world from which Sherman and 
his brave men had been so long shut out. On the same day, this boat 
carried back to General Terry at "Wilmington, and to General Schofield 
at Newberu, full accounts of the movements and condition of Sherman's 
army ; together with an announcement of his intention to march on Golds- 
boro, feigning on Ealeigh, with instructions to them to move directly on the 
same place, which he expected to reach on the 20th. The arrival of the 
gunboat Eolus, the same day, enabled him to keep up communication with 
"Wilmington up to the very day of his actual departure. To the Lieutenant- 
General, Sherman wrote as follows : — " The army is in splendid health, 
condition, and spirits, although we have had foul weather, and roads that I 

would have stopped travel to almost any other body of men I ever heard I 

of. Our march was substantially what I designed I could leave ' 

here to-morrow, but want to clear my columns of the vast crowd of j 

refugees and negroes that encumber me I hope you have not been i 

uneasy about us, and that the fruits of this march will be appreciated." { 

The country through which the army had passed was, for the most ' 

part, rich in forage and supplies, and the soldiers revelled in an abundance 
of turkeys, chickens, geese, ducks, nicely cured hams, potatoes, honey, and 
other luxuries which are not found among the usual "army rations." 
Plenty of corn and fodder, also, was found upon the plantations ; which, 
together with the comparatively short marches made each day, put the 
horses, mules, and beef cattle in the best possible condition. Not only 
was this delightful to the troops, but it saved millions of dollars to the 
Government ; a fact to which the Quartermaster-General bore emphatic 
testimony in a general order of his department; and it also enabled 
Sherman to provide' for the wants of the twenty-five thousand refugees 
and contrabands who clung to the skirts of his army, and tremblingly 
yet joyfully marched, under his protection, to liberty and safety. 

During this march. General Howard received, from the Rebel General } 

"Wheeler, the following communication relative to the destruction of houses | 

and cotton by our troops : ! 



926 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



" Grahams, S. C, February llh, 1865. 

"General: — I have the honor to propose that if the troops of your 
army be required to discontinue burning the houses of our citizens I will 
discontinue burning cotton. 

"As an earnest of the good faith in which my proposition is tendered, 
I leave at this place about three hundred bales of cotton unharmed, worth 
in New York over a quarter million, and in our currency one and a half 
millions. I trust my having commenced will cause you to use your in- 
fluence to insure the acceptance of the proposition by your whole army. 

" T trust that you will not deem it improper for me to ask that you will 
require the troops under your command to discontinue the wanton destruc- 
tion of property not necessary for their sustenance. 

"Respectfully, general, your obedient servant, 

J. Wheeler, Major- General C. S. A 

"Major-General 0. 0. Howard, U. S. Army, Commanding, dc." 

General Sherman returned the following pithy and characteristic reply : 

" Headquarters Military Division of tub Mississippi, in the Field, 

" February Bth, 186.i. 

'General : — Yours, addressed to General Howard, is received by me. 

I hope you will burn all the cotton, and save us the trouble. We don't 

want it, and it has proven a curse to our country. All you don't burn 

I will. 

"As to private houses, occupied by peaceful families, my orders are not 
to molest or disturb them, and I tliink my orders are obeyed. Vacant 
houses, being of no use to anybody, I care little about, as the owners have 
thought them of no use to themselves. I don't want them destroyed, but 
do not take much care to preserve them. 

" I am, with respect, yours truly, 

" W. T. Sherman, Major-Oeneral Commanding. 
" Major-Genebal J. Wheeler, Commanding Cavalry Corps, C. S. A." 

Again, after a somewhat sharp correspondence between the two rival 
cavalry leaders, Kilpatrick and Wheeler, in regard to the murder of Union 
prisoners and foragers, Sherman addressed the following note to General 
Wade Hampton : 

"General:— It is otricially reported to me that our foraging parties 
are murdered, after being captured, and labelled, ' Death to all foragers.' 
One instance is that of a lieutenant and seven men near Chester, and 
another of twenty, near a ravine, eighty rods from the main road, and 
three miles from Easterville. I have ordered a similar number of prison- 
ers in our hands to be disposed of in like manner. I hold about one 
thousand prisoners, captured in various ways, and can stand it as long as 
you can ; but I hardly think these murders are*committed with your 



SHERMAN'S CORRESPONDENCE WITH GEN. HAMPTON. 92T 

knowledge, and would suggest tbat you give notice to your people at 
large that every life taken by them simply results in the death of one of 
your confederates. 

"Of course, you cannot question my right to forage in an enemy's 
country. It is a war right, as old aa history. The manner of exercising 
it varies with circumstances, and if the country will supply my requisi- 
tions, I will forbid all foraging ; but I find no civil authorities who can 
respond to calls for forage or provisions, and therefore must collect 
directly of the people. 

" I have no doubt this is the occasion of much misbehavior on the part 
of our men, but I cannot permit an enemy to judge or punish with whole- 
sale murder. Personally, I regret the bitter feelings engendered by this 
war, but they were to be expected, and I simply allege that those who 
struck the first blow, and made war inevitable, ought not, in fairness, to 
reproach, us for the natural consequences. I merely assert our war right 
to forage, and my resolve to protect my foragers to the extent of life for 

life 

" I am, with respect, your obedient servant," &o. 

To this, General Hampton replied at considerable length, and with 
some acrimony ; denying that any such murders were committed within 
his knowledge, and — without ofiering to investigate the circumstances — 
declared his intention of executing two Federal prisoners, preferably 
commissioned officers, for every one put to death by Sherman. 

In this campaign. South Carolina suffered all the penalties of war, at 
the hands of the Union troops. Looking upon her as the " original 
cradle of secession," and her people as the life-long enemies of the Union, 
the soldiers deemed it to be their duty to make the " Palmetto State " feel, 
to its utmost extent, the horrors, inconveniences and penalties of war. 
Consequently, from the moment they entered her borders, they exercised 
scarcely any restraint, and plundered and destroyed the property of the 
inhabitants without stint or remorse. The " bummers " who hung on the 
flanks, picked, their fill of the choicest necessaries and luxuries of life ; 
while wide -spreading columns of smoke, and the flames of burning 
houses, marked the progress of the Union army. The justice of war, 
more stern than poetic, was meted out in full measure to the people who 
had dragged the other States into this causeless and wicked rebellion ; 
and who now, for the first time, began themselves to taste the poisoned 
and bitter chalice which they had forced to the lips of others. And, in 
the hour of trial, the conduct of the South Carolinians was as abject and 
cowardly as could well be imagined. Forgetful of oft-repeated threats 
that they would make their final stand " in the last ditch," they offered 
scarcely any resistance to the invader, but abandoned one after another of 
the strong natural positions with which their State abounded, and exhib- 
ited to the world a spectacle of pusillanimity in remarkable contrast to 



928 'I'HE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

their previous boastfulness. In fact, they had, from the first, cunningly 
used Virginia and the other Southern States as battle-grounds, during 
the war ; and had fondly calculated that their own " sacred soil " would 
be entirely free from the invader's footsteps. But, when the war was 
brought suddenly home to their own doors, they showed a cringing 
helplessness and an agony of fear, which was in strong contrast to the 
conduct of Georgia, and which was duly appreciated by the brave heroes 
of the Union army, as they swept through the State with resistless force. 
Yet it is creditable to the character of the army, that from the moment 
of entering North Carolina, the whole demeanor of the Union soldiers 
changed; and the very troops, whose disposition to plunder and avenge 
had been almost beyond the control of their officers; promptly and 
cheerfully yielded -to the customary restraints of discipline. 

Sherman now entered upon the third and last stage of his progress to 
Goldsboro. Up to this period he had successfully interposed his largely 
superior army between the scattered fragments of the hostile force op- 
posed to him ; but he now became aware that the fragments withdrawn 
from Columbia by Beauregard, had been reinforced by Cheatham's corps 
from the west, and the Augusta garrison, and that they had had sufficient 
time to move around upon his front and flank near Ealeigh. Hardee, 
moreover, had crossed Cape Fear river, being thus enabled to make a 
connection with the forces under Johnston and Hoke in North Carolina. 
And the combined rebel forces, under the leadership of Genera! Johnston, 
constituted an army undoubtedly superior to Sherman's in cavalry, and 
sufficiently formidable in artillery and infantry to justify him in exer- 
cising extreme caution in this last stage of the campaign, which had 
hitherto resulted so successfully. General Schofield, as we have already 
seen, had been ordered to move directly from Wilmington on Goldsboro, 
where Sherman proposed to meet him on the 20th ; and while the de- 
struction of the arsenal was going on at Fayctteville, two pontoon bridges 
had been laid across the Cape Fear river, one opposite to, and the other 
some three miles below the town. 

General Kilpatrick was ordered to move up the plank road to and 
beyond Avcrysboro, and was followed by four divisions of the left wing. 
General Slocum commanding, with as few wagons as possible ; while the 
rest of the train, escorted by the two remaining divisions, took a shorter 
and more direct road to Goldsboro. The right wing, General Howard's 
command, also despatched its trains, under escort, well to the right, 
toward Faison's depot and Goldsboro, holding four divisions in light 
marching order, in readiness to go to the aid of the left wing in case it 
should be attacked. By this movement the Goldsboro and Wilmington 
railroad was threatened, and Goldsboro and Raleigh equally menaced. 
The weather was execrable, and the roads speedily became quagmires, 
almost every foot having to be corduroyed for the passage of the wheeled 



THE ADVANCE TO GOLDSBORO. 929 

vebicles. Still, time was most important, and the marcli was commenced 
with promptness. General Sherman accompanied the left wing, which, 
preceded by Kilpatrick's cavalry, moved up along the river or plank-road 
that day to Kyle's landing, the cavalry being constantly engaged in skir- 
mishing heavily with the enemy's rear-guard ; and at Kilpatrick's request 
a brigade of infantry was sent forward to hold a line of barricades near 
Taylor's Creek Hole. Next morning, the 16th, the column advancing in 
the same order, discovered the enemy strongly posted, with artillery, 
infantry, and cavalry, in front of the point where the road branches off 
toward Goldsboro via Bentonville. It proved to be a force of some 
twenty thousand, under Hardee, who, in retreating from Fayetteville, 
had taken a stand in the narrow and swampy neck between the Gape Fear 
and South rivers, near Averysboro, with a view of saving time for John- 
ston's armies to concentrate at some point in his rear, say Raleigh, Golds- 
boro, or Smithfield. Although the enemj' was much stronger than had 
been anticipated, it was imperatively necessary to dislodge him, in order 
that the Union army might have the use of the Goldsboro road, in order 
to keep up the feint on Raleigh as long as possible. To the left wing, 
therefore, fell the duty of forcing the position, difficult more especially 
from the nature of the ground, which was so soft that horses sank every- 
where, and even the men could scarcely make their way over the common 
pine barren. The first infantry troops engaged were two divisions of 
General Williams's twentieth corps, who dashed in, amid heavy showers 
of rain and fierce gusts of wind, to support the cavalry, which had come 
upon the Rebels strongly intrenched U2:ion the brow of a hill skirted by 
a ravine and creek. Three or four hours of sharp fighting ensiled, during 
which the Union artillery, at a distance of four hundred yards, silenced 
the enemy's guns. A brigade crossed their front by a circuit which 
turned their left flank, and by a vigorous charge broke their line, and 
they rapidly fell back to a stronger line of defence. Ward's division now 
moved on the new position, and the Rebels were completely routed ; and 
as Ward advanced, he developed the existence of still another and stronger 
line of defence, stretching from Black creek to the Cape Fear river, which 
at this point makes a bend to the east, and discovered that the rebel force 
opposed to him was composed of three divisions, commanded respectively 
by Butler, Rhett, and McLaws — in addition to which, Hampton's and 
Wheeler's cavalry were posted on the extreme right of the Union troops, 
covering the enemy's left flank. The fourteenth corps, therefore, as soon 
as it came up, about noon, was put well forward on the left toward Cape 
Fear river, while Jackson's division was sent up to the right of Ward's 
command, and Kilpatrick drew back his cavalry and massed it on the 
right, connecting with Jackson. He then sent a brigade forward as a 
" feeler" on the Goldsboro road, when it was attacked furiously by 
McLaws' Rebel division, and although fighting bravely, was obliged to 
59 



930 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

fall back. Later in the afternoon the whole Union line advanced, drove 
the enemy within his intrenched line, and pres.sed him so closely that he 
was obliged to retreat, during the stormy night, over the worst of roads, 
with a loss of three guns and two hundred and seventeen prisoners, sixty- 
eight of whom were wounded, and left in a house near by in charge of 
an officer and- four men, and with five days' rations. One hundred and 
eight Rebel dead were buried by the Union troops upoTi the field ; while 
the Federal loss was only twelve officers and sixty-five men killed, and 
four hundred and seventy-seven wounded. 

Pursuit, on the morrow, by Ward's division, revealed the fact that 
Hardee had retreated, not on Raleigh, but on Smithfield ; and whUe that 
division kept up the show of pursuit, Slocum's column (the left wing) 
turned to the right, taking the Goldsboro road ; while Kilpatrick crossed 
to the north, toward Elevation, with orders to move eastward and watch 
that flank. Meanwhile, Howard's column (the right wing), with the wagon 
trains, wallowed along the miry roads toward Bentonville and Goldsboro; 
the enemy's infantry retreating across the Union front in the same direc- 
tion, and burning the bridges across Mill creek. The right wing, how- 
ever, if troubled by bad roads, was fortunate in passing through a 
well-cultivated country, with rich farm lands skirting the roadside. The 
houses were well built, and the granaries full of oats and corn, and more 
forage than the troops could use, which proved quite acceptable to their 
animals, who for several days previous had been on rather short rations. 

Slocum's left wing, still accompanied by Sherman, encamped, on the 
night of the 18th, on the Goldsboro road, twenty-seven miles from that 
place, and five miles from Bentonville, at the junction of the road with the 
Clinton and Smithfield road. Two miles south of this point, at Lee's 
store, was Howard, with the right wing ; the pickets of both columns being 
thrown forward to the point where the two roads unite and become 
common to Goldsboro. Judging, from appearances, that he had nothing 
further to fear from the enemy, either in the way of opposition to his pro- 
gress or a flank attack. General Sherman now directed Howard to set the 
right wing in motion, over the new Goldsboro road, by ^v;ay of Falling 
Creek Church. He also joined that wing in person, with a view to open 
communication with General Schofield, coming up from Newbern, and 
General Terry, from Wilmington. He came up with the advance of 
Howard's column, which was well strung out in consequence of the bad 
roads, as it reached Falling Creek Church. At about six miles' distance 
from General Slocum, ho heard artillery in that direction ; but it was, for 
the moment, satisfactorily explained by the arrival of a staff officer, with 
word that Slocum's leading division had met and was handsomely driving 
a division of Rebel cavalry. Soon after, however, word was received that 
Slocum had developed the whole of the Rebel army, under General John- 
ston himself, near Bentonville. Sherman immediately ordered Slocum to 



MOVEMENTS OF GENERALS SCHOPIELD AND TERRY. 931 

hurry up the two divisions guarding his wagon trains, as well as Hazen's 
division of the fifteenth corps, still back at Lee's store, and with them to 
make a defensive fight until, with Blair's corps, then near Mount Olive 
station, and the remaining three divisions of the fifteenth corps, Sherman 
himself could fall upon Johnston's right from the direction of Cox's 
bridge. At the same time, the general received couriers from both Gen- 
erals Schofield and Terry ; the former in possession of Kinston, and with 
a fair probability of reaching Goldsboro on the 21st, and the latter at or 
near Faison's depot. Schofield was immediately ordered to push for 
Goldsboro, and cross Little river toward Smithfield as far as Millard; 
Terry was directed to move to Cox's bridge, and establish a pontoon 
crossing there ; while Blair was to make a forced night march to Falling 
Creek Church, and as daylight dawned, Howard, with the right wing, 
minus the necessary wagon guard, was in full motion on Bentonville. 

Meanwhile, the first attack of the enemy on Slocum had resulted in a 
temporary advantage to them ; three guns and caissons falling into their 
hands, and the two leading brigades being driven back on the main army. 
So soon, however, as General Slocum realized that he had the whole Con- 
federate army in his front, he deployed two divisions of Davis's — fourteenth 
— corps, and on their left he placed two divisions of the twentieth corps — 
General "Williams' — in whose front a line of barricades were hastily 
thrown up. General Kilpatrick, also, responding to the sound of guns, 
came up and massed his cavalry on the left. In this position, the Union 
forces received six distinct assaults by the combined forces of Hoke, 
Hardee, and Cheatham, under the immediate supervision of General 
Johnston himself, without giving an inch of ground, and doing excellent 
execution on the enemy's ranks, especially with the artillery, of which 
the enemy had but little. In fact, Johnston, availing himself of a new 
road unknown to our commanders, had moved, by night, from Smithfield, 
without unnecessary wheels, and with the utmost rapidity ; hoping to 
catch Sherman's left wing " in air," and ruin it, before it could be relieved 
by its co-operating columns. But Sherman, all the way from Fayette- 
ville, had been aware of the possibility of just such an attack, and the 
well conceived manoeuvre of the wily Rebel chief resulted only in his 
complete discomfiture. The arrival, on the night of the 19th, of the wagon 
trains and the two divisions which guarded it, and a division of the 
fifteenth corps, enabled Slocum to make his position quite impregnable. 
The right wing — seventeenth and fifteenth corps — leaving their trains to 
General Terry, who was advancing from Wilmington, arrived at Cox's 
bridge in the rear of the two other divisions of the fifteenth ; and the 
column, by early dawn, was upon the road from Cox's bridge to the cross- 
road where Johnston first struck the left wing — this being the road by 
which Slocum was to have passed to join the right wing — intending to 
cover the left flank until it reached the Neuse river. The advance, there- 



932 



TUK CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



fore, of the seventeenth and fifteenth corps, took Johnston in the rear; and the 
troops moved briskly forward, though many of them had marched twenty- 
five miles with empty stomachs. During the advance, the head of the 
column skirmished heavily all the way with the Rebel cavalry, until they 
arrived within half a mile of the cross-road, where they found the enemy 
in strong position behind temporary breastworks ; but quickly dislodged 
them, and secured the intersection of the road. General Losjan, on moving 
forward the fifteenth corps, found that the enemy's left was thrown baclo 
and that they had constructed a line of parapet, connecting with that 
toward General Slocum, in the form of a bastion; its salient on the main 
Goldsboro road, and interposed between Slocum on the west and Iloward 
on the east; its flanks resting on Mill creek, and covering the Smithfield 
road. General Howard, acting under orders, proceeded with caution, 
imtil he had firmly completed his connection, on the left, with General 
Slocum ; so that, by four p. M. of the 20th, the Union line of battle con- 
fronted the enemy in his intrenched position. Thus, Johnston, in.stead of 
catching Sherman's army " in air," as he had hoped, was himself placed 
on the defensive, with Mill creek and only a single bridge at his rear. As 
no object was to be obtained by a battle, Sherman contented himself with 
the free use of artillery upon the wooded space held by the enemy ; 
pressing him steadily with skirmishers, and strongly feeling his flanks, 
which were covered by the endless swarnps in the neighborhood. He 
also grouped the {wpedwienta of the army near the Neuse, south of Golds- 
boro, sent the empty wagons to Kinston for supplies, and held bis army 
well in hand, close up to the enemy, whom he was prepared to fight, if he 
should venture outside of his works. Such was the position of affairs 
around Bentonville on the 21st of March. On the same day. General 
Schofield entered Goldsboro, with little or no opposition, and General 
Terry had obtained possession of the Neuse river at Cox's bridge, with a 
pontoon bridge laid, and a brigade thrown across ; so that the three armies 
were actually in connection, and the great object of the campaign was 
accomplished. 

During the 21st it rained steadily, and General Mower's division of the 
seventeenth corps, on the extreme right, succeeded in working well to the 
right, around the enemy's flank, and nearly reached the bridge across 
Mill creek, which, as we have before said, formed the enemy's only line 
of retreat. Fearing, however, that the Rebels would overwhelm Mower 
with all his reserves, Sherman at once ordered a general attack along the 
whole skirmish line ; and during the noisy battle which ensued, Mower 
regained his connection with his ov/n corps, by moving to his left rear, 
with a loss of about a hundred men killed and wounded. His advance, 
however, caused quite a commotion in the Rebel ranks, and developed a 
weakness in the enemy's position, of which advantage would have been 
taken by Sherman on the following day. In this reconnoisance, Mower 



GEN. SHERMAN'S SUMMING UP OP EESULTS. 933 

pusbed further than was expected; had the movement been intended to 
bring on a general battle, he would have been supported by the other 
divisions of his corps ; and had the gallant seventeenth intrenched them- 
selves on Johnston's line of retreat, an attack by the Union troops in front 
of the Rebel lines would have resulted in the total destruction of John- 
ston's army. As it was, the movement carried consternation into the 
Rebel ranks, and Johnston, only too thankful at his narrow escape, 
retreated on Smithfield that very night, leaving his pickets to fall into the 
hands of the Union army, his dead unburied, and his wounded abandoned 
in the field hospitals. Pursuit was made, on the following day, for two 
miles beyond Mill creek, but was checked by General Sherman, who 
remained in full possession of the battle field. 

The losses of the left wing — General Slocum — at the battle of Benton- 
ville, were nine officers and one hundred and forty-five men killed, fifty- 
one officers and eight hundred and sixteen men wounded, and three officers 
and two hundred and twenty-three men missing, taken prisoners; total, 
one thousand two hundred and forty-seven. 

The right wing — General Howard — lost two officers and thirty-five 
men killed, twelve officers and two hundred and thirty-nine men wounded, 
and one officer and sixty men missing ; total, three hundred and ninety- 
nine. 

Kil Patrick's cavalry, held in reserve, lost but few, if any. The aggre- 
gate Union loss was one thousand six hundred and forty-three. 

Of the Confederates, two hundred and sixty-seven were buried on the 
field, and one thousand six hundred and twenty-five made prisoners by 
our troops. 

Leaving General Howard and the right wing, with Kilpatrick's cavalry, 
at Bentonville, during the 22d, to bury the dead and attend to the 
wounded, Sherman ordered all the armies to move, on the following day, 
into the camps assigned to them in the vicinity of Goldsboro, there to 
receive the clothing and supplies of which they stood in need, and to gain 
the repose which they had so nobly earned. He himself, on the 2c)d, 
went to Cox's bridge to meet General Terry, whom he then saw for the 
first time, and on the next day rode into Goldsboro to see General Scho- 
field and his army. The left wing followed him during the same day, and 
the next morning ; the right wing arrived on the 24th, and the cavalry 
moved to Mount Olive station, and General Terry back to Faison's. On 
the 25th, the Newbern railroad was completed, and supplies began to come 
in from Morehead City, where they had been accumulated by the foresight 
of GelSeral Grant. 

Leaving General Schofield in chief command. General Sherman pro- 
ceeded by rail to Morehead City, and thence by steamer to City Point, 
reaching General Grant's headquarters on the evening of the 27th of 
March. Here, he had the good fortune to meet General Grant, the Presi- 



934 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

dent, Generals Meade, Ord, and others of the army of the Potomac, and 
fronn them learned the general state of the military world, from which he 
had been so long cut off. Eeturning, by steamer, via Ilatteras inlet and 
Newbern, he regained his headquarters at Goldsboro on the night of 
the 30th, and found all things in a satisfactory condition. In his official 
report, he thus sums up the result of the campaign : 

" I cannot even, with any degree of precision, recapitulate the vast 
amount of injury done to the enemy, or the quantity of guns and materials 
of war captured and destroyed. In general terms, we have traversed the 
country from Savannah to Goldsboro, with an average breadth of forty 
miles, consuming all the forage, cattle, hogs, sheep, poultry, cured meat, 
corn-meal, etc. The public enemy, instead of drawing supplies from that 
region to feed his armie-s, will be compelled to send provisions from other 

quarters to feed its inhabitants Of course, the abandonment to us 

by the enemy of the whole sea-coast, from Savannah to Newbern, North 
Carolina, with its forts, dock -yards, gunboats, etc., was a necessary inci- 
dent to our occupation and destruction of the inland routes of travel and 
supply. But the real object of this march was to place this army in a 
position easy of supply, whence it could take an apppropriate part in 

the spring and summer campaign of 1865 In conclusion, I beg to 

express in the most emphatic manner my entire satisfaction with the tone and 
temper of the whole army. Nothing seems to dampen their energy, zeal, 
or cheerfulness. It is impossible to conceive a march involving more 
labor and exposure, yet I cannot recall an instance of bad temper by the 
way, or hearing an expression of doubt as to our perfect success in the 
end. I believe that this cheerfulness and harmony of action reflects upon 
all concerned quite as much real honor and fame as " battles gained " or 
" cities won," and I therefore commend all, generals, staff-officers, and 
men, for those high qualities, in addition to the more soldierly ones of 
obedience to orders and the alacrity they have always manifested when 
danger summoned them " to the front." 



SURRENDER OF REBEL FORTIFICATIONS. 9S6 



CHAPTER LXXI. 

SDRRENDER OF REBEL FORTIFICATIONS AT THE ENTRANCE TO WILMINGTON HARBOR — 0UN8 
CAPTURED — THE TWENTY-THIRD CORPS SENT EAST TO AID IN THE REDUCTION OF WILMING- 
TON, AND TO REINFORCE SHERMAN — GENERAL SOIIOFIELD PUT IN COMMAND OF THE 
DEPARTMENT OF NORTH CAROLINA — HIS INSTRUCTIONS THE ADVANCE UPON FORT ANDER- 
SON DIFFICULTIES THE REBELS ABANDON THE FORT, AND RETREAT OVER TOWN CREEK 

— THE OPERATIONS OF THE FLEET — GENERAL COX CROSSES TOWN CREEK, BOMBARDS 
EAGLE ISLAND — CROSSES BRUNSWICK RIVER, AND DRIVES THE ENEMY OUT OF WILMINGTON 
— RESULTS^THE MOVEMENT ON KINSTON AND OOLDSBORO — CAUSES OF DELAY — BATTLE 
AT SOUTHWEST CREEK — CAPTURE OF UNION TROOPS — FIGHTING NEAR KINSTON — KINSTON 
EVACUATED, AND OCCUPIED BY SCUOFIELD — ADVANCE TOWARD GOLDSEORO, AND ARRIVAL 
THERE — GENERAL TERRY MOVES FROM WILMINGTON TO OOLDSBORO — GENERAL GRANT 
DETERMINES TO CUT LEE's COMMUNICATIONS ON THE NORTHWEST — SHERIDAN's RAID 
ON LYNCHBURG, &C — HE REACHES THE ARMY OF THE POTOMAC — GENERAL GRANt's 
INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERALS MEADE, ORD, AND SHERIDAN — GORDON'S ATTACK UPON FORT 
STEDMAN — THE REASONS PROMPTING THE MOVEMENT— HE CAPTURES THE FORT, BUT IT IS 
RETAKEN, AND THE REBELS DEFEATED WITH HEAVY LOSS, BOTH ON THE LEFT AND RIGHT 

GENERAL MEADE's CONGRATULATORY ORDER — THE GENERAL ADVANCE UPON LEE's 

LINES — GENERAL GRANT'S INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL SHERIDAN — GENERAL WARREn's 
REPULSE — HIS CORPS PUT UNDER SHERIDAn's COMMAND — SHBRIDAN's BATTLE AT DIN- 
WIDDIE COURT HOUSE — THE BATTLE OP FIVE FORKS — ATTACK ON THE FORTIFICATIONS OP 
PETERSBURG BY THE SIXTH, NINTH, AND TWENTY-FOURTH CORPS — PETERSBURG AND RICH- 
MOND EVACUATED — PURSUIT OF LEE — BATTLES OF JETERSVILLE, FABMVILLE, HIGH BRIDGE, 
DEATONSVILLE, AND APPOMATTOX STATION — CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN GRANT AND LEB 
— SURRENDER OF LEE — SKETCH OF GENERAL LEE. 

The surrender or evacuation of the Eebel works on Smith's island and 
at Sinithville, the gateways of the two entrances to Wilmington harbor, was 
completed on the 17th, and by it, eight additional batteries and fortifica- 
tions, mounting, in all, eighty-three guns, nearly half of them of large 
calibre, came into the possessioa of the Union troops. The Rebels had 
fallen back to Fort Anderson and Wilmington, as the Union forces accu- 
mulated in their front, and those points, under the command of Gener.ii 
Bragg, were held with great resolution. Foreseeing the probability that 
further forces would be needed for the reduction of Wilmington, and for 
other operations on the coast, while the large force under General Thomas's 
command was not required on the line of the Tennessee, now that Hood 
was so thoroughly discomfitted and routed, General Grant had, on the 7th 
of January, directed General Thomas to send Schofield and the twenty- 
third corps eastward. The advance of the corps arrived in Washino-ton 
on the 23d of January, from whence it was sent at once to Fort 
Fisher and Newbern. The State of North Carolina was now consti- 
tuted into a department, and General Schofield placed in command of^it, 



na 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



under the orders of General Sherman. The following instruetions were 
given him : 

"City Point, Virginia, January 31st, 1865. 

"General: * * * Your movements are intended as co-operative with 
Sherman's through the States of South and North Carolina. Tlie first 
point to be attained is to secure Wilmington. Goldsboro will then be 
your objective point, moving either from Wilmington or Newbern, or 
both, as you deem best. Should you not be able to reach Goldsboro, yoa 
will advance on the line or lines of railway connecting that place with 
the sea-coast— as near to it as you can, building the road behind you. The 
enterprise under you has two objects; the first is, to give Geneial Sher- 
man material aid, if needed in his march north ; the second, to open a 
base of supplies for him on his line of march. As soon, therefore, as you 
can determine which of the two points, Wilmington or Newbern, you can 
best use for throwing supplies from to the interior, you will commence 
the accumulation of twenty days' rations and forage for sixty thousand 
men and twenty thousand animals. You will get of these as many as3'ou 
can house and protect to such point in the interior as you may be able to 
occupy. I believe General Palmer has received some instructions direct 
from General Sherman on the subject of securing supplies for his ai'my. 
You can learn what steps he has taken, and be governed in your requisi- 
tions accordingly. A supply of ordnance stores will also be necessary. 

" Make all requisitions upon the chiefs of their respective departments 
in the field with me at City Point. Communicate with me by every 
opportuiiitv, and should you deem it necessary at any time, send a special 
boat to Fortress Monroe, from which point you can communicate by 
telegraph. 

'' The supplies referred to in these instructions are exclusive of those 
required for your own command. 

"The movements of the enemy may justify, or even make it your im- 
perative duty, to cut loose from your base and strike for the interior to 
aid Sherman. In such case, you will act on your own judgment, without 
waiting for instructions. You will report, liowever, what you purpose 
doing. The details for carrying out these instructions are necessarily left 
to you. I would urge, however, if I did not know that you are already 
fully alive to the importance of it, prompt action. Sherman may be 
looked for in the neighborhood of Goldsboro any time from the 22d to 
the 28th of February; this limits your time very materially. 

"If rolling stock is not secured in the capture of Wilmington, it can 
be supplied from Washington. A large force of railroad men have 
already been sent to Beaufort, and other mechanics will go to Fort Fisher 
in a day or two. On this point I have informed you by telegraph. 

" U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

'"Majok-Genekal J. M. Schofield." 



THE ADVANCE UPON FORT ANDERSON. 937 

Previous to giving these instructions, General Grant had visited Fort 
Fisher, in company with General Schofield, and had conferred with Gen- 
eral Terry and Rear-Admiral Porter as to the best measures to be adopted. 
Schofield's corps numbered, at this time, about twenty-one thousand men ; 
while General Terry had about eight thousand at Fort Fisher, and Gen- 
eral Palmer about four thousand more at Newbern. On the 9th of Feb- 
ruary, General Schofield landed the third division of his corps, commanded 
by General Cox, at the mouth of Cape Fear river, near Fort Fisher, 
followed soon after by Couch's division. At this time. General Terry 
held a line across the Peninsula, formed by the ocean and Cape Fear river, 
occupying also Smithville Fort Caswell, and with his flanks covered by 
the fleet, under Admiral Porter. The Eebels occupied Fort Anderson, on 
the west bank of the river, a strong earthwork, with a collateral line, 
strongly fortified, running to a large swamp about three fourths of a mile 
distant, and also a line on the Peninsula, north of Terry's position, extend- 
ing from Cape Fear river to Masonboro or Myrtle sound. Their position 
was impregnable to a direct attack, and could only be turned by crossing 
Myrtle sound above his left wing, or passing around the swamp which 
covered his right. On the 11th of February, General Schofield pushed 
forward Terry's line, supported by Cox's division, drove in the enemy's 
pickets, and intrenched in a new position, so near to the enemy's lines as 
to compel him to employ his entire f )rce in holding his lines. February 
is emphatically a month of storms on this coast, and the peril of attempt- 
ing to turn the Rebel left wing by a boat expedition was from this cause 
so great, that General Schofield preferred to attack on their right, and 
thus encounter only the difficulties incident to the land. Accoi'dingly, 
Cox's and Ames's divisions were crossed over to Smithville, where they 
were joined by Moore's brigade, of Couch's division, which had just 
landed, and advanced along the main Wilmington road, until they 
encountered the enemy at Fort Anderson and its adjacent works. Ilere 
two brigades were intrenched, to occupy the enemy, while Cox, with the 
other two brigades of his division and Ames's division, moved around the 
swamp which covered the enemy's right, in order to strike the Wilming- 
ton road in rear, and north of the fort. The distance to be marched was 
about fifteen miles. The enemy, finding himself in danger of being 
flanked, his cavalry having discovered Cox's movement, hastily aban- 
doned his works on both sides of the river, during the night of February 
19th, and fell back behind Town creek on the west, and behind a line of 
swamps in a corresponding position on the east. Fort Anderson and its 
adjacent defences, with ten pieces of artillery, and a large amount of am- 
munition, thus fell into the hands of the Union troops without a conflict, 
and the approaches to Wilmington were greatly weakened. 

On the following day. General Cox pursued the enemy to Town creek, 
behind which he was found intrenched, having destroyed the only bridge. 



933 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES 



Terry, who was on the east side of Cape Fear river, also found the enemy 
in strong force in his new position, and Ames's division was brought over 
to the east bank to reinforce him on the night of the 19th of February. 
On the 20th, Cox crossed Town creek, below the Rebel position, and 
reaching their Bank and rear, attacked and routed them, capturing two 
pieces of artillery, and three hundred and seventy-five prisoners. The 
next morning, he pushed on toward Wilmington without opposition. On 
the east side, Terry could not make as rapid progress ; but he held all 
of Hoke's force in his front, and prevented them from reinforcing the 
Rebel troops, wiiicli Cox was driving before him. The fleet, meantime, 
had been proceeding cautiously up the river, removing the torpedoes 
wliicli were planted thickly along tlie shores, and in the main channel, by 
means of yawls connected to each other by drag-ropes. Tiiese being 
taken up or expk)ded, the squadron approached to a line of piles extend- 
ing nearly across the river, tlie only opening left being protected by tor- 
pedoes, and subjected to tiie concentrated fire from Fort French, a 
formidable work, clad with T railroad iron, a line of water batteries, a 
high shore battery on the east side, and Fort St. Philip, on Eagle island. 
Having hauled oft' the Montauk monitor, which had grounded, and 
buoyed out the ciiannel. Admiral Porter continued up the river, and on 
the 20lh of February commenced bombarding the forts. During the 
night, the enemy sent down two hundred floating torpedoes, but fore- 
warned of their approach, the admiral caused them to be caught with 
nets and ropes, and disoliarged in such a way as to do no material injury. 
On tlie afternoon of the 21st of February, General Cox reached Bruns- 
wick river, as the arm of the Cape Fear flowing west of Eagle island is 
called, and opening fire upon the enemy on Eagle island, caused them to 
burn the railway bridge which crossed Brunswick river, and cut adrift 
the pontoon bridge, setting it on fire at the same time. Securing a few of 
the pontoons, General Cox promptly crossed to Eagle i.sland, skirmishing 
and establisiiing outposts on the causeway over the swamp, and within 
musket range of the city wharves. The Rebels opened upon them with 
two Whitworth guns, but Cox's troops soon brouglit up their artillery; and 
threw several shells into the city. The enemy continued to menace 
Terry's position during the afternoon and evening of the 21st, but during 
the night he set fire to the property of the Rebel Government in and 
about the city, consisting of one thousand bales of cotton, fifteen thou- 
sand barrels of rosin, extensive cotton slie<ls and presses, and unfinished 
iron-clads, three large turpentine distilleries, and the adjacent wharves, 
the railroad and pontoon bridges, &c., and abandoned the city, and 
retreated toward GoULsboro. Fifty pieces of heavy ordnance, fifteen light 
pieces, and a large amount of ammunition, fell into the hands of the Union 
troops. The Union loss from February 11th to the 22d (the day Wil- 
mington was occupied), was not over two hundred officers and men in 



THE MOVEMENT ON KINSTON AND GOLDSBOEO. 939 

killed and wounded, while that of the Rebels in killed, wounded, and 
prisoners, was not less than one thousand. 

Meantime, General Palmer's force, at Newbern, about four thousand 
men, was under orders to move on Kinston, and thence march toward 
Goldsboro, at which point he would tap the main line of railroad between 
Richmond and the South. Goldsboro was, as we have seen from General 
Grant's instructions to General Schofield, as truly Schofield's objective as 
Slierman's, and all his energies were directed to obtaining possession of it 
at as early a date as possible, and now that he could, as should seem most 
advisable, make either Wilmington or Newbern his base of supplies for 
furnishing both Sherman's army and his own, he was doubly anxious to 
press forward. Having no rolling stock at Wilmington, and very little 
wagon transportation, he was compelled to operate from Newbern, mainly, 
for the capture of Goldsboro ; the efficient superintendent of military rail- 
roads for General Sherman's army being left in charge, with the assurance 
that he would, at the earliest possible date, have the railroad from Wil- 
mington to Goldsboro so repaired and equipped as to be capable of doing 
the necessary business. To Newbern, therefore, General Sobofleld sent, in 
all haste, Ruger's division of the twenty-third corps, which had just ar- 
rived at Fort Fisher, and urged upon General Palmer to move, with as 
little delay as possible, and with all his available force, upon Kinston, to 
protect the workmen who were repairing the railway. Couch's division 
was also ordered to remove, and a part of General Cox's. On the 25th, 
finding that General Palmer, instead of moving promptly, had come to 
Wilmington to consult in regard to details and difficulties, General Sco- 
field ordered General Cox to take command at Newbern, and push forward 
at once. The lack of wagons proved a serious hindrance, and it was not 
until the 6th of March that enough became available to move the two 
divisions (Coucli's and Cox's) from Wilmington to Kinston. These two 
divisions then marched, by way of Onslow and Richlands, for Kinston, 
direct, instead of going, as had been at first intended, by way of Newbern. 
On the same day. General Schofield went by sea to Morehead City, and, on 
the 8th, joined General Cox beyond Newbern. The force in front of Gen- 
eral Cox (who had advanced to Wise's forks, about one and a half miles 
below Southwest creek, and was there awaiting the progress of the rail- 
road) was supposed to consist of Hoke's division and a small body of 
reserves. They had fallen back behind Southwest creek, and General Cox 
had sent two regiments, under Colonel Upham, to secure the crossing of 
the creek on the Dover road. The enemy, having been reinforced by a 
portion of the old Confederate army of Tennessee, recrossed the creek some 
distance above the Dover road, came down in rear of Colonel Upham's 
position, and surprised and captured nearly his entire command, number- 
ing about seven hundred men. The enemy then advanced, and endea- 
vored to penetrate between Carter's and Palmer's divisions, respectively 



?40 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATES. 



occupying the Dover road and the railway, but was checked by Ruger's 
division of the Twenty-third corps, which was just arriving upon the field. 
There was no further engagement during the day, beyond light skirmish- 
ing, and the loss on either side, with the exception of the prisoners cap- 
tured with Colonel Upham, was insignificant. It being evident that the 
enemy's force was at least equal to that of General Co.k, and that rein- 
forcements were reaching them as rapidly as they could be brought by 
rail, General Sohofield directed General Cox to put his troops in po.sition, 
intrench tliem securely, and await the arrival of General Couch. On the 
9th of March, the Rebels pressed Schofield's line strongly, and sought 
opportunity to flank it. Ileavy skirmishing was kept up during the day, 
but no assault was made. On the 10th, the enemy having been largely 
reinforced, and probably having learned of the approach of General 
Couch's column, made a heavy attack upon General Cox's left and centre, 
but were decisively repulsed, and with heavy loss. Both attacks were 
met; mainly, by Ruger's division of the twenty-third corps, a portion of 
which had been rapidly' transferred from the centre to the left, to meet the 
attack there, and then returned to the centre in time to repel the attempt 
on that portion of the line. The enemy retreated in confusion, leaving 
his killed and wounded, as well as the greater part of his arms and 
intrenching tools, and, during the night, fell back across the Neuse and 
burned the bridge which spanned it. The loss of the Union army in this 
engagement was about three hundred in killed and wounded; that of the 
Rebels, about fifteen hundred in killed, wounded and missing. General 
Couch arrived, with his two divisions of the twenty-third corps, on the 
lllh, and effected a junction with General Cox. 

Having no pontoon train, General Schofield was unable to cross the 
Neuse until the bridge could be repaired, or the pontoons, which had just 
arrived from the north, could be brought by railway from Morehead City. 
The crossing was effected, without opposition, on the 14th, the Rebels 
having abandoned Kinston and moved rapidly toward Smithfield, to join 
the force under Johnston, who was then actively engaged in concentrating 
all his available force to oppose Sherman's advance from Fayetteville. 

Immediately upon the occupation of Kinston, General Schofield put a 
lai'ge force of troops to work upon the railroad, in aid of the construction 
corps, under Colonel Wriglit, rebuilt the wagon bridge over the Neuse, 
and brought forward supplies, preparatory to a further advance. He 
moved from Kinston on the morning of the 20th, and entered Goldsboro, 
with but slight opposition, on the evening of the 21st. The portion of 
his command which had remained at Washington, under General Terry, 
moved from that point on the loth of March, reached Faison's depot on 
the 20th, and, as we have said, these were, in accordance with Sherman's 
orders, moved from that point to Cox's bridge, and secured a crossing of 



GENERAL GRANT'S INSTRUCTIONS TO SHERIDAN. 941 

tbe Nense on the 22d. The subsequent history of these armies is com- 
mingled with that of Sherman's grand army. 

General Grant now deemed it important, before making a general 
movement with the armies operating against Eichmond, that all the com- 
munications of the Eebel army in that city, with the region north of the 
James and west of the Fredericksburg railroad, should be completely and 
permanently severed. As the enemy had withdrawn the greater part of 
his force from the Shenandoah valley, and sent it south, or used it to re- 
place troops sent from Eichmond, and as it was desirable to reinforce 
Sherman with cavalry, his force in that arm of the service at that time 
being greatly inferior to Johnston, the Lieutenant-General determined to 
make a move from the Shenandoah valley, which should cut the commu- 
nications of the Eebels, and might also reinforce Sherman. He accord- 
ingly telegraphed General Sheridan as follows : 

" City Point, Va., February 20th. 1865—1 p. m. 

"General: — As soon as it is possible to travel, I think you will have 
no difficulty about reaching Lynchburg with a cavalry force alone. From 
there you could destroy the railroad and canal in every direction, so as to 
be of no further use to the Eebellion. Sufficient cavalry should be left 
behind to look after Mosby's gang. From Lynchburg, if information 
you might get there would justify it, you could strike south, heading the 
streams in Virginia to the westward of Danville, and push on and join 
General Sherman. This additional raid, with one now about starting 
from East Tennessee, under Stoneman, numbering four or five thousand 
cavalry, one from Vicksburg, numbering seven or eight thousand cavalry, 
one from Eastport, Miss., ten thousand cavalry, Canby from Mobile bay, 
with about thirty-eight thousand mixed troops; these three latter pushing 
for Tuscaloosa, Selma, and Montgomery, and Sherman, with a large army, 
eating out the vitals of South Carolina, is all that will be wanted to leave 
nothing for the Eebellion to stand upon. I would advise you to over- 
come great obstacles to accomplish this. Charleston was evacuated on 
Tuesday last. U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

" Major-General p. H. Sheridan." 

On the 25th of February, General Sheridan telegraphed to General Grant 
inquiring to what point Sherman was aiming, and what were the points 
through which he would be likely to pass, after leaving Charlotte, N. C. 
General Grant replied, indicating in general terms Sherman's proposed 
route to Fayetteville and Goldsboro. Having thus ascertained the move- 
ments of the great commander with whom he hoped to co-operate. General 
Sheridan moved from Winchester on the 27th of February, with two 
(Jivisions of cavalry, numbering about five thousand each. On the 1st of 
March he secured the bridge, which the enemy attempted to destroy, 
across the middle fork of the Shenandoah, at Mount Crawford, and 



942 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



entered Staunton on the 2d, the enemy linving retreated to Waynesboro. 
Thence he pushed on to Waynesboro, where lie foun<l tlie enemy in force 
in an intrenched position, under General Early. Without stopping to 
maUe a reconnoissance, an immediate attack was made, the position was 
carried, and one thousand six hundred prisoners, eleven pieces of artillery, 
with horses and caissons complete, two hundred wagons and teams loaded 
with subsistence, and seventeen battle-flags were captured. The prisoners, 
under an escort of one thousand five hundred men, were sent back to Win- 
che.ster. Thence he marched on Charlottesville, destroying eft'ectually the 
railroad and bridges as he went, which place he reached on the 3d. 
Here be remained two days, destroying the railroad toward Richmond 
and Lynchburg, including the large iron bridges over the north and south 
forks of the Rivanna river, and awaiting the arrival of his trains. This 
necessary delay caused him to abandon the idea of capturing Lynchburg. 
On the morning of the 6th, dividing his force into two columns, he sent 
one to Scottsville, whence it marched up the James river canal to New 
Market, destroying every lock, and in many places the bank of the canal. 
From hero a force was pushed out fi'om this column to Duguidsville, to 
obtain possession of the bridge across the James river at that place, but 
failed. The enemy burned it on his approach. The enemy also burned 
the bridge across the river at Hardwicksville. The other column moved 
down the railroad toward Lynchburg, destroying it as far as Amherst 
Court House, sixteen miles frotir Lynchburg; thence acro.ss the country, 
uniting with the column at New Market. The river being very high, his 
pontoons would not reach across it ; and the enemy having destroyed the 
bridges by which he had hoped to cross the river and get on the South- 
side railroad about Farmville, and destroy it to Appomattox Court 
House, the only thing left for him was to return to Winchester or strike 
a base at the White House. Fortunately, he chose the latter. From New 
Market he took up his line of march, following the canal toward Rich- 
mond, destroying every lock upon it, and cutting the banks wherever 
practicable, to a point eight miles east of Goochland ; concentrating the 
whole force at Columbia on the 10th. Here he rested one day, and sent 
through, by scouts, information of his whereabouts and purposes, and a 
request for supplies to meet him at White House, which reached General 
Grant on the night of the 12th. An infantry force was immediately sent 
to get possession of White House, and supplies were forwarded. Moving 
from Columbia in a direction to threaten Richmond, to near Ashland 
station, he crossed the Annas, and after having destroyed all the bridges 
and many miles of the railroad, proceeded down the north bank of the 
Pamunkey to White House, which place he reached on the 19th. 

After the long march which Sheridan's cavalry had made over Vir- 
ginia roads in winter, it was necessary for them to rest and refit at White 
House. General Grant was at this time harassed by the fear that the 



INSTRUCTIONS TO MEADE, ORD, AND SHERIDAN. 943 

enemy would leave his strong lines about Petersburg and Richmond, for 
the purpose of uniting with Johnston, before he was driven from them by 
battle, or the Union army was in a position to make effectual pursuit, 
and he accordingly urged upon all his subordinates the necessity of prompt 
concentration. Sheuidan responded to this wish of the Lieutenant General 
at the earliest po.ssible moment, moving from White House on the 24lh 
of March, crossed the James river at Jones's landing, and formed a junction 
with the army of the Potomac in front of Petersburg on the 27th. 
During this movement, General Ord, commanding the army of the 
James, sent forces to cover his crossing of the Chicliahominy. 

The time for a final move, which should finally overwhelm Lee's army 
and compel its surrender, was rapidly drawing nigh. On the 24th of 
March, Lieutenant-General Grant issued the following instructions to his 
three army commanders. Generals Meade, Ord, and Sheridan: 

" City Point, Va., March iitJi, 1865. 

"GknerAL : — On the 29th instant the armies operating against Rich- 
mond will be moved by our left, for the double purpose of turning the 
enemy out of his present position around Petersburg, and to insure the 
success of the cavalry under General Sheridan, which will start at the 
same time, in its efforts to reach and destroy the Southside and Danville 
railroads. Two corps of the army of the Potomac will be moved at first 
in two columns, taking the two roads crossing Hatcher's run, nearest 
where the present line held by us strikes that stream, both moving 
toward Dinwiddle Court House. 

"The cavalry under General Sheridan, joined by the division now 
under General Davies, will move, at the same time, by the Weldon road 
and the Jerusalem plank-road, turning west from the latter before cross- 
ing the Nottoway, and west with the whole column before reaching 
Stony creek. General Sheridan will then move independently, under 
other instructions which will be given him. All dismounted cavalry 
belonging to the army of the Potomac, and the dismounted cavalry from 
the Middle Military Division not required for guarding property belong- 
ing to their arm of service, will report to Brigadier-General Benham, to 
be added to the defences of City Point. Major-General Parke will be left in 
command of all the army left for holding the lines about Petersburg and 
City Point ; subject, of course, to orders from the commander of the army 
of the Potomac. The ninth army corps will be left intact to hold the 
present line of works, so long as the whole line now occupied by us is held. 
If, however, the troops to the left of the ninth corps are withdrawn, 
then the left of the corps may be thrown back so as to occupy the position 
held by the army prior to the capture of the Weldon road. All troops to 
the left of the ninth corps will be held in readiness to move at the shortest 
notice, by- such route as may be designated when the order is given. 



944 THE CIVIL WAR IN TUE UNITED STATES. 

"General Ord will detach three divisions, two white and one colored, 
or so much of them as he can and hold his present lines, and march for 
the present left of the army of the Potomac. In the absence of further 
orders, or until further orders are given, the white divisions will follow 
the left column of the army of the Potomac, and the colored division the 
right column. During the movement, Major-General Weitzel will be 
left in command of all the forces remaining behind from the army of the 
James. 

" The movement of troops from the army of the James will commence 
on the night of the 27th inst. General Ord will leave behind the minimum 
number of cavalry necessary for picket duty, in the absence of the main 
army. A cavalry expedition from General Ord's command will also be 
started from Suftolk, to leave there on Saturday, the 1st of April, under 
Colonel Sumner, for the purpose of cutting the railroad about Hicksford. 
This, if accomplished, will have to be a surprise, and therefore from 
three to five hundred men will be sufficient. They should, however, be 
supported by all the infantry that can be spared from Norfolk and Ports- 
mouth, as far out as to where the cavalry crosses the Blackwater. Tlie 
crossing should probably be at Uniten. Should Colonel Sumner succeed 
in reaching the Weldon road, he will be instructed to do all the damage 
possible to the triangle of roads between Hicksford, Weldon and Gaston. 
The railroad bridge at Weldon being fitted up for the passage of carriages, 
it might be practicable to destroy any accumulation of supplies the enemy 
mav have collected south of the Eoanoke. All the troops will move 
with four days' rations in haversacks, and eight days' in wagons. To 
avoid as much hauling as possible, and to give the army of the James 
the same number of days' supply with the army of the Potomac, Gen- 
eral Ord will direct his commissary and quartermaster to have sufifi- 
cient supplies delivered at the terminus of the road, to fill up in passinor. 
Sixt}' rounds of ammunition per man will be taken in wagons, and as 
much grain as the transportation on hand will carry, after taking the 
specified amount of other supplies. The densely wooded country in 
which the army has to operate making the use of much artillery imprac- 
ticable, the amount taken with the army will be reduced to six or ei"-l:t 
guns to each divison, at the option of the army commander. 

"All necessary preparations for carrying these directions into opera- 
tion may be commenced at once. The reserves of the ninth corps should 
be massed as much as possible. Whilst I would not now order an un- 
conditional attack on the enemy's line by them, they should be ready, 
and should make the attack if the enemy weakens his line in their front, 
without waiting for orders. In case they carry the line, then the whole 
of the ninth corps could follow up, so as to join or co-operate with the 
balance of the army. To prepare for this, the ninth corps will have 
rations issued to them, same as the balance of the army. • General 



GORDON'S ATTACK UPON FORT STEDMAN. 945 

Weitzel will keep vigilant watch upou his front, and if found at all 
practicable to break through at any point, he will do so. A success north 
of the James should be followed up with great promptness. An attack will 
not be feasible unless it is found that the enemy has detached largely. In 
that case, it may be regarded as evident that the enemy are relying upon 
their local reserves, principally, for the defence of Richmond. Preparations 
may be made for abandoning all the line north of the James, except enclosed 
works; only to be abandoned, however, after a break is made in the lines of 
the enemy. 

" By these instructions, a large part of the armies operating against 
Richmond is left behind. The enemy, knowing this, may, as an only 
chance, strip their lines to the merest skeleton, in the hope of advantage 
not being taken of it, while they hurl every thing against the moving 
column, and return. It cannot be impressed too strongly upon com- 
manders of troops left in the trenches not to allow this to occur without 
taking advantage of it. The very fact of the enemy coming out to attack, 
if he does so, might be regarded as almost conclusive evidence of such a 
weakening of his lines. I would have it particularly enjoined upon corps 
commanders that, in case of an attack from the enemy, those not attacked 
are not to wait for orders from the commanding officer of the army to 
which they belong, but that they will move promptly, and notify the com- 
mander of their action. I would also enjoin the same action on the part of 
division commanders, when other parts of their corps are engaged. In like 
manner, I would urge the importance of following up a repulse of the enemy. 

"U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

"Major-Generals Meade, Ord, and Sheridan." 

While these preparations were making for a general crushing attack 
on the Rebel strongholds, General Lee, in his desperation, essayed a coun- 
ter attack, anticipating the movement of the Union armies by three days ; 
and though success was hardly possible with such odds as he had to con- 
tend with, yet the attack was well planned, and came near proving a 
success. Had it done so, it must have materially retarded, and for a time 
paralj'zed, the intended Union movement. The Union armies were, at 
this time, holding a line of thirty miles in extent, and, large as their num- 
bers were, they were at some points greatly attenuated. One of the 
points where this attenuation was greater than it should have been, was 
at Fort Stedman and its immediate vicinity. Fort Stedman was a square 
fort, covering about an acre of ground, and mounting nine guns, and sup- 
ported by two mortar batteries, & and 10, on its right, and two on its 
left, numbered 11 and 12. It was the second regular fort in the line of 
Union fortifications confronting Petersburg, reckoning from the Appo- 
mattox river on the right — Fort McGilvray, three fourths of a mile dis- 
tant, being the first ; while on its left, three eighths of a mile distant, was 
60 



946 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Fort Ilaskell. Against Fort Stedman, before break of day, March 25tb, 
Gordon's Rebel corps, consisting of three divisions, was massed for a 
charge, while, the remainder of Lee's army, or at least that portion of it 
which lay in Petersburg, was arranged to co-operate in an attack on the 
Union centre. Lee's objects in this attack were twofold. If possible, he 
meant to break through the Union lines at Hare's hill, on which Fort 
Stedman was situated, by a bold dash ; to turn the guns he should capture 
upon the Union troops, wheel his troops to the right, and march down 
the line, taking Forts Haskell, Morton, Meikle, &c., in reverse, stripping 
off the guns and garrisons from the forts and batteries, and threatening 
the whole line. While one column should accomplish this work, another 
in its rear, crossing through the gap, would reach and destroy the military 
railroad from City Point to Petersburg, and perhaps march to City Point, 
and burn the Union depots and supplies at that place. Tliis seizure of 
the Union base would effectually cut off the army of the James from that 
of the Potomac, and if successful, might have broken up the entire cam- 
paign, and thrown a new aspect on the war. If this should prove too 
great a task to be accomplished with the force he had at command, he 
might, in any event, by this move prevent pursuit, and give his army the 
opportunity of evacuating Petersburg and Richmond, and marching un- 
molested upon Danville or Lynchburg. 

At daybreak, Gordon's troops rushed to the attack. Tlie space between 
the opposing lines was only one hundred and fifty yards in wiiUh, and 
having cleared their own abatis, the Rebel troops charged across the inter- 
val and up the acclivity to Fort Stedman, worked their way through the 
abatis in the front a little to the left, passed round a travelled road, and 
captured the fort at once by charging from the rear through the regular 
entrance. The Union line here was guarded by McLaughlin's brigade 
of Wilcox's (first) division of the ninth corps. In the fort were the 
fourteenth New York heavy artillery, and so skilfully, boldly, and rapidly 
was this assault executed, that the garrison, numbering about five hun- 
dred men, was captured with scarcely a show of resistance. The Rebels 
at once turned the captured guns against the rest of the line, and speedily 
occupied mortar batteries 9, 10, and 11, adjoining Fort Stedman. Their 
onward progress was now checked, however, by Fort Haskell ; and the 
other brigades of Wilcox's division having been rallied, a stubborn re- 
sistance began to be offered to their further advance. At this juncture, 
Uartranft's (third) division of the ninth corps came up to the support of 
Wilcox, and the Union batteries from all quarters concentrated their fire 
upon Fort Stedman, to which the Rebels replied as briskly as they could 
from the guns they had captured. Under this terrific fire, Hartranft's 
division pressed up toward the captured fort to retake it. The Rebels at 
first resisted obstinately, and attempted to prevent Hartranft's advance, 
directing their fire upon him with great intensity, and killing or wound- 



THE RBBET-R DEFEATED WITH HEAVY LOSS. 947 

ing nearly two hundred men in his column. Soon, however, the destruc- 
tive fire of the Union artillery, and Hartranft's determined advance, 
disheartened them. They fell back from the mortar batteries into the 
fort, and then beyond the fort, down the hill, abandoning all the guns 
they had captured, and endeavoring only to regain their own lines. But 
the Union guns maintained their fire upon them with such severity as to 
prevent a large part of the retreating force from escaping from the fort, 
and one thousand seven hundred and fifty-eight prisoners fell into the 
hands of Hartranft's troops. Others were gleaned from the abatis and 
the space between the lines, making the whole number a little more than 
nineteen hundred. Their total loss in this engagement could not have 
been less than two thousand five hundred, while the Union loss was only 
sixty-eight killed, three hundred and thirty-seven wounded, and five hun- 
dred and six missing, mostly prisoners. The Rebels, in this attack, did 
not fight with their accustomed fierceness. Many of their soldiers were 
only too glad to be captured, and a large number began at once to plun- 
der the officers' quarters in the captured fort, and thus prevented such a 
following up of their first success as was essential to a final victory. By 
ten A. H. the fighting in front of Fort Stedman was over, but General 
Meade at once ordered the other corps to advance and feel the enemy in 
their respective fronts. Pushing forward, they captured and held the 
enemy's strongly intrenched picket line in front of the second and sixth 
corps, and took eight hundred and thirty-four prisoners. The Rebels made 
desperate effiarts to retake this line, but without success. The Union 
losses in this part of the field were fifty-two killed, eight hundred and 
sixty-four wounded, and two hundred and seven missing. The Rebel loss 
here was more than twenty-five hundred. During the day, ten battle-flags 
were taken from them. Major-General Meade addressed, the next day, a 
congratulatory order to his troops, in which, while he censured the repre- 
hensible want of vigilance of the third brigade, first division, ninth corps, 
he paid due honors to the gallantry, energy, and skill of Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Hartranft, and the good conduct of his division, and impressed upon 
the troops these two important lessons : " That no fortified line, however 
strong, will protect an army from an intrepid and audacious enemy, unless 
vigilantly guarded ; and that no disaster or misfortune is irreparable, when 
energy and bravery are displayed in the determination to recover what 
is lost, and to promptly assume the offensive." 

General Grant was fully impressed with the belief that it was Lee's 
intention to abandon Petersburg and Richmond, and attempt to join 
Johnston, as soon as General Sherman crossed the Roanoke; and determining 
to prevent, or at least retard the consummation of his purpose, he resolved 
to anticipate somewhat his own previously ordered movement, in order to 
break up the Danville road, and thus cripple Lee's facilities for retreating. 

The narrative of what followed cannot be given more clearly and 



948 THE CIVIL "WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

intelligibly than in the graphic language of the Lieutenant-General's own 
report. 

"On the night of the 27th, Major-General Orel, with two divisions of 
the twenty-fourth corps, Major-General Gibbon commanding, and one 
division of the twenty-fifth corps, Brigadier-General Birney commanding, 
and McKenzie's cavalry, took up his line of march in pursuance of the 
foregoing instructions, and reached the position assigned him, near Hatcher's 
run, on the morning of the 29th. On the 28th, the following instructions 
were given to General Sheridan : 

'"City Point, Virginia JUarcli 2Bth, 1865. 
" 'General : — The fifth army corps will move by the Vaughn road at 
three A. M. to-morrow morning. The second moves at about nine A. M., 
having but about three miles to march to reach the point designated for it to 
take on the right of the fifth corps, after the latter reaching Dinwiddle 
Court House. Move your cavalry at as early an hour as you can, and 
without being confined to any particular road or roads. You may go 
out by the nearest roads in rear of the fifth corps, pass by its left, and, 
passing near to or through Dinwiddle, reach the right and rear of the 
enemy as soon as you can. It is not the intention to attack the enemy in 
his intrenched position, but to force him out, if possible. Should he come 
out and attack us, or get himself where he can be attacked, move in with 
your entire force, in your own way,'and with the full reliance that the 
army will engage or follow, as circumstances will dictate. I shall be on 
the field, and will probably be able to communicate with you. Should I 
not do so, and you find that the enemy keeps within his main intrenched 
line, you may cut loose, and push for the Danville road. If you find it 
practicable, I would like you to cross the Southside road, between Peters- 
burg and Burkesville, and destroy it to some extent. I would not advise 
much detention, however, until you reach the Danville road, which I 
would like you to strike as near to the Appomattox as possible. Make 
your destruction on that road as complete as possible. You can then pass 
on to the Southside road, west of Burkesville, and destroy that, in like 
manner. 

" ' After having accomplished the destruction of the two railroads, which 
are now the only avenues of supply to Lee's army, you may return to 
this army, selecting your road further south, or you may go on into North 
Carolina and join General Sherman. Should you select the latter course, 
get the information to me as early as possible, so that I may send orders 
to meet you at Goldsboro. 

"'U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- Qeneral. 

" ' Majob-General p. H. Sheridan.' 

" On the morning of the 29th the movement commenced. At night the 
cavalry was at Dinwiddle Court House, and the left of our infantry line 



GRANT'S INSTRUCTIONS TO GENERAL SHERIDAN. 949 

extended to the Quaker road, near its intersection with the Boydton plauk- 
road. The position of the troops from left to right was as follows : Sheridan, 
Warren, Humphreys, Ord, Wright, Parke. 

" Every thing looked favorable to the defeat of the enemy and the capture 
of Petersburg and Richmond, if the proper effort was made. I therefore 
addressed the following communication to General Sheridan, having 
previously instruct him, verbally, not to cut loose for the raid contem- 
plated in his orders until he received notice from me to do so : 

" ' Gravkllt Creek, March l^th 1865. 

" ' General : — Our line is now unbroken from the Appomattox to Dinwid- 
dle. We are all ready, however, to give up all, from the Jerusalem plank- 
road to Hatcher's run, whenever the forces can be used advantageously. 
After getting into line south of Hatcher's, we pushed forward to find the 
enemy's position. General Griffin was attacked near where the Quaker 
road intersects the Boydton road, but repulsed it easily, capturing about 
one hundred men. Humphreys reached Dabney's mill, and was pushing 
on when last heard from. 

'"I now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so, before 
going back. I do not want you, therefore, to cut loose and go after the 
enemy's roads at present. In the morning, push around the enemy, if you 
can, and get on to his right rear. The movements of the enemy's cavalry 
may of course modify your action. We will act all together as one army 
here until it is seen what can be done with the enemy. The signal officer 
at Cobb's hill reported, at half past eleven o'clock A. M., that a cavalry 
column had passed that point from Richmond toward Petersburg, taking 
forty minutes to pass. 

" ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

" ' Major-Genekal P. H. Sheridan.' 

" From the night of the 29th to the morning of the 31st the rain fell in 
such torrents as to make it impossible to move a wheeled vehicle, except 
as corduroy roads were laid in front of them. During the 30th, Sheridan 
advanced from Dinwiddle Court House toward Five Forks, where he found 
the enemy in force. General Warren advanced and extended his line 
across the Boydton plank-road to near the White Oak road, with a view 
of getting across the latter ; but finding the enemy strong in his front, and 
extending beyond his left, was directed to hold on where he was and 
fortify. General Humphreys drove the enemy from his front into his 
main line on the Hatcher, near Burgess's mills. Generals Ord, Wright, 
and Parke made examinations in their fronts, to determine the feasibility 
of an assault on the enemy's lines. The two latter reported favorably. 
The enemy confronting us, as he did, at every point from Richmond to 
our extreme left, I conceived his lines must be weakly held, and could 
be penetrated, if my estimate of his forces was correct. I determined. 



950 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

therefore, to extend my line no further, but to reinforce General Sheridan 
with a corps of infantry, and thus enable him to cut loose and turn the 
enemy's right flank, and with the other corps assault the enemy's lines. The 
result of the offensive effort of the enemy the week before, when he 
assaulted Fort Stedman, particularly favored this. The enemy's in- 
trenched picket line, captured by us at that time, threw the lines occupied 
by the belligerents so close together, at some points, that it was but a 
moment's run from one to the other. Preparations were at once made to 
relieve General Humphrey's corps, to report to General Sheridan; but 
the condition of the roads prevented immediate movement. On the 
morning of the 31st, General Warren reported favorably to getting pos- 
session of the White Oak road, and was directed to do so. To accomplish 
this, he moved with one division, instead of bis whole corps, which was 
attacked by the enemy in superior force, and driven back on the second 
division before it had time to form, and it, in turn, forced back upon the 
third division, when the enemy was checked. A division of the second 
corps was immediately sent to his support, the enemy driven back with 
heavy loss, and possession of White Oak road gained. Sheridan advanced, 
and with a portion of his cavalry got possession of the Five Forks; but 
the enemy, after the afi"air with the fifth corps, reinforced the Rebel cavalry, 
defending that point with infantry, and forced him back toward Dinwiddle 
Court llouse. Here General Sheridan displayed great generalship. In- 
stead of retreating with his whole command on the main army, to tell the 
story of superior forces encountered, he deployed his cavalry on foot, 
leaving only mounted men enough to take charge of the horses. This 
compelled the enemy to deploy over a vast extent of woods and 
broken country, and make his progress slow. At this juncture, he des- 
patched to me what had taken place, and that he was dropping back 
slowly on Dinwiddle Court- House. General McKenzie's cavalry and one 
division of the fifth corps were immediately ordered to his assistance. 
"Soon after, receiving a report from General Meade that Humphreys could 
hold our position on the Boydton road, and that the other two divisions 
of the fifth corps could go to Sheridan, they were so ordered at once. 
Thus the operations of the day necessitated the sending of Warren, because 
of his accessibility, instead of Humphreys, as was intended, and precipi- 
tated intended movements. On the morning of the 1st of April, General 
Sheridan, reinforced by General Warren, drove the enemy back on Five 
Forks, where, late in the evening, he assaulted and carried his strongly 
fortified position, capturing all his artillery and between five and six 
thousand prisoners. About the close of this battle, brevet Major-General 
Charles GriCfm relieved Major-General Warren in command of the fifth 
corps. The report of this reached me after nightfall. Some apprehension 
filled my mind lest the enemy might desert his lines during the night, and, 
by falling upon General Sheridan before assistance could reach him, drive 



PETERSBURG AND RICHMOND EVACUATED. 951 

him from his position, and open the way for retreat. To guard against 
this, General Miles's division of Humphrey's corps was sent to reinforce 
him, and a bombardment was commenced and kept up until four o'clock 
in the morning (April 2d), when an assault was ordered on the enemy's 
lines. 

" General Wright penetrated the lines with his whole corps, sweeping 
every thing before him, and to his left, toward Hatcher's run, capturing 
many guns and several thousand prisoners. He was closely followed by 
two divisions of General Ord's command, until he met the other division 
of General Ord's, that had succeeded in forcing the enemy's lines near 
Hatcher's run. Generals Wright and Ord immediately swung to the 
right, and closed all the enemy on that side of them in Petersburg, while 
General Humphreys pushed forward with two divisions and joined Gen- 
eral Wright on the left. General Parke succeeded in carrying the enemy's 
main line, capturing guns and prisoners, but was unable to carry his inner 
line. General Sheridan, being advised of the condition of afl'airs, returned 
General Miles to his proper command. On reaching the enemy's lines 
immediately surrounding Petersburg, a portion of General Gibbon's corps, 
by a most gallant charge, captured two strong, inclosed works — the most 
salient and commanding south of Petersburg — thus materially shortening 
the line of investment necessary for taking the city. The enemy south of 
Hatcher's run retreated westward to Sutherland's station, where they 
were overtaken by Miles's division. A severe engagement ensued, and 
lasted until both his right and left flanks were threatened by the approach 
of General Sheridan, who was moving from Ford's station toward Peters- 
burg, and a division sent by General Meade from the front of Petersburg, 
when he broke in the utmost confusion, leaving in our hands his guns 
and many prisoners. This force retreated by the main road along the 
Appomattox river. 

" During the night of the 2d, the enemy evacuated Petersburg and Rich- 
mond, and retreated toward Danville. On the morning of the 3d, pursuit 
was commenced. General Sheridan pushed for the Danville road, keep- 
ing near the Appomattox, followed by General Meade, with the second 
and sixth corps, while General Ord moved from Burkesville along the 
Southside road ; the ninth corps stretched along that road behind him. 
On the 4th, General Sheridan struck the Danville road near Jetersville, 
where he learned that Lee was at Amelia Court House. He immediately 
intrenched himself, and awaited the arrival of General Meade, who reached 
there the next day. General Ord reached Burkesville on the evening of 
the 5th. 

"On the morning of the 5th, I addressed Major-General Sherman the 
following communication : 

" ' Wilson's Station, April 5(h, 1865. 
"'General: — All indications now are that Lee will attempt to reach 



952 



THE CIVIB'WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



Danville witb the remnant of his force. Sheridan, who was up with him 
last niglit, reports all that is left — horse, foot and dragoons — at twenty 
thousand, much demoralized. We hope to reduce this number one half. 
I shall push on to Burkesville, and if a stand is made at Danville, will, in 
a very few days, go there. If you can possibly do so, push on from where 
you are, and let us see if we cannot finish the job with Lee's and John- 
ston's armies. Whether it will be better for you to strike for Greensboro 
or nearer to Danville, you will be better able to judge when you receive 
this. Eebel armies now are the only strategic points to strike at. 

'"U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- Oeneral. 
" • Major-General W. T. Sherman.' 



" On the morning of the 6th, it was found that. General Lee was moving 
west of Jetersville, toward Danville. General Sheridan moved with his 
cavalry (the fifth corps having been returned to General Meade on his 
reaching Jetersville) to strike his flank, followed by the sixth corps; 
while the second and fifth corps pressed hard after, forcing him to aban- 
don several hundred wagons and several pieces of artillery. General 
Ord advanced from Burkesville toward Farmville, sending two regi- 
ments of infantry and a squadron of cavalry, under brevet Brigadier- 
General Theodore Read, to reach and destroy the bridges. This advance 
met tiiehead of Lee's column near Farmville, which it heroically attacked 
and detained, until General Read was killed and his small force over- 
powered. This caused a delay in the enemy's movements, and enabled 
General Ord to get well up with the remainder of his force, on meeting 
which, the enemy immediately intrenched himself In the afternoon, 
General Sheridan struck the enemy south of Sailor's creek, captured six- 
teen pieces of artillery, and about four hundred wagons, and detained 
him until the sixth corps got up, when a general attack of infantry and 
cavalry was made, which resulted in the capture of six or seven thousand 
prisoners, among whom were many general officers. The movements of 
the second corps and General Ord's command contributed greatly to 
the day's success. 

" On the morning of the 7th, the pursuit was renewed, the cavalry, except 
one division, and the fifth corps, moving by Prince Edward's Court House; 
the sixth corps. General Ord's command, and one division of cavalry, on 
Farmville, and the second corps by the High Bridge road. It was soon 
found that the enemy had crossed to the north side of the Appomatox ; 
but so close was the pursuit that the second corps got possession of the 
common bridge at High Bridge before the enemy could destroy it, and 
immediately crossed over. The sixth corps and a division of cavalry 
crossed at Farmville to its support. 

" Feeling now that General Lee's chance of escape was utterly hopeless, I 
addressed him the following communication from Farmville : 



CORKESPONDENCB BETWEEN GRANT AND LEE. 953 

" ' April 1th, 1865. 
' 'General: — The results of the last week must convince you of the 
hopelessness of further resistance on the part of the army of Northern 
Virginia in this struggle. I feel that it is so, and regard .it as my duty 
to shift from myself the responsibility of any further effusion of blood, 
by asking of you the surrender of that portion of the Confederate States 
army, known as the army of Northern Virginia. 

" 'U. S. Gr.\nt, Lieutenant- General. 
" ' General R. E. Lee.' 

" Early on the morning of the 8th, before leaving, I received, at Farm- 
ville, the following : 

"•April 1th, 1865. 

" ' General : — I have received your note of this date. Though not 
entertaining the opinion you express on the hopelessness of further resist- 
ance on the part of the army of Northern Virginia, I reciprocate your 
desire to avoid useless effusion of blood, and therefore, before considering 
your proposition, ask the terms you will offer on condition of its 
surrender. " ' E. E. Lee, General. 

" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.' 

*' To this I immediately replied : 

" ' April 8th, 1865. 

"'General: — Your note of last evening, in reply to mine of same 
date, asking the condition on which I will accept the surrender of the 
army of Northern Virginia, is just received. In reply, I would say that 
peace being my great desire, there is but one condition I would insist upon, 
namely : That the men and officers surrendered shall be disqualified for 
taking up arms against the Government of the United States until prop- 
erly exchanged. I will meet you, or will designate officers to meet any 
officers yoa may name for the same purpose, at any point agreeable to 
you, for the purpose of arranging definitely the terms upon which the 
surrender of the array of Northern Virginia will be received. 

" ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

" ' General R. E. Lee.' 

" Early on the morning of tne 8th, the pursuit was resumed. General 
Meade followed north of the Appomattox, and General Sheridan, with all 
the cavalry, pushed straight for Appomattox station, followed by General 
Ord's command and the fifth corps. During the day, General Meade's 
advance had considerable fighting with the enemy's rear-guard, but was 
unable to bring on a general engagement. Late in the evening, General 
Sheridan struck the railroad at Appomattox station, drove the enemy 
from there, and captured twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital train, 
and four trains of cars, loaded with supplies for Lee's army. During the 



954 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



day, I accompanied General Meade's column, and atout midnight received 
tbe following communication from General Lee: 

•'• April 8th, IfiG^. 

" ' Gkneral : — I received, at a late hour, your note of to-day. In mine 
of yesterday I did not propose the surrender of the army of Northern 
Virginia, but to ask the terms of your proposition. To be frank, I do 
not think the emergency has arisen to call for the surrender of this army ; 
but as the restoration of peace should be the sole object of all, I desired 
to know whether your proposals would lead to that end. I cannot, there- 
fore, meet you with a view to surrender the army of Northern Virginia ; 
but as far as your proposal may affect the Confederate force under my 
command, and tend to the restoration of peace, I should be pleased to meet 
you, at 10 A. M. to-morrow, on the old stage road to Richmond, between 
the picket lines of the two armies. 

" ' E. E. Lee, General 

" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.' 



" Early on the morning of the 9th, I returned him an answer, as follows, 
and immediately started to join the column south of the Appomattox : 

"'April Ml, 1865. 

" ' General : — Your note of yesterday is received. I have no authority 
to treat on the subject of peace; the meeting proposed for 10 A. M. to-day 
could lead to no good. I will state, however, General, that I am equally 
anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North entertains the .same 
feeling. The terms upon which peace can be had are well understood. 
By the South laying down their arms, they will hasten this most desirable 
event, save thousands of human lives, and hundreds of millions of pro- 
perty not yet destroyed. Seriously hoping tliat all our difficulties may be 
settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe myself, &c., 

'"U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

"'General E. E. Lee.' 

" On the morning of the 9th, General Ord's command and the fifth corps 
reached Appomattox .station just as the enemy was making a desperate 
effort to break through our cavalry. The infantry was at once thrown in. 
Soon after, a white flag was received, requesting a suspension of hostilities 
pending negotiations for a surrender. 

"Before reaching General Sheridan's headquarters, I received the follow- 
ing from General Lee : 

"'April Olh. ISfiS. 
'"General: — I received your note of this morning on the picket line, 
whither I had come to meet you, and ascertain definitely what terms were 
embraced in your proposal of yesterday with reference to the surrender 



SUREENDER OF LEE— SKETCH OF HIS CAREER. 955 

of this army. I now ask an interview, in accordance with the offer con- 
tained in your letter of yesterday for that purpose. 

"'K. E. Lee, General. 
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.' 

" The interview was held at Appomattox Court House, the result of 
which is set forth in the following correspondence : 

" ' Appomattox Court House, Va., April 9th, 1865. 

" ' General : — In accordance with the substance of my letter to you of 
the 8th instant, I propose to receive the surrender of the army of Northern 
Virginia on the following terms, to wit : Rolls of all the officers and men 
to be made in duplicate, one copy to be given to an ofl&cer to be desig- 
nated by me, the pther to be retained by such ofiicer or officers as you may 
designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to take up 
arms against the Government of the United States until properly ex- 
changed ; and each company or regimental commander sign a like parole 
for the men of their commands. The arms, artillery, and public property 
to be parked and stacked, and turned over to the officers appointed by me 
to receive them. This will not embrace the side-arms of the officers, nor 
their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer and man will be 
allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbed by United States 
authorities so long as they observe their paroles and the laws in force 
where they may reside. 

" ' U. S. Grant, Lieutenant- General. 

" ' General R. E. Lee.' 

'"Headquarters Army of Northern Virginia, Apnl dth, 1865. 
'' ' General : — I received your letter of this date, containing the terms 
of the surrender of Ihe army of Northern Virginia as proposed by you. 
As they are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 
8th instant, they are accepted. I will proceed to designate the proper 
officers to carry the stipulations into effect. 

" ' E. E. Lee, General. 
" ' Lieutenant-General U. S. Grant.' 

" The command of Major-General Gibbon, the fifth army corps, under 
Griffin, and McKenzie's cavalry, were designated to remain at Appomatox 
Court House until the paroling of the surrendered army was completed, 
and to take charge of the public property. The remainder of the army 
immediately returned to the vicinity of Burkesville. 

"General Lee's great influence throughout the whole South caused his 
example to be followed, and to-day the result is that the armies lately 
under his leadership are at than- homes, desiring peace and quiet, and their 
arms are in the hands of our ordnance officers." 

Our narrative of this series of battles, and the pursuit and surrender, 



956 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



would not, be complete without a brief sketch of the Rebel leader, whose 
skilful generalship had protracted the war so long, and so often repulsed 
the best-planned attacks of the Union armies. 

Robert Edward Lee was born at his paternal estate of Stratford, Virginia, 
in 1806. He was the son of General Ilenry Lee, better known as "Legion 
Harry Lee," a friend of General Washington, and a member of his staff. 
He entered West Point in 1825, and graduated in 1829, ranking second 
in his class. He was immediately appointed brevet second lieutenant of 
topographical engineers, and from that time until 1835, was principally 
employed on the coast defences ; but that year was appointed assistant 
astronomer, for the demarcation of the boundary line between the States 
of Ohio and Michigan. In 1832, Lieutenant Lee married a daughter of 
George Washington Parke Custis, the grandson of Mrs. ^Washington, and 
thus eventually became, through his wife, the proprietor of the Arlington 
estate, opposite the city of Washington, as well as of the White House, 
on the Pamunkey, a noted place in the war just closed. He was pro- 
moted to be first lieutenant in September, 1836, and in July, 1838, was 
made captain. In 1844, he was appointed a member of the board of 
visitors to the military academy ; and on the 8th of September, 1845, he 
became a member of the board of engineers. In 1846, he was attached 
to the central army of Mexico, as chief engineer, under General Wool, 
and retained that post, as well as a position on his personal staff, under 
General Scott. General Scott entertained a high opinion of his abilities 
and judgment, mentioning him in the highest terms in every report during 
the campaign, and at his instance he was brevetted successively major, 
lieutenant-colonel, and colonel, for gallant and meritorious conduct at 
Cerro Gordo, Contreras, Churubusco, and Chapultepec. In the spring of 
1852, he was ordered with his regiment to New Mexicp ; but in September 
of that year was appointed Superintendent of the military academy at 
West Point, and continued in charge of it till April 1st, 1855, when his 
transfer to tlie cavalry service incaiiacitated him, by law, for remaining 
in that position ; the superintendents being, by the organic law of the 
institution, members of the engineer corps only. On his transfer to the 
second cavalry, he was made its lieutenant colonel and served for three 
or four years in Texas and on the frontier. In 1859, however, he was at 
home on his estate of Arlington, and took part in the capture of John 
Brown and his comrades, at Harper's Ferry. On the 16th of March, 1861, 
he was promoted to be colonel of the first cavalry, having just previously 
returned from Texas. On the 20th of April, 1861, he resigned his com- 
mission, on the ground that he must go with his State, and was immediately 
appointed by Governor Letcher, of Virginia, major-general in command of 
all the military forces in Virginia. He at^uice set himself to the work of 
organizing the Rebel troops of Virginia, and attempted, at first, the forti 
fication of Arlington Heights; but finding that that position was likely 




Surrondcr of General Lee. 



SKETCH OF GENERAL LBB. 957 

to be occupied by an overwhelming force of Union troops, he withdrew. 
When Eichmond was made the Eebel capital, and the Rebel forces of the 
State of Virginia made a part of the Rebel army, Lee's rank was fixed aa 
a brigadier-general. After the death of General Garnett, in Western 
Virginia, General Lee was appointed to succeed him ; and on the 12th of 
September, 1861, was defeated by General John F. Reynolds, at Cheat 
mountain, and compelled to retreat with heavy loss ; owing, it was said, to 
the failure of one of his subordinate officers to carry out his plans. He 
subsequently threatened Rosecrans' position at Big Sewell, Western Vir- 
ginia, but did no more fighting there. In December, he was transferred 
to South Carolina, and ordered to take charge of the coast defences of 
South Carolina and Georgia. He put the coast defences in good condition, 
and in March, 1862, was summoned to Richmond, and put in charge of 
the defences of Richmond. lu the battle of Fair Oaks or Seven Pines, 
.General J. E. Johnston, then in command of the Rebel army, was wounded 
severely, and General Lee was appointed to succeed him. In the subse- 
quent battles of the seven days on the Peninsula, the Rebel army of 
Northern Virginia was under his command, and he led it also in the 
battles of Pope's campaign, crossed the Potomac, and commanded in 
person at Aatietam ; and after the drawn battle there, retreated into Vir- 
ginia, and took up his position on the Rappahannock, near Fredericks- 
burg. All the subsequent battles of the war, in Northern Virginia, and 
the battles of Gettysburg, in Pennsylvania, and Falling Waters, Mary- 
land, were fought under his personal direction. At Fredericksburg and 
Chancellorsville he displayed decided strategic ability ; while the expedi- 
tion into Pennsylvania, in June and July, 1863, terminating with the 
battles at Gettysburg, so disastrous to the Rebels, was perhaps less credit- 
able to his military abilities, inasmuch as, with the full knowledge of the 
condition of aflairs at Richmond, it was extremely hazardous on his part 
to undertake it. In the subsequent operations of the autumn of 1863, on 
the Rapidan, and north of it, he displayed much talent, though not always 
successful. In the great campaign of 1861, he managed his army with 
consummate skill, and though convinced that his cause was hopeless aa 
early as December, 1864, he did not desist from the most strenuous 
exertions to defend his position, and to maintain the war. Early in 
January, 1865, he was appointed commander-in-chief of the entire military 
forces of the Rebels, and accepted the position reluctantly, from a convic- 
tion that their cause was past salvation. On the 3d of April, 1865, he 
evacuated Richmond and Petersburg, and, on the 9th, surrendered to 
General Grant. He is still (December, 1865) on parole, but has been for 
some months President of Washington College, Virginia. 



958 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXXII. 



THE ASSASSINATION OF THE PRESIDENT- — THE CIRCUMSTANCES — ATTEMPT TO MURDER OTHER 
HIGH OFFICERS OF GOVERNMENT — THE SORROW AND GLOOM OP THE NATION — ARREST AND 
PUNISHMENT OF THE ASSASSINS — SKETCH OF LINCOLN— THE STABILITY OF THE OOVRKN- 
MENT DEMONSTRATED — THE ADVANCE OF SHERMAN TO SMITIIFIKLD AND RALEIGH — HIS 
ARMY RECEIVE THE INTELLIGENCE OF LEE's SURRENDER — DISPOSITIONS MADE TO COMPEL 

Johnston's surrender — johnston asks an interview — his desire for terms embrac- 
ing ALL THE REBEL ARMIES — SECOND CONFERENCE — THE " MEMORANDUM" DRAWN UP AND 
SENT TO WASHINGTON — ITS TERMS — ITS REJECTION BY THE CABINET — GENERAL GRANT 
BEARS THE NEWS, AND IS AUTHORIZED TO TAKE COMMAND — SHERMAn's PROMPT ACTION — 

JOHNSTON SURRENDERS ON THE SAME TERMS AS LEE — SHERMAN's VISIT TO SAVANNAH 

HIS FIELD ORDERS — HE MARCHES HIS ARMY TO RICHMOND AND WASHINGTON, AND TAKES 
LEAVE OF IT — DISBANDING OF THE FORCES— STONEMAN's EXPEDITION — GENERAL OSBAND's 
EXPEDITION FROM VICKSBURG — CANBt'S SIEGE AND CAPTURE OF MOBILE — 8DRRENDKR OF 
THE REBEL FLEET — GENERAL DICK TATLOr's SURRENDER, AND THAT OF THE SUBORDINATE 
OFFICERS IN THE MISSISSIPPI VALLEY — WILSON's CAVALRY EXPEDITION — ITS NUMBERS 
AND ARMS THE MARCH CAPTURE OF MONTEVALLO AND RANDOLPH CROXTOn's SEPA- 
RATE EXPEDITION THE BATTLE AND CAPTURE OF SELMA ITS GREAT STRENGTH CAPTURE 

OF MONTGOMERY, WETUMPKA, ALA., AND COLUMBUS, OA. BATTLE AT WEST POINT, OA. 

ITS CAPTURE — LA GRANGE, GRIFFIN, AND FORSYTH CAPTURED — SHERMAN'S ARMISTICE — 
CAPTURE OF MACON — DETENTION AT MACON — CROXTOn'S RETURN TO THE MAIN ARMY — 
HIS ACHIEVEMENTS — THE SURRENDER OF ALL THE REBEL TROOPS EAST OF THE CHATTA- 

HOOCHIE — DISTRIBUTION OF TROOPS — PURSUIT AND CAPTURE OF JEFFERSON DAVIS "THE 

POOR OLD mother" AND HER BOOTS — DISPOSITION MADE OF THE PRISONER — RESULTS OF 

Wilson's campaign — kirby smith's surrender — sheridan on the rio orande. 



While Lee's surrender betokened to the minds of all the citizens of 
the Republic the speedy return of peace, and the intelligence of each 
hour brought new joy and hope that the four years' struggle was ended, 
and that the beloved chief magistrate, twice cho.sen of the people, would 
soon, as he had promised in his first inaugural, repossess the forts and 
property of the nation, and rule over a united instead of a divided Re- 
public, there fell upon the nation a terrible and cru.shing blow, like a 
thunderbolt from a clear sky, and wrapped the continent in gloom. 

President Lincoln, who had been at City Point during the last few 
days of the campaign which ended in the evacuation of Richmond and 
Petersburg and the surrender of Lee's army, and who had entered Rich- 
mond and spent one day there, had returned to Washington, satisfied that 
the last days of the Rebellion had come, and that both the nation and him- 
self were about to experience those halcyon days of peace and quietness, 
of which hitherto, during his administration, there had been no example. 
Cheered with this prospect, and rejoicing that, on the 14th of April, the 
national flag, which that day, four years before, had been lowered by 
Rebel orders, would again float over what remained of the battlements of 



THE ASSASSINATION OP PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 959 

Sumter, Mr. Lincoln, on the evening of that day (Good Friday), at the 
earnest solicitation of friends, went to Ford's theatre with his wife, and 
the daughter and stepson (Major Rathbone) of Senator Harris, of New 
York, to witness the play of the " American Cousin." During the second 
scene of the third act of the play, about ten o'clock, p. M., an assassin 
suddenly entered Mr. Lincoln's box, and discharged a pistol at the 
President, the ball taking effect in the back of his head, and passing 
upward and forward through the posterior portion of the brain. Major 
Rathbone attempted instantly to seize the desperado, and though severely 
wounded in the arm, clung to him ; but as the assassin leaped from the 
box upon the stage, his hold gave way. In this leap, the spur upon the 
boot of the murderer caught in the flag, and he fell ; but springing up, he 
flourished a bowie-knife, and shouting " Sic semper tyrannis" (the motto of 
Virginia), rushed across the stage, and out by a rear passage, where he 
had a horse in waiting, which he mounted, and on which he fled. The 
moment it was ascertained that the President had been shot, the most 
intense excitement prevailed. Mr. Lincoln was borne from the house, 
insensible, to a dwelling near, where he lingered, without return of con- 
sciousness, till twenty-two minutes past seven in the morning of the 15th, 
when he expired. At the same hour, another assassin entered the resi- 
dence of Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State — who was very ill 
from injuries received from being thrown from his carriage a few days 
before — and pretending to have been sent by his physician with some 
medicine for him, forced his way into his chamber, though not without 
great resistance, and having inflicted severe injuries upon three men, 
Messrs. Robinson and Hansell, the attendants of Mr. Seward, and Mr. 
Frederick W. Seward, son of the Secretary, attempted to cut Mr. Seward's 
throat ; but owing to the dressing upon his face, which had been fractured 
by his fall, he only succeeded in laying open the cheek and jaw. He 
also fled. It was soon ascertained that it had been intended by the con- 
spirators to murder not only Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Seward, but Vice- 
President Johnson, Secretary Stanton, General Grant, and Cliief Justice 
Chase : and the desperate plot had partially failed, through unexpected 
movements of some of the intended victims, and the cowardice of some 
of the conspirators. The intelligence of the murder of the President sent 
a thrill of horror through the entire nation, and overwhelmed it in the 
deepest grief. 

" When the sad day (April 18th) came, in which the body of the 
Republic's most honored magistrate, martyred in its cause, was to be 
borne to its final resting-place in the distant Prairie State, a scene was 
witnessed such as had never before taken place in human history. The 
whole nation mourned with a depth and intensity of grief unparalleled in 
all the records of the past, the loss of its chosen head, its father and its 
friend. 



/ 



960 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

'Amid the stirring April days, while springing grass and greening 
boughs proclaimed that summer drew nigh, the procession left the capital, 
which never before had been so shaken with pain, and grief, and righteous 
rage. They took the same route which he had traversed when coming 
in life to his high place, and bore him forever from the scene of his 
eventful sway. And as they went, the great capitals of the land welcomed, 
with such demonstrations of honor as no preceding experience had wit- 
nessed, the shrunken, discolored, and pulseless frame. The city through 
which he passed before in a sheltering privacy, now crowded tremulous, 
in tearful affection, around his bier. The great metropolis, whose mob 
then hated him, the leaders of whose fashion turned from him with con- 
tempt, and whose authorities sought to insult him, now poured from every 
street and lane to witness the sad procession of his mourners. Its whole 
business was suspended; its houses were hung from base to roof with 
funeral pomp ; its pavements were thronged with silent, patient, unmoving 
crowds; its windows gleamed with pallid faces, as through the hushed, 
expectant avenues wound, hour by hour, while bells were tolling, and 
minute-guns, with measured boom, were counting the instants, that vast, 
uncounted, unparalleled procession. Not capitals only, but States them- 
selves, became his mourners. Churches put off their Easter emblems to 
hide pillar and wall and arch in sable woe. Each railway was made a 
via Dolorosa. The spontaneous homage of millions was oflered through 
the uncovered head, the crape, the wreath, through all the sombre insignia 
of grief, as the train, with its precious burden, sped on. The country 
shrouded its weeping face, and all the blooms of spring around could 
bring no flush to its changed countenance; the song and sparkle, and the 
fresh impulse, of which the very air was full, could stir no pulse of glad- 
ness or of hope while still that spectacle haunted its gaze. For over 
every loyal heart there brooded a sorrow as if the most revered had fallen, 
as if the shock of personal bereavement had smitten separately every 
household." 

While this sad procession was thus slowly drawing toward the final 
resting-place of the martyred President, the Vice President — who had 
taken the oath of office as President — and the Cabinet, were unwearied in 
their efforts to ascertain and bring to justice the miscreants who had been 
guilty of a deed so horrible. The murderer of the President was recog- 
nized as one John Wilkes Booth, a profligate and desperate actor, who 
had availed himself of his knowledge of the theatre and his free access to 
it (having formerly performed there) to plan the details of his infamous 
crime. But the fact that the attempt was made to murder all the leading 
officers of the Government showed conclusively that the conspiracy was 
an extensive one, and involved others than the immediate actors. Payne, 
alias Powell, the attempted assassin of Mr. Seward, was arrested two days 
after, at the residence of a Mrs. Surratt, toward whom suspicion pointed as 



ARREST AND PUNISHMENT OP THE ASSASSINS. 961 

having been extremely intimate with Booth ; and both he and Mrs. 
Surratt were at once placed in close confinement. Atzerot, a German, 
who was to have murdered Vice-President Johnson ; Arnold, whose com- 
plicity had been ascertained by correspondence found in Booth's trunk ; 
O'Laughlin, also implicated; and Spang] er, an employee of the theatre, 
who had aided Booth in escaping, were arrested, and the detectives were 
engaged in tracking Booth and Harold, a youth who had been his con- 
fidant and companion. On the 26th of April they were brought to bay 
in a barn in Caroline county, Va., between Bowling Green and Port Royal, 
on the Rappahannock, and Harold surrendered ; but Booth refusing to sur- 
render, the barn was set on fire, and Booth, attempting to fight his way 
out, was shot by Sergeant Boston Coi-bett, and died after three hours of 
fearful sufiering. He had broken his leg in his leap upon the stage, and 
a Dr. Mudd, who had been one of the conspirators, had set it, but it bad 
had no opportunity to unite. Dr. Mudd was arrested and brought to 
Washington for trial with the rest. The military court which was to try 
these cases, found that John H. Surratt, a son of Mrs. Surratt, had also 
been an active coadjutor in the conspiracy, but he had made his escape. 
There was also ample evidence implicating Jeflierson Davis, the late Rebel 
President ; Mr. Seddon, the late Rebel Secretary of War; Clement C. Clay; 
Beverly Tucker; Jacob Thompson, formerly Secretary of the Interior; 
George N. Sanders and others, as accessories before the fact in the assas- 
sination, and as having furnished the money and rewards for it. The 
parties already under arrest were tried by a military court, and with 
every advantage of counsel. Payne or Powell, Atzerot, Harold, and Mrs. 
Surratt were condemned to death, and were hung July 7th, 1865. Mudd 
O'Laughlin and Arnold were imprisoned for life on the Dry Tortugas, and 
Spangler for six years. 

Let us, before proceeding farther, sketch briefly the remarkable career 
of this noble man, who, coming to the chief magistracy in troublesome 
times, by his wise conduct, his burning patriotism, and his unflinching 
integrity, as well as his martyrdom for his country's sake, endeared him- 
self, above all other men of his generation, to the hearts of the people of 
the United States. 

Abraham Lincoln was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, February 
12th, 1809. His ancestors were Quakers. In 1816, his father removed to 
Spencer county, Indiana, and Abraham was thus early put to work with 
an axe to clear away the forest. In the next ten years, he received about 
one year's schooling in such schools as were taught in that new country. 
At the age of nineteen years, he made a trip to New Orleans, as a hired 
hand on a flat boat. In March, 1830, he removed with his father to 
Decatur, Illinois, and aided in building a cabin, settling the family in their 
new home, and providing for them during the ensuing winter. In 1831, 
he again made a trip to New Orleans, and on his return, became a clerk in 
61 



962 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



a store at Sangamon, Illinois. In 1832, he voluntered in tbe Black 
Hawk war, and was made captain of a company, but saw no fighting. On 
his return from the campaign, he was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was unsuccessful. A store which he purchased, did not yield him an 
adequate support ; and after a short terra of service as postma-ster of New 
Salem, Illinois, studying at every leisure moment, he became a land-sur- 
veyor, and won a good reputation for the accuracy of his surveys. In 
1834, he was elected to the Legislature, and re-elected in 1836 and 1838. 
Having devoted all his leisure time to the study of law, he was admitted 
to the bar in 1836, and in 1837 removed to Springfield, Illinois, and 
opened an office in partnership witli Hon. John T. Stuart. He soon rose 
to eminence in his profession, but did not withdraw from politics. In 
1814, he was nominated as a Whig presidential elector, and canvassed 
the State for Henry Clay. In 1846, he was elected to Congress from the 
central district of Illinois, and in Congress maintained the reputation of an 
honest and able representative, acting generally with the more advanced 
wing of the Whig party. In 1849, he was a candidate for United States 
Senator, but the Legislature was Democratic and elected General Shields. 
In 1854, the pa.ssage of the Nebraska bill, and the repeal of the Missouri 
compromise, called him again into the field, and by his disinterested 
labors, Judge Trumbull was elected to the United States Senate. In 1856, 
at the Republican National Convention, he was urged for the Vice Presi- 
dency, and received one hundred and ten votes. In 1858, he was nomi- 
nated for United States Senator by the Republicans, and in company with 
Judge Douglas, the Democratic candidate, canvassed the State, discussing 
with his antagonist the great principles which distinguished the two 
parties. Lincoln had a majority of the popular vote, but Douglas was 
elected by the Legislature by eight majority. On the I8th of May, 1860 
Mr. Lincoln was nominated by the Republican National Convention at 
Chicago for the Presidency, and on the 6th of February following was 
elected, receiving one hundred and eighty out of three hundred and three 
electoral votes. It was the policy of those who where conspiring against 
the Union to divide the opponents of Mr. Lincoln as far as possible, in 
order that ho might succeed by the votes of Northern States alone, and 
thus afford a pretext for secession, and therefore three other distinct Presi- 
dential tickets were run, headed respectively by Messrs. Breckinridge, 
Douglas, and Bell. As soon as his election was known, measures were 
taken by political leaders in several of the Southern States to drag their 
States into secession, and when Mr. Lincoln left Springfield, Illinois, on 
the 11th of February, to go Washington for his inauguration, six States 
had already seceded, and others were preparing to follow. A Southern 
Confederacy had been formed, with Davis and Stephens for President and 
Vice President. Nothwithstanding three or more attempts to assassinate 
him, he reached Washington in safety, and though still threatened, was 



SKETCH OF PRESIDENT LINCOLN. 963 

inaugurated March 4tli, 1861. The condition of the Government through 
the imbecility, fraud, and treason of the preceding administration and 
cabinet, was deplorable — its credit nearly ruined ; its army deprived of 
arms and paroled ; its navy sent to distant seas ; its arms removed to the 
arsenals of the States in insurrection, or sold and broken up ; its forts, 
vessels, custom-houses, and mints seized by the conspirators. Mr. Lincoln 
set himself to remedy this, when, on the 14th of April, 1861, Fort Sumter 
was captured, and the war commenced. He then called for seventy-five 
thousand men for three months, proclaimed a blockade of the southern 
ports, and summoned an extra session of Congress for Jul}'' 4th, ISfil. 
Large armies were soon required, and in the executive responsibilities of 
his position in a time of war — with a great army to be maintained, disci- 
plined, and kept at work, finances to be managed, the disloyal govern- 
ment of&cers, civil and military, to be weeded out, the schemes of seces- 
sionists to be thwarted, and later in the year, the difficult case of the 
seizure of Mason and Slidell to be adjusted — he had his full share of the 
burdens of his official position. During 1862 these were rather increased 
than diminished. Compelled by his convictions of dutj' to assume, iu 
fact, his titular position of commander-in-chief of the army and navy, he 
ordered an advance in February, 1862, which was made in March. The 
indecisive or disastrous battles of the Peninsula and Pope's campaign 
caused him great anxiet}', and the conviction having been forced upon 
him by the course of events that the slaves in the Eebel States must be 
emancipated as a military necessity, he issued, on the 22d of September, 
soon after the more favorable battles of South Mountain and Antietam, 
his preliminary proclamation, announcing his intention of declaring free 
all slaves in Eebel States on the 1st of January, 1863. Several successes 
in the West liad cheered him, and in 1863, with some disasters, there 
were many and important victories east and west. Mr. Lincoln had 
been very desirous that the border States should adopt some plan of more 
or less gradual emancipation, and during the year West Virginia, Mary- 
land, and Missouri, did so. In 1864, having called General Grant to the 
Lieutenant-Generalship, Mr. Lincoln divided with him a part of his burdens, 
which had become too oppressive to be borne. A great outcry had* been 
made against him for the arrest of Vallandigham and other promoters of 
rebellion, but in two very able letters addressed to the New York and 
Ohio committees, he fully justified his course. The victories of Sherman, 
Thomas, Farragut, Terry, and Sheridan, and the persistency and resolu- 
tion of Grant, had, at length, in the spring of 1865, prepared the way for 
the downfall of the Rebellion, and after a brief but desperate struggle, 
Petersburg and Richmond fell, and Lee surrendered his army. In the 
progress of these events, Mr. Lincoln, whose anxiety had been most 
insupportable, was at the front, and the day after the occupation of Rich- 
mond by the Union troops he entered that city, not with the pomp of a 



984 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



conqueror, but quietly and without displa}-, and after spending one day 
there returned to City Point and thence to Washington. The war was to 
all intents and purposes closed, and with his mind intent on the great 
problem of pacification, his brow cleared, and he appeared in better spirits 
than usual. This was the time seized upon by the conspirators for his 
assassination, and on the 15th of April, just four years from the date of 
his proclamation calling the people to arms, he died by the hand of a 
wretched murderer. The circumstances of his assassination, and the 
distress and sorrow of the nation at his death we have already described. 
His character as a man and a chief magistrate, may be summed up in a 
few words. He was honest in the best sense of that word, patient, fore- 
bearing, and forgiving ; slow in arriving at conclusions, but when once 
settled in them, firm almost to obstinacy ; endowed with a wisdom and 
tact not acquired in the schools, but which guided him in administration, 
sustained him in despondency, and rendered him calm and self possessed 
in the hour of success ; he was, in short, a self-taught, large-hearted, clear- 
headed, and thoroughly upright man. 

Never was a free government called before to undergo such an ordeal, 
and never did one demonstrate so fully, the strength of free institutions. 
In almost any one of the governments of Europe, the assassination of the 
ruler and his prime minister, would have been followed by an instant 
revolution, and it would be much, if blood did not flow like water, and 
those who were highest in station most speedily meet with a violent death; 
but here, though the heart of the nation was wrung with anguish, the 
forms of government did not lapse for an instant, nor its wheels stay their 
motion. President Lincoln died at twenty-two minutes past seven in the 
morning ; at noon of the same day, Andrew Johnson was sworn into 
office as President, and proceeded at once in the exercise of his high 
functions. The chief clerk of the Secretary of State, a man of large 
experience and decided ability, became, in the absence and serious wound- 
ing of both the Secretary and Assistant Secretary of State, Secretary ad 
interim. Every measure for the prosecution of the war to its final close, 
was adopted as promptly, and carried out as efficiently, as if there had 
been uo change of rulers. A remarkable instance of this occurred in 
relation to the negotiations of the Rebel General Johnston with General 
Sherman in regard to terms of surrender. 

After General Sherman's army had encamped at Goldsboro, it required 
a period of nearly three weeks to refit and equip his troops, who, from 
their long and severe march from Savannah, were greatly in need of new 
uniforms and shoes. It was necessary also to accumulate supplies for 
another expedition into the interior in pursuit of Johnston's army. 
Promptly, at daybreak, on the 10th of April, General Sherman moved 
out of Goldsboro and marched upon Smithfield — Major-General Slocum 
taking the two direct roads for that town ; Major-General Howard making 



SHERMAN'S ADVANCE TO SMITHFIELD AND RALEIGH. 965 

a circuit by the riglit, and feigning up tlie Weldon road, to disconcert the 
enemj^'s cavalry ; and Generals Terry and Kilpatrick moving on the west 
side of the ISTeuse river, aiming to reach the rear of the enemy between 
Smithfield and Raleigh. General Schofield followed General Slocum in 
support. All the columns met more or less cavalry within six miles of 
Goldsboro, behind the usual barricades, which were swept before them, 
and b}' ten A. M. of the 11th of April, Davis's (fourteenth) corps entered 
Smithfield, closely followed by the twentieth corps, now under command 
of General Mower. 

Johnston had retreated rapidly across the Neuse river, and having the 
railway to lighten up his trains, he could fall back faster than Sherman 
could pursue. The rains had also set in, making the resort to corduroy 
roads necessary even for ambulances. The enemy had burned the bridge 
at Smithfield, but, as soon as possible. General Slocum brought up his 
pontoons and sent over a division of the fourteentli corps. " Then," says 
General Sherman in his report, " we heard of the surrender of Lee's army 
at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, which was announced to the armies 
in orders, and created universal joy. Not one ofl&cer or soldier of my 
army but expressed a pride and satisfaction that it fell to the lot of the 
armies of the Potomac and James, so gloriously to overwhelm and capture 
the entire army that had held them in check so long ; and their success 
gave us a new impulse to finish up our task." 

Without a moment's hesitation, Sherman gave orders to drop all trains, 
and the army marched rapidly in pursuit to and through Raleigh, reach- 
ing that place at half past seven A. M. on the 13th, in a heavy rain. The 
next day, the cavalry pushed on through the rain to Durham's station, 
Logan's (fifteenth) corps following as far as Morrisville station, and Blair's 
(seventeenth) corps to John's station. On the supposition that Johnston 
would be compelled to adhere to the railway as a line of retreat, by Hills- 
boro, Greensboro, Salisbury, and Charlotte, General Sherman had turned 
the other columns across the bend in that road toward Ashboro. Kil- 
patrick was ordered to keep up a show of pursuit toward the company's 
shops in Alamance county ; Howard, to turn the left, by Hackney's cross- 
roads, Pittsburg, St. Lawrence, and Ashboro ; and Slocum to cross Cape 
Fear river at Avon's ferry, and move rapidly by Carthage, Caledonia, and 
Cox's mills ; while Schofield was to hold Raleigh, and the road back, with 
spare force to follow by an intermediate route. 

By the 15th of April, though the rains were incessant and the roads 
almost impracticajble, Major-General Slocum had Davis's (fourteenth) corps 
near Martha^s Vineyard, with a pontoon bridge laid across Cape Fear 
river at Avon's ferry, and Mower's (twentieth) corps in support ; and 
Major-General Howard had Logan's (fifteenth) and Blair's (seventeenth) 
corps stretched out on the roads toward Pittsboro ; while General Kil- 
patrick held Durham's station and Chapel Hill University. Johnston's 



966 



THE CIVIL WAR IX THE UNITED STATES. 



army was retreating rapidly ou tlie roads from Hillsboro to Greensboro, 
he himself being at Greensboro. 

On the 14th of April, after all these dispositions for an advance had 
been completed, General Sherman received a communication from Gen- 
eral Johnston, by a flag of truce, requesting an armistice, and a statement 
of the best terms on which he could be permitted to surrender the army 
under his command. General Sherman replied, saying that he was fully 
empowered to arrange with him any terms for the suspension of hostili- 
ties, as between the armies commanded by General Johnston and himself, 
and was willing to confer with him to that end. lie continued : " That 
a basis of action may be had, I undertake to abide by the same terms and 
conditions entered into by Generals Grant and Lee, at Appomattox Court 
House, Virginia, on the 9th instant." 

While this communication made it probable that the intended advance 
of the army would not be necessary. General Sherman deemed it best to 
retain the troops in the attitude of readiness to move, in case the negotia- 
tion should prove fruitless. At the same time, he wrote to General Grant, 
inclosing copies of his correspondence with Johnston, and informing him 
that he had invited Governor Vance to return to Ealeigli, with the civil 
officers of the State. 

Owing to delay in the transmission of General Sherman's letter. Gen 
eral Johnston did not receive it until the morning of the 16th, when he 
replied immediately, asking an interview at Durham's station, to arrange 
terms of capitulation. Sherman accorded the interview desired, naming 
twelve o'clock M. of the 17th of April, as the time. At this meeting, 
General Johnston acknowledged that the terms offered by General Sher- 
man (the same accorded by General Grant to General Lee) were both 
fair and liberal, but asked the consideration of additional facts. lie sug- 
gested that the treaty between Generals Grant and Lee had reference to 
a part only of the Confederate forces, whereas he proposed to conclude 
an agreement which should comprise all the remaining armies of the 
Confederacy, and that thus the war should be ended. He admitted, 
frankly and candidly, that there was no longer any ground for hope of 
success on the part of the Confederacy ; that the cause was lost ; and that 
this admission included slavery, state rights, and every other claim for 
which the war had been inaugurated. And now, he desired the frag- 
ments of the Confederate armies to preserve their company and regimental 
organizations, and that they should be marched to the States where they 
belonged in such order, that they might not be broken up into predatory 
bands, to overrun the country, and vex the inhabitants ; and he argued 
that this was a favorable occasion to inaugurate the beginning of a period 
of peace and good will between all the people destined to live under the 
same government. General Sherman, while recognizing the honorable 
motives of General Johnston, raised two questions in regard to any such 



DISPOSITIONS TO COMPEL JOHNSTON TO SURRENDER. 96t 

agreement — one, of doubt, whether General Johnston had the power to 
make a treaty which would be acknowledged as binding by the other 
commanders of Rebel armies ; the other, in regard to his own power to 
bind the Government of the United States to such terms. General John- 
ston, in reply, offered to satisfy General Sherman in regard to his own 
powers in the matter in question, and quoted President Lincoln's repeated 
oft'ers to negotiate a peace with any person or persons who could control 
the Rebel armies. Finally, the convention was adjourned to the next day 
at twelve o'clock, at the same place. 

Meanwhile, the intelligence of the assassination of President Lincoln 
had been received at Sherman's headquarters, and was announced to the 
troops, in whose minds it produced the most intense distress and bitter- 
ness. Still, General Sherman felt that this sad event only rendered the 
surrender of the Rebel armies and the entire cessation of hostilities more 
necessary and desirable, and in this view his army commanders coincided. 
The interview which he had had with the President about three weeks 
previous, and the earnestness with which he had urged the cessation of 
hostilities, at the earliest moment when the Rebels should be prepared to 
lay down their arms, had deeply impressed the general. He knew that 
President Lincoln had sanctioned an order recalling the Virginia legisla- 
ture to Richmond, but had not learned that that order was subsequently 
revoked. 

On the 18th of April, the negotiations were renewed ; the Rebel Gene- 
ral Breckinridge, who had been latterly Secretary of War in the Rebel 
Government, while it lasted, was present, by consent, and approved of the 
propositions drawn up by the two parties. These propositions, which 
were only to be binding on the approval of the principals on either side, 
were as follows : 

" Memorandum, or basis of agreement, made this, the 18th day of April, 
A. D. 1865, near Durham's station, in the State of North Carolina, by and 
between General Joseph E.Johnston, commanding the Confederate Army, 
and Major-General William T. Sherman, commanding the Army of the 
United States, both present. 

" I. The contending armies now in the field to maintain the status quo 
until notice is given by the commanding general of either one to his 
opponent, and reasonable time, say forty-eight hours, allowed. 

"II. The Confederate armies now in existence to be disbanded, and 
conducted to their several State capitals, there to deposit their arms and 
public property in the State Arsenal ; and each officer and man to execute 
and file an agreement to cease from acts of war, and to abide the action of 
both §tate and Federal authorities. The number of arms and munitions 
of war to be reported to the Chief of Ordnance at Washington City, sub- 
ject to the future action of the Congress of the United States, and in the 



968 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



meantime to be used solely to maintain peace and order within the borders 
of the States respectively. 

"III. The recognition, by the Executive of the United States, of the 
several State governments, on their officers and legislatures taking the 
oath prescribed by the Constitution of the United States; and where 
conflicting State governments have resulted from the war, the legitimacy 
of all shall be submitted to the Supreme Court of the United States. 

" IV. The re-establishment of all Federal courts in the several States, 
with powers as defined by the Constitution and laws of Congress. 

" V. The people and inhabitants of all States to be guaranteed, so far as 
the Executive can, their political rights and franchise, as well as their 
rights of person and property, as defined by the Constitution of the United 
States, and of the States respectively. 

" VI. The Executive authority of the Government of the United States 
not to disturb any of the people by reason of the late war, so long as they 
live in peace and quiet, abstain from acts of armed hostility, and obey laws 
in existence at the place of tlieir residence. 

" VII. In general terms, it is announced that war is to cease ; a general 
amnesty, so far as the Executive of the United States can command, on 
condition of the disbandment of the Confederate armies, the distribution 
of arms, and the resumption of peaceful pursuits by officers and men 
hitherto composing the said armies. 

" Not being fully empowered by our respective principals to fulfil these 
terms, we individually and officially pledge ourselves to promptly obtain 
authority, and will endeavor to carry out the above programme. 

"W. T. Sherman, Major- General, 
"Commanding the Arviy of the United States in North Carolina. 

"J. E. Johnston, General, 
^'Commanding Confederate States Army in North Carolina." 



The same evening. Major Hitchcock, of General Sherman's staft", started 
for Washington with despatches to the President, submitting the above 
terms to his consideration. They were received at a cabinet meeting held 
on the evening of the 21st of April, General Grant being present, and 
were at once repudiated ; the feeling of the Government, as well as of the 
higher army officers, being, at that time, wholly adverse to the making of 
any concessions to the Kebels while the nation was thus racked with 
anguish at the loss of the President. At any other time, they might have 
been received with greater favor ; for though they were drawn too 
loosely, and placed too much dependence upon the good faith of the Rebel 
officers, comparatively few of whom were worthy of confidence, while they, 
rather by accident than design, left the subject of slavery untouched, they 
were not amenable to the severe animadversions bestowed upon tliem by 
Secretary Stanton in his published reasons for disregarding the truce. 



JOHNSTON SURRENDERS ON SAME TERMS AS LEE. 9G9 

General Grant volunteered to go to Ealeigh, bearing the despatch com- 
iHunicating their rejection, which was as follows: 

" War Department, Washington Citv, April 2lst, 1865. 

" General : — The memorandum or basis agreed upon between 
General Sherman and General Johnston having been submitted to the 
President, is disapproved. You will give notice of the disapproval to 
General Sherman, and direct him to resume hostilities at the earliest 
moment. 

" The instructions given to you by the late President, Abraham Lin- 
coln, on the 3d of March, by my telegram, of that date, addressed to you, 
express substantially the views of President Andrew Johnson, and will be 
observed by General Sherman. A copy is herewith appended. 

"The President desires that you proceed immediately to the headquar- 
ters of General Sherman, and direct operations against the enemy. 

" Yours truly, 

" Edwin M. Stanton, Secretary of War. 
" To Lieutenant-Geneeal Grant." 

General Sherman — by Avhose dictation, or with whose assent, they had 
been framed, in accordance with a presumed purpose of the lately mur- 
dered President — received the order of disapproval with commendable 
good grace. There was no hesitancy, no murmuring, nor any expression 
of dissatisfaction. 

The despatches of Secretary Stanton were received on the morning of 
the 24th of April, General Grant having sent them on in advance of his 
own arrival. General Sherman instantly gave notice to General Johnston, 
as follows : 

" You will take notice that the truce or suspension of hostilities agreed 
to between us, on the 18th inst., will close in forty-eight hours after this 
is received at your lines." 

At the same time, he wrote to General Johnston : 

"I have replies from Washington to my communications of the 18th. 
I am instructed to limit my operations to your immediate command, and 
not attempt civil negotiations. I therefore demand the surrender of your 
army, on the same terms as were given to General Lee, at Appomattox, 
Virginia, on the 9th April instant, purely and simply." 

Within an hour after the reception of General Grant's despatch, a 
courier was riding with all haste toward Durham's station, with this 
notice and demand for General Johnston. Immediately on the return of 
the messenger, General Sherman issued orders to his troops terminatino- 
the truce on the 26th, at twelve o'clock, m., and ordered all to be in readi- 
ness to march at that time, on routes previously prescribed, in his special 
field orders of April 14th. These dispositions were already made wheu 



9T0 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

General Grant arrived at Raleigh. He then informed General Sherman 
that he had orders from the President to direct all military movements, 
and General Sherman explained to him the exact position of the troops. 
General Grant was so well satisfied with his arrangements that he decided 
at once not to interfere with them, but to leave their execution in the 
hands of General Sherman. 

As for General Johnston, he was powerless; in his rear and on his 
right flank was Stoneman, with a cavalry force, who had destroyed tlie 
railroad betwen his position and Charlotte, and in front was Sherman's 
army. He could neither fight nor retreat; and it is but fair to say, that 
whatever of sinister intent there may have been on the part of Breckin- 
ridge, in the suggestion of the pliraseology of the "memorandum," Gene- 
ral Johnston stands full}' exonerated from any intention of a wrong or 
dishonorable purpose ; and in the whole matter of surrender, as well as 
subsequently, he showed himself an upright and honorable man. By the 
rejection of the " memorandum," he was placed in a position in which he 
must either disperse his army, or surrender it on the terms proposed. On 
the 2uth of April, he invited General Sherman to another conference with 
a view to surrender. It was now the province of General Grant to take 
the lead in the negotiations, but he preferred that the entire business 
should be consummated by General Sherman. At his suggestion, General 
Sherman accorded General Johnston another interview at twelve M. on the 
26tli, the time designated for the termination of the truce. At this con- 
ference, final terms were soon concluded, and the second great army of 
the Rebels was surrendered to the power of the United States upon the 
following terms : 

" Terms of a military convention entered into this twenty-sixth day of 
April, 1865, at Bennett's house, near Durham's station, North Carolina, 
between General Joseph E. Johnston, commanding the Confederate army, 
and Major-General W. T. Sherman, commanding the United States army 
in North Carolina. 

" All acts of war on the part of the troops under General Johnston's 
command, to cease from this date. All arms and public property to be 
deposited at Greensboro, and delivered to an ordnance officer of the 
United States army. Rolls of all officers and men to be made in duplicate, 
one copy to be retainetl by the commander of the troops, and the other to 
be given to an officer to be designated by General Sherman. Each officer 
and man to give his individual obligation, in writing, not to take up arms 
against the Government of the United States until properly released from 
this obligation. The side-arms of officers and their private horses and 
baggage to be retained by them. 

" This being done, all the officers and men will be permitted to return 
to their homes, not to be disturbed by the United States authorities so 



GENERAL STONEMAN'S EXPEDITION. 9T1 

long as they observe their obligations and the laws ia force where they 
may reside. 

" W. T. Sherman, Major- General, 
" Commanding the Army of the United Stales in North Carolina. 

" J. E. Johnston, General, 
" Commanding Confederate States Army in North Carolina. 
"Approved. U. S. Guaj^t, Lieutenant- General. 
" Raleigh, N. C, Ajyril 26, 1865." 

While the paroling of the Rebel troops was going on. General Sherman, 
leaving the command of the Union army in the hands of General Scho- 
field, made a flying visit- to Hilton Head and Savannah, to direct matters 
iu tlie interior of South Carolina and Georgia. While at Savannah, he 
sent supplies to Augusta for General Wilson's cavalry force and perma- 
nent garrisons to that place and Orangeburg, South Carolina. About 
twenty millions of dollars' worth of property was surrendered to the 
Union forces at Augusta. 

Before leaving Raleigh, he had issued his special field orders pro- 
viding for the future disposition of the vast army under his command. 
The tenth and twenty-third corps were to remain in North Carolina, and 
Kilpatrick's cavalry division also ; while the two brigades of Grover's 
division were to be sent back to the department of the South. General 
Stoneman's cavalry were to return to East Tennessee, and Wilson's, then 
in Georgia, to the Tennessee river, in the vicinity of Decatur, Alabama. 
General Howard's army of the Tennessee was to march for Richmond by 
way of Lewisburg, and Warrenton, North Carolina, and Petersburg. 
General Slocum's ami}'' of Georgia, to the same point, by way of Oxford, 
Boydton, and Nottoway Court House. From Richmond, after General 
Sherman's return from the South, these two armies marched to Washing- 
ton, where they were reviewed on the 24th of May, and on the 30th of 
May, General Sherman took leave of his army in a very touching fare- 
well order, and it was soon after disbanded, except a few brigades. 

We turn now to the movements of the other troops in General 
Sherman's military division of the Mississippi, not under his immediate 
command. • 

The expedition under General Stoneman, from East Tennessee, which 
General Grant had directed General Thomas to send out, in his order of 
January 31st, did not get off until the 20th of March, moving by way of 
Boone, North Carolina, and struck the railroad at Wytheville, Chambers- 
burg, and Big Lick. The force striking it at Big Lick, pushed on to 
within a few miles of Lynchburg, destroying the important bridges, while 
with the main force he effectually destroyed it between New river and 
Big Lick, and then turned for Greensboro on the North Carolina rail- 
road ; struck that road and destroyed the bridges between Danville and 



972 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Greensboro and between Greensboro and tbe Yadkin, together with the 
depots and supplies along it, and captured four hundred prisoners. At 
Salisbury he attacked and defeated a force of the enemy under General 
Gardiner, capturing fourteen pieces of artillery and one thousand three 
hundred and sixty-four prisoners, and burned large amounts of army 
stores. At this place he destroyed fifteen miles of railroad and the 
bridges toward Charlotte. Thence he moved toward Slatersville, and 
after Johnston's surrender returned, by General Sherman's order, to East 
Tennessee. 

Soon after General Sherman commenced his march from Atlanta, two 
expeditions, one from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and one from Vicksburg, 
Mississippi, were started by General Canby, to^cut the enemy's line of 
communication with Mobile and detain troops in that field. The expedi- 
tion from Vicksburg, under command of brevet Brigadier-General E. D. 
Osband (Colonel Third United States colored cavalry), captured, on the 
27th of November, and destroyed the Mis.sissippi Central Railroad bridge 
and trestle-work over Big Black river, near Canton, thirty miles of the 
road and two locomotives, besides large amounts of stores. The expedi- 
tion from Baton Rouge was without favorable results. 

General Canby, who had been directed, in January, 1865, to make 
preparations for a movement from Mobile bay against Mobile and the 
interior of Alabama, commenced his movement on the 20th of March, 
1865. The sixteenth corps, Major-Genoral A. J. Smith commanding, 
moved from Fort Gaines by water to Fish river ; the thirteenth corps, 
under Major-Gcneral Gordon Granger, moved from Fort Morgan and 
joined the sixteenth corps on Fish river, both moving thence on Spanish 
Fort and investing it on the 27th ; while Major-General Steele's command 
moved from Pensacola, cut the railroad leading from Tensas to Mont- 
gomery, effected a junction with them, and partialh'^ invested Fort 
Blakely. After a severe bombardment of Spanish Fort, a part of its line 
was carried on the 8th of April. During tlie night the eneni}' evacuated 
the fort. Fort Blakely was carried by assault on the 9th, and over three 
thousand prisoners captured ; the Union loss was nearly one thousand. 
These successes practically opened to them the Alabama river, and 
enabled them to approach Mobile from the north. On the night of the 
11th the city was evacuated, and was taken possession of by the Union 
forces on the morning of the 12th of April. 

The entire loss of the Rebels in this siege was over two thousand in 
killed and wounded, and four thousand prisoners, about one hundred and 
eighty guns, numerous battle-flags, and large quantities of ammunition 
and supplies, most of which, however, were destroyed soon after by an 
incendiary fire which reduced one third of the city to ruins. The Union 
loss was about twenty-five hundred in killed and wounded ; and the tor- 
pedoes in the bay caused the destruction of eight vessels in all, two of 



WILSON'S CAVALEY EXPEDITION. 913 

them iron-clads, one a light armored vessel, called at the West, a "tio- 
clad," and the remainder tugs and transports. The Rebel iron-clads and 
gunboats fled up the Tombigbee river, pursued bj the Octorara and 
Winnebago, and those of them not previously destroyed were surrendered, 
together with the rest of the Rebel navy in the waters of Alabama, to the 
Union squadron under Admiral Thatcher, at Nanna Hubba Bluff, on the 
Tombigbee, on the 9th of May. 

On the 19th of April, an officer of the Eebel Genei'al Richard Taylor, 
who commanded the Rebel troops between the Chattahoochie a«d the 
Mississippi, arrived at General Canby's headquarters, with a flag of truce, 
to arrange for the surrender of his army. The negotiations were pro 
tracted, for some cause, until the ith of May, when the surrender took 
place at Gitronelle, Alabama. About twenty thousand troops were sur- 
rendered and paroled by this capitulation. Forrest's, Jeff". Thompson's, 
Sam Jones's, and all the other regular and irregular Rebel commands, 
east of the Mississippi, came in, and were paroled within a few days from 
this time. 

The cavalry expedition of brevet Major-General Wilson, which, at 
General Grant's direction. General Thomas had sent southward, into Ala- 
bama and Georgia, played an important part in the closing scenes of the 
war. Among the many brilliant exploits of that arm of the service, there 
is none more remarkable for daring, skill, or admirable management, than 
this. For the first time in modern history, a cavalry force unaccompanied 
by infantry, and with only light artillery, attacked and carried strongly 
fortified towns, defended by large garrisons. 

The narrative of General Wilson is so full of interest, that we give 
portions of it, as describing more clearly and hajjpily than can be done 
otherwise, some of the incidents of this remarkable expedition. The force 
with which he began the march, it should be remarked, was about thirteen 
thousand five hundred men, of whom fifteen hundred were dismounted, 
and a part of the others but indifferently mounted ; though all, except a 
few hundred, were armed with the formidable Spencer carbine, and had a 
supply of the fixed metallic cartridges. A light, canvas pontoon train, 
of thirty boats, with fixtures complete, accompanied the expedition, and 
the entire train numbered about two hundred and fifty wagons. 

" At daylight, on the 22d of March, all the preliminary arrangements 
having been perfected, and the order of march having been designated, 
the movement began. 

" The entire valley of the Tennessee, having been devastated by two 
years of warfare, was quite as destitute of army supplies as the hill coun- 
try south of it. In all directions, for one hundred and twenty miles, there 
was almost absolute destitution. It was therefore necessary to scatter the 
troops over a wide extent of country, and march as rapidly as circum- 
stances would permit. This was rendered safe by the fact that Forrest's 



974 THE Cn^IL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

forces were, at that time, near West Point, Mississippi, one hundred and 
fifty miles southwest of Eastport, while Roddy's occupied Montevallo, on 
the Alabama and Tennessee river railroad, nearly the same distance to the 
southeast. By starting on diverging roads, the enemy was left in doubt 
as to our real object, and compelled to watch equally Columbus, Tusca- 
loosa, and Selma. 

" Upton's division, followed by his train, marched rapidly by the most 
easterly route, passing by Barton's station, Tbrogmorton's mills, Eussell- 
ville, Mount Hope, and Jasper, to Sanders's ferry, on the west fork of -the 
Black Warrior river. 

" Long's division marched by the way of Cherokee station and Frank- 
fort ; but being encumbered by the pontoon train, and having mistaken 
the road by which it should have ascended the mountain, was considerably 
delayed in reaching Russellville. From this place, it marched directly 
south, by the Tuscaloosa road, till it crossed Upper Bear creek; thence 
turned to the eastward by the head of Buttahatchie creek, crossed Byler's 
road near Thorn hill, and struck Blackwater creek, about twenty-five 
miles from Jasper. The crossing of the last mentioned stream, and the 
road for six miles beyond; were as bad as could be, but, by industry, 
every thing was forced through to Jasper, and the lord on the Warrior, 
with but little loss of time. 

" M'Cook's division pursued the same route to Bear creek on the Tusca- 
loosa road, but instead of turning to the eastward at that place, continued 
the march toward Tuscaloosa as far as Eldridge, and thence east to 
Jasper. 

" In this order, the diflerent divisions arrived at and crossed the two 
forks of the Black Warrior river. 

" The ford on the west branch was extremely difficult of approach, as 
well as of passage. The country on both sides, very rugged and six or 
seven hundred feet above the bed of the stream, was entirely destitute of 
forage ; the stream itself was at the time likely to become entirely im- 
passable by the rain which threatened to occur at any moment. I had 
also heard at Jasper, on the 27th, that a part of Forrest's force, under 
Clialmers, was marching by the way of Bridgeville toward Tuscaloosa, and 
knew that if the true direction of our movement had been discovered, it 
would be but a short time till the balance of the Rebel cavalry would 
push in the same direction. I therefore directed my division commanders 
to replenish the haversacks, see that the pack animals were fully laden, to 
leave all the wagons except the artillery, and march with the greatest 
pos.sible rapidity, via Elyton, to Montevallo. I felt confident that the 
enemy would not relinqui-sh his efforts to check the movement of the troops 
in the hope of destroying our supply train. I therefore left it between 
the two streams, with instructions to push on as far as Elyton, where it 
would receive further orders. By great energy on the part of command- 



CAPTtJRE OP MONTEVALLO AND RANDOLPH. 975 

ing officers the two branches of the Warrior were crossed, each division 
losing a few horses but no men. 

" At Eljton, on the evening of the 30th, I directed General McCook 
to detach Croxton's brigade, with orders to move on Tuscaloosa as rapidly 
as possible, burn the public stores, military school, bridges, foundries and 
factories at that place, return toward the main column by the way of the 
Centreville road, and rejoin it at or in the vicinity of Selnia. Beside 
covering our trains and inflicting a heavy blow upon the enemy, I hoped 
by this detachment to develop any movement on his part intended to in- 
tercept my main column. 

"General Upton's division encountered a few Rebel cavalry at Ely ton, 
but pushed them rapidly across the Cahawba river to Montevallo. The 
Rebels having felled trees into the ford and otherwise obstructed it, the 
railroad bridge near Hillsboro was floored over by General Winslow. 
General Upton crossed his division and pushed on rapidly to Montevallo, 
where he arrived late on the evening of the 30th. Long and McCook 
marched by the same route. In this region General Upton's division 
destroyed the Red Mountain, Central, Bibb and Columbiana iron works, 
Cahawba rolling mill, five collieries, ami much valuable property. All 
of these establishments were of great extent and in full operation. I 
arrived at Montevallo on the afternoon of March 31st, where I found 
Upton's division ready to resume the march. Directly after, the enemy 
made his appearance on the Selma road. By my direction General Upton 
moved his division out at once, General Alexander's brigade in advance. 
After a sharp fight and a handsome charge. General Alexander drove the 
Rebel cavalry, a part of Crossland's Kentucky brigade and Roddy's 
division, rapidly and in great confusion toward Randolph. The enemy 
endeavoring to make a stand at a creek foi;r or five miles south of Mon- 
tevallo, General Upton placed in position and opened fire, Rodney's bat- 
tery I, fourth United States artillery, and pushing Winslow's brigade to 
the front, they again beat a hasty retreat, closely pursued and repeatedly 
charged by Winslow's advance. About fifty prisoners were taken, 
with their arms and accoutrements, and much other loose materials were 
abandoned. The gallantry of men and officers had been most conspicuous 
throughout the day, and had resulted already in the establishment of a 
moral supremacy for the corps. 

" Upton's division bivouacked fourteen miles south of Montevallo, and 
at dawn of the next day, April 1st, pushed forward to Randolph. At 
this point, in pursuance of the order of march for the day, General tFpton 
turned to the east for the purpose of going by the way of old Maplesville, 
and thepce by the old Selma road, while General Long was instructed to 
push forward on the new road. 

"At Randolph, General Upton captured a Rebel courier just from Cen- 
treville, and from his person took two despatches,^ one from Brigadier- 



976 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



General W. H. Jackson, commanding one of Forrest's divisions, and one 
from Major Anderson, Forrest's chief of stafl'. From tbe first, I learned 
that Forrest, with a part of his command, was in my front ; this had also 
been obtained from prisoners ; that Jackson, with his division, and all tlie 
wagons and artillery of the Rebel cavalry, marching from Tuscaloosa, via 
Trion, toward Centreville, bad encamped the night before at Hill's plan- 
tation, three miles beyond Scottsboro; that Croxton, with the brigade 
detached at Elytown, had struck Jackson's rear-guard at Trion, and inter- 
posed himself between it and the train; that Jackson had discovered this, 
and intended to attack Croxton at daylight, Aj)ril 1st. I learned from the 
other despatch that Chalmers had also arrived at Marion, Alabama, and 
had been ordered to cross to the east side of the Cahawba, near that place, 
for the purpose of joining Forrest in my front, or in the works at Selma. 
I also learned that a force of dismounted men were stationed at Centre- 
ville, with orders to hold the bridge over the Cahawba, at that place, as 
long as possible, and in no event let it fall into our hands. 

'•■ Shortlj'' after the interception of these despatches, I received a despatch 
froua Croxton, written from Trion the night before, informing me that he 
had struck Jackson's rear, and instead of pushing on toward Tuscaloosa, 
as he was ordered, he would follow, and endeavor to bring him to an en- 
gagement, hoping thereby to prevent his junction with Forrest. 

" With this information in my possession, I directed McCook to strengthen 
the battalion previously ordered to Centreville by a regiment, and to fol- 
low at once with La Grange's entire brigade, leaving all pac^k trains and 
wagons with the main column, so that he could march with the utmost 
possible celerity ; and after seizing the Centreville bridge, and leaving it 
under protection of a sufficient guard, to cross the Cahawba, and continue 
his march, by the Scottsboro road, toward Trion. Ilis orders were to 
attack and break up Jackson's forces, form a junction with Croxton, if 
practicable, and rejoin the corps, with his entire division, by the Centre- 
ville road to Selma. Although he did not leave Randolph till near eleven 
o'clock A. M., and the distance to Scottsville was nearly- forty miles, I 
hoped, by this movement, to do more than secure the Centreville bridge, 
and prevent Jackson from joining the force in front of tlie main column. 

"Having thus taken care of the right flank, and anticipated Forrest in 
his intention to play his old game of getting upon the rear of his opjionent, 
I gave directions to Long and Upton to allow him no rest, but push him 
toward Selma with the utmost spirit and rapidity. These officers compre- 
hended tlie situation, pressed forward and with admirable Zealand activity 
upon the roads which have previously been indicated. The advance of 
both divisions encountered small parties of the enemy, but drove them 
back to tiieir main force at Ebenezer church, six miles north of Planters- 
ville. Forrest had chosen a position on the north bank of Bogler's creek, 
and disposed of his force for battle, his right resting on Mulberry creek, 



CROXTON'S SEPARATE EXPEDITION. 9Tt 

and his left on a liigh wooded ridge, with four pieces of artillery to sweep 
the Eandolph road, upon which Long's division was advancing, and two 
on the Maplesville road. He had under his command, in line, Armstrong's 
brigade of Chalmers's division, Roddy's division, Crossland's Kentucky 
brigade, and a battalion of three hundred infantry, just arrived from Selma, 
in all about five thousand men. Part of his front was covered by a slash- 
ing of pine trees and rail barricades. 

"As soon as General Long discovered the enemy in'strength close upon 
the main body, he reinforced his advance-guard (a battalion of the seventy- 
second Indiana mounted infantry) by the balance of the regiment, dis- 
mounted, and formed it on the left of the road. Pushing it forward, the 
enemy was broken and driven back. At this juncture he ordered for- 
ward four companies of the seventeenth Indiana mounted infantry, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Frank White commanding. With drawn sabres this 
gallant battalion drove the enemy in confusion into the main line, dashed 
against that, broke through it, rode over the Eebel guns, crushing the 
wheels of one piece, and finally turned to the left, and cut its way out, 
leaving one officer and sixteen men in the enemy's hands, either killed or 
wounded. In this charge. Captain Taylor, seventeenth Indiana, lost his 
life, after having led his men into the very midst of the enemy, and en- 
gaged in a running fight of two hundred 3^ards with Forrest in person. 

" General Alexander's brigade had the advance of Upton's division, and 
when within three miles of Ebenezer church, heard the firing and cheers 
of Long's men on the right, pushed forward at the trot, and soon came 
upon the enemy. General Alexander hastily deployed his brigade, mostly 
on the right of the road, with the intention of connecting with Long's left, 
and as soon as every thing was in readiness, pushed forward his line, dis- 
mounted. In less than an hour, although the resistance was determined,' 
the position was carried by a gallant charge, and the enemy completely 
- routed. Alexander's brigade captured two guns and about two hundred 
prisoners, while one gun fell into the hands of General Long's division. 

" Winslow's brigade immediately passed to the front and took up the ■ 
pursuit, but could not again bring the Rebels to.a stand. 

"The whole corps bivouacked at sundown about Plantersville, nineteen 
miles from Selma. With almost constant fighting, the enemy had been 
driven since morning twenty-four miles. 

" At daylight of the 2d, Long's division took the advance, closely fol- 
lowed by Upton's. Having obtained a well-drawn sketch and complete 
description of the defences of Selma, I directed General Long, marching 
by the flanks of brigades, to approach the city, and cross to the Summers- 
ville road, without exposing his men, and to develop his line as soon as 
he should arrive in front of the works. General Upton was directed to 
move on the Range Line road, sending a squadron on the Burnsville road. 
Lieutenant Rendelbrook, with a battalion of the fourth United States 
62 



978 'I'HK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

cavalry, was instructed to move down the railroad, burning stations, 
bridges, and trestle works, as far as Burnsville. By rapid marching, 
without opposition, the troops were all in. sight of the town, and mostly 
in position, by four p. m. 

" As I approached the city, I perceived that my information was gene- 
rally correct ; 1 therefore made a reconnoissance of the works, from left 
to right, for the purpose of satisfying myself entirely as to the true point 
of attack, and the probable chances of success. I directed General Long 
to assault the enemy's works by moving diagonally across the road upon 
which his troops were posted, while General Upton, at his own request, 
with a picked force of three hundred men, was directed to penetrate the 
swamps upon his left, break through the line covered by it, and turn the 
enemy's right, the balance of his division to conform to the movement. 
The signal for the advance was to be the discharge of a single gun from 
Bodney's battery, to be given as soon as Upton's turning movement had 
developed itself. 

" Before this plan could be put into execution, and while waiting for the 
signal to advance. General Long was informed that a strong force of Eebel 
cavalry had begun skirmishing with his rear, and threatened a general 
attack upon his pack train and led horses. He had left a force of six 
companies, well posted, at the creek, in anticipation of this movement, 
afterward ascertained to have been made by Chalmers, in obedience to the 
instructions of Forrest. This force was at Marion the day before, and 
was expected on the road from that place. Fearing that tliis affair might 
compromise our assault upon the main position. General Long (having 
already strengthened the rear by another regiment), with admirable judg- 
ment, determined to make the assault at once ; and, without waiting for 
the signal, gave the order to advance. The troops dismounted, sprang 
forward with confident alacrity, and in less than fifteen minutes, without 
ever stopping, wavering, or faltering, had swept over the works, and driven 
the Rebels in confusion toward the city. I arrived on that part of the 
field just after the works were carried, at once notified General Upton of 
the success, and ordered him to push on as rapidly as possible, directing 
Colonel Minty (now in command of the second division) to gather his men 
for a new advance ; ordered Colonel Vail, commanding the seventeenth 
Indiana, to place his own regiment, and the fourth United States cavalry, 
Lieutenant O'Connel, and the Board of Trade battery. Captain Robinson 
commanding, and renewed the attack. The Rebels had occupied a new 
line, but partially finished, on the edge of the city. A most gallant 
charge, by the fourth United States cavalry, was repulsed, but rapidly 
reformed on the left. It was now quite dark. Upton's division advanc- 
ing at the same- time, a new charge was made by the fourth Ohio, seven- 
teenth Indiana, and fourth cavalry, dismounted. The troops, inspired by 
the wildest enthusiasm, swept every thing before them, and penetrated 



THE BATTLE AND CAPTURE OF SELMA. / 979 

the city in all directions. During the first part of the action, the Chicago 
Board of Trade battery had occupied a commanding position, and steadily 
replied to the enemy's guns. 

" I regard the capture of Selma as the most remarkable achievement in 
the history of modern cavalry, and one admirably illustrative of its new 
powers and tendencies. That it may be fully understood, particular 
attention is invited to the following facts : 

" The fortifications assaulted and carried, consist of a bastioned line, on 
a radius of nearly three miles, extending from the Alabama river below 
to the same above the citj'-. The part west of the city is covered by a 
miry, deep, and almost impassable creek; that on the east side, by a 
swamp, extending from the river almost to the Summerville road, and 
entirely impracticable for mounted men at all times. General Upton 
ascertained, by a personal reconnoissance, that dismounted men might, with 
great difficulty, work through it on the left of the Eange Line road. The 
profile of that part of the line assaulted is as follows : height of parapet, 
six to eight feet ; thickness, eight feet ; depth of ditch, five feet ; widtli 
from ten to fifteen feet ; height of stockade on the glacis, five feet ; svink 
into the earth, four feet. The ground over which the troops advanced is 
an open field, generally level, sloping slightly toward the works, but 
intersected by one ravine, and marshy soil, which both the right and left 
of Long's line experienced some difficulty in crossing. The distance 
which the troops charged, exposed to the enemy's fire of artillery and 
musketry, was six hundred yards. Particular attention is invited to that 
part of General Long's report which describes the assault. He states that 
the number engaged in the charge was one thousand five hundred and 
fifty officers and men. The portion of the line assaulted was manned by 
Armstrong's brigade, regarded as the best in Forrest's corps, and reported, 
by him at more than one thousand five hundred men. The loss from 
Long's division was forty killed, two hundred wounded, and seven miss- 
ing. General Long was wounded in the head, Colonels Miller and 
McCormick in the leg, and Colonel Briggs in the breast. 

" The immediate fruits of our victory were thirty -one field guns and 
one thirty pounder Parrott, which had been used against us ; two thou- 
sand seven hundred prisoners, including one hundred and fifty officers ; 
a number of colors, and immense quantities of stores of every kind. 
Generals Forrest, Armstrong, Rodd}' and Adams escaped, with a number 
of men, under cover of darkness, either by the Burnsville and river road, 
or by swimming the Alabama river. A portion of Upton's division 
pursued on the Burnsville road until long after midnight, capturing four 
guns and many prisoners. I estimate the entire garrison, including the 
militia of the city and surrounding country, at seven thousand men. The 
entire force under my command, engaged and in supporting distance, was 
nine thousand men and eight guns. 



980 



TIfK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



"As soon as the troops could be assembled and got into camp, I assigned 
brevet Brigadier-General Winslow to the command of the city, with 
orders to destroy every thing that could possibly benefit the Rebel cause. 
I directed General Upton to march at daylight, with his division, for the 
purpose of driving Chalmers to the west side of the Cahawba, to open 
communication with McCook, expected from Centreville, and, in conjunc- 
tion with the latter, bring in the train. 

" The capture of Selma having put us in possession of the enemy's 
greatest depot in the southwest, was a vital blow to their cause, and 
secured to us tlie certainty of going in whatever direction might be found 
most advantageous. I gave directions to Lieutenant Heywood, fourth 
Michigan cavalry, engineer oflScer on my staft; to employ all the resources 
of the shops in the city in the construction of pontoons, with the intention 
of laying a bridge, and cro.s.sing to the south side of the Alabama river, 
as soon as I could satisfy myself in regard to General Canby's success in 
the operations against Mobile. On April 5th, Upton and McCook arrived 
with the train, but nothing definite had been heard of Croxton. McCook 
had been entirely successful in his operations against Centreville, but on 
reaching Scottsboro, he found Jackson well posted, with a force he thought 
too strong to attack. After a sharp skirmish he retired to Centreville, 
burned the Scottsboro cotton factory and Cahawba bridge, and returned 
toward Selma, satisfied that Croxton had taken care of himself and gone 
in a new direction. 

" On tlie 6th of April, having ordered Major Hubbard to lay a bridge 
over the Alabama with the utmost despatch, I went to Cahawba to see 
General Forrest, who had agreed to meet me there, under a flag of truce, 
for the purpose of arranging an exchange of prisoners. I was not long 
in discovering that I need not expect liberality in this matter, and that 
Forrest hoped to recapture the men of his command in m}-- pos.session. 
During our conversation, he informed me that Croxton had had an en- 
gagement with Wirt Adams, near Bridgeville, forty miles southwest of 
Tuscaloosa, two days before. Thus assured of Croxton's success and 
safety, I determined to lose no further time in crossing to the south side 
of the Alabama. I had also satisfied myself, in the meantime, that 
Canby had an ample force to take Mobile and march to central Alabama. 
I therefore returned to Selma, and urged every one to the utmost exer- 
tions. The river was quite full and rising, the weather unsettled and 
rainy ; but by the greatest exertion, night and day, on the part of Major 
Hubbard and his battalion. General Upton, General Alexander, and my 
own stafl) the bridge, eight hundred and seventy feet long, was constructed, 
and the command all crossed by daylight of the 10th. So swift and deep 
was the river, that the bridge was swept away three times. General 
Alexander narrowly escaped with his life, boats were capsized, and men 
precipitated into the stream ; but the operations were finally determined 



BATTLE AT WEST POINT, GEORGIA. 981 

by complete success. Before leaving tlie city, General Winslow destroyed 
the arsenals, foundries, arms, stores, and military munitions of every kind. 
The enemy had previously burned twenty-five thousand bales of cotton. 

" Having the entire corps, except Croxton's brigade, on the south side 
of the river, and being satisfied that the Eebels could receive no advan- 
tage by attempting to again occ\ipy Selma, so thoroughly had every thing 
in it been destroyed, I determined to move by the way of Montgomery 
into Georgia, and after breaking up railroads and destroying stores and 
army supplies in that State, to march thence as rapidly as possible to the 
theatre of operations in North Carolina and Virginia. 

" Enough horses were secured at Selma, and on the march to that place, 
to mount all our dismounted men. In order to disencumber the column 
of every unnecessary impediment, I ordered the surplus wagons to be 
destroyed, and all of tlie bridge train except enough for twelve boats. 
The main object for which the latter was brought had been secured by 
our passage of the Alabama. 

"I also directed the column to be cleared of all contraband negroes, 
and such of the able-bodied ones as were able to enlist to be organized 
into regiments — one to each division. Efficient officers were assigned to 
these commands, and great pains taken to prevent their becoming bur- 
densome. How well they succeeded can be understood from the fact that, 
in addition to subsisting themselves upon the country, they marched 
(upon one occasion) forty -five miles, and frequently as much as thirty- 
five in one day. 

" In the march from Selma, La Grange's brigade, of McCook's division, 
was given the advance. The recent rains had rendered the roads quite 
muddy, and a small body of Eebel calvary, in falling back before La 
Grange, destroyed several bridges, so that our progress was necessarily 
slow. 

"At seven A. M., April 12th, the advance-guard reached Montgomery, and 
received the surrender of the city from the Mayor and Council. General 
Adams, with a small force, after falling back before us to the city, burned 
ninety thousand bales of cotton stored there, and continued his retreat to 
Mount Meigs, on the Columbus road. Five guns and large quantities of 
small arms, stores, &c., were left in our hands and destroyed. 

" General McCook assigned Colonel Cooper, fourth Kentucky cavalry, 
to the command of the city, and immediately began the destruction of the 
public stores. Major Weston, of the fourth Kentucky, with a small de- 
tachment of his regiment, made a rapid march toward Wetumpka, swam 
the Coosa and Tullapoosa rivers, and captured five steamboats and their 
cargoes, which were taken to Montgomery apd destroyed. Early on the 
14th the march was resumed. I instructed brevet Major-General Upton 
to move with his own division directly upon Columbus, and to order La 
Grange, with his brigade, to make a rapid movement upon West Point, 



982 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 



destroying the railroad bridges along the line of his march. I hoped to 
secure a crossing of the Chattahoochie at one or the other of these places. 

"Minty followed Upton by the way of Tuskegee. McCook, with a 
part of his division, remained a few hours at Montgomery, to complete 
the destruction of public stores. Shortly after leaving his camp near 
Montgomery, La Grange struck a force of Rebels under Buford and 
Clanton, but drove them in confusion, capturing about one hundred and 
fifty prisoners. 

"About two p. SI. of the 16th, General Upton's advance — a part of Alex- 
ander's brigade — struck the enemy's pickets on the road, and drove them 
rapidly through Girard to the lower bridge over the Chattahoochie at 
Columbus. The Rebels hastily set fire to it, and thereby prevented its 
capture. After securing a position on the lower Montgomery road, General 
Upton detached a force to push around to the bridge at the factory, three 
miles above the city. He then made a reconnoissance in person, and 
found the enemy strongly posted in a line of works covering all the 
bridges, with a large number of gun.= in position on both sides of the 
river. He had already determined to move Winslow's brigade to the 
Opelika of Summerville road, and assault the works on that side without 
waiting for the arrival of the second division. 

"I reached the head of Winslow's brigade of the fourth division at 
four o'clock, and found the troops marching to tlie position assigned them 
by General Upton. Through an accident, Winslow did not arrive at his 
position till after dark ; but General Upton prepared to make the assault 
in the night, and coinciding with him in judgment, I ordered the attack. 

"Three hundred men of the third Iowa cavalry. Colonel Noble com- 
manding, were dismounted ; and after a slight skirmish, moved forward, 
and formed across the road, under a heavy fire of artillery. The fourth 
Iowa and tenth Missouri were held in readiness to support the assaulting 
party. At half past eight p. M., just as the troops were ready, the enemy, 
at a short distance, opened a heavy fire of musketry, and with a four gun 
battery began throwing canister and grape. Generals Upton and Winslow 
in person directed the movement, the troops dashed forward, opened a 
withering fire from their Spencers, pushed thrjjugh a slashing abatis, 
and pressed the Rebel line back to their works, supposed, at first, to be the 
main line. During all this time the Rebel guns threw out a perfect storm 
of canister and grape, but without avail. 

" General Upton sent two companies of the tenth Missouri, Captain 
Glassen commanding, to follow up the success of the dismounted men and 
get possession of the bridge. They passed through the inner line of 
works, and under cover o£ darkness, before the Rebels knew it, "had 
reached the bridge leading into Columbus. 

" As soon as every thing could be got up to the position occupied by 
the dismounted men. General Upton pressed forward again, swept away 



LA GRANGE, GRIFFIN, AND FORSYTH CAPTURED. 983 

all opposition, took possession of the fort and railroad bridges, and 
stationed guards throughout the city. 

" Twelve hundred prisoners, fifty -two field guns in position for use 
against us, and large quantities of arms and stores, fell into our hands. Our 
loss was only twenty-five killed and wounded. Colonel C. A. L. Lamar 
of General Cobb's stafl^ formerly owner of the " Wanderer" (slave-trader)^ 
was killed. 

"The splendid gallantry and steadiness of General Upton, brevet 
Brigadier-General Winslow, and all the officers and men engaged in the 
first attack is worthy of the highest commendation. The Eebel force 
was over three thousand men. They could not believe they had been 
dislodged from their strong fortifications by an attack of three hundred 
men. 

" After much sharp skirmishing and hard marching, which resulted in 
the capture of fourteen wagons and a number of prisoners, La Grange's 
advance reached the vicinity of West Point at ten A. M., April 16th, with 
Beck's eighteenth Indiana battery, and the second and fourth Indiana cavalry. 
The enemy were kept occupied till the arrival of the balance of the brigade. 
Having thoroughly reconnoitered the ground, detachments of the first 
Wisconsin, second Indiana, and seventh Kentucky cavalry dismounted, 
and prepared to assault Fort Tyler, covering the bridge. Colonel La 
Grange describes it as a remarkably strong bastioned earthwork, thirty- 
five yards square, surrounded by a ditch twelve feet wide and ten feet 
deep, situated on a commanding eminence, protected by an imperfect 
abatis, and mounting two thirty-two pounders, and two field guns. 

" At one P. M. the chai-ge was sounded, and the brave detachment on 
the three sides of the work rushed forward to the assault, drove the Rebel 
skirmishers into the fort, and followed, under a withering fire of musketry 
and grape, to the edge of the ditch. This was found impassable, but with- 
out falling back, Colonel La Grange posted sharpshooters to keep down 
the enemy, and organized parties to gather material for the bridges. As 
soon as this had been done he sounded the charge again ; the detach- 
ments sprang forward, laid the bridges, and rushed over the parapet into 
the work, capturing the entire garrison — in all, two hundred and sixty- 
five men. General Tyler, its commanding officer, with eighteen men and 
officers, were killed, and twenty-eight severely wounded. Simultaneously 
with the advance upon the fort, the fourth Indiana dashed through the 
town, secured both bridges over the Chattahoochie, scattering a superior 
force of cavalry which had just arrived, and burned five engines and 
trains. Coloi^l La Grange highly commends the accuracy and steadiness 
of Captain Beck, in the use of his artillery. 

" Colonel La Grange destroyed at this place two bridges, nineteen 
locomotives, and two hundred and forty-five cars loaded with quartermaster's, 
commissary, and ordnance stores. Before leaving he established a hospital ; 



984 



THE CIVIL WAR IN THi! UNITED STATES. 



for the wounded of both sides, and left with the major an ample supply 
of stores to provide for all their wants. 

"Early on the morning of the 17th, he resumed his march toward 
Macon, passing through La Grange, Griffin, and Forsyth, and breaking 
the railroads at those places. He would have reached his destination by 
noon of the 20th, but for delay caused by an order to wait for the fourth 
Kentucky cavalry, which had gone through Columbus. 

"The afternoon of the 17th, I directed Colonel Minty to resume his 
march with his division on the Thomaston road toward Macon, and to 
send a detachment forward that night, to seize the double bridges over 
Flint river. Captain Van Atwerp, of my staff, accompanied this party. 
He speaks in the highest terms of the dash with which Captain Hudson, 
fourth Michigan cavalry, discharged the duties assigned him. By seven 
A. M. the next day, he had reached the bridges, fifty miles from Columbus, 
scattered the party defending them, and took forty prisoners. 

"Before leaving Columbu.s, General Winslow destroyed the Rebel ram 
Jackson, nearly ready for sea, mounting six seven inch guns, burned 
fifteen locomotives, two hundred and fifty cars, the railroad bridge and 
foot bridges, one hundred and fifteen thousand bales of cotton, four cotton 
factories, the navy yard, foundry, armory, sword and pistol factory, ac- 
coutrement shops, three paper mills, over a hundred thousand rounds of 
artillery ammunition, beside immense stores, of which no account could 
be taken. The Eebels abandoned and burned the gunboat Chattahoochie, 
twelve miles below Columbus. On the morning of the 18th, the whole 
command resumed the march on the route pursued by the second division. 
On the evening of the 20th, when within twenty miles of Macon, the 
advanced guard, comppsed of the seventeenth Indiana mounted infantry, 
Colonel White commanding, encountered about two hundred Eebel 
cavalry on the road, but drove them rapidly back toward the city, and 
saved the Echconnes and Tobesapkc bridges." 

On the 20th of April, Colonel White, commanding General Wilson's 
advance, was met, about thirteen miles from Macon, Georgia, by a flag of 
truce, bearing a despatch from the Rebel General Howell Cobb, covering 
one from General Beauregard, announcing that an armistice had been 
concluded between General Johnston and General Sherman, and that hos- 
tilities were to cease between the contending j)arties during the armistice. 
This despatch was sent at once to General Wilson. Although General 
W'ilson did not give full credence to this report, he proceeded at once, as 
rapidly as possible, to the front ; intending to halt his forces at the defences 
of the city, while he had an interview in person with General Cobb. But 
before he could reach Macon, his advance column had dashed into the 
city and received its surrender, after a slight show of resistance on the 
part of the garrison. General Cobb protested against this attack, which 
he professed to regard as a violation of the armistice ; but as General 



CROXTON'S OPERATIONS. 985 

Wilson had not been able to communicate with his subordinate officers, 
and had, meantime, no evidence that this was any thing more than a ruse 
of the enemy, there had been clearly no violation of the armistice. He 
telegraphed, after an interview with General Cobb, to General Sherman, 
in cypher, holding, meantime, the city and Rebel forces there as prisoners. 
He received no reply to his despatch, but the next day, April 21st, a des- 
patch came to hand, professing to be a copy of General Sherman's telegram 
to him, communicated through Generals Johnston and Cobb, desiring him 
to desist from farther acts of war and devastation for a few days, as an 
armistice had beeu agreed upon. "Being satisfied that this was substan- 
tially authentic, General Wilson suspended operations until he should 
receive orders to renew them, holding Macon, meantime. General Cobb 
furnished him with forage and supplies, in order to prevent the necessity 
of foraging. On the 30th of April, he received notice of the final capitula- 
tion of all the armies east of the Chattahoochie, and the next day, by the 
hands of Colonel Woodhull, the order of the Secretary of War, annulling 
the first armistice, directing the resumption of hostilities and the capture 
of the Rebel chiefs. 

On the 30th of April, General Croxton, with his brigade, of whom 
General Wilson had last heard through Forrest, arrived at Forsyth, 
Georgia, and the next day reached Macon. 

After having sliirmished with Jackson's force, estimated correctly at 
twenty-six hundred men, near Trion, on the morning of April 2d, he 
determined to effect by strategy what he could not expect to do by fight- 
ing, having with him only eleven hundred men. He therefore marched 
rapidly toward Johnston's ferry, on the Black Warrior river, forty miles 
above Tuscaloosa, threw Jackson completely off his guard by a simulated 
flight, crossed his brigade to the west side of the river, and turned toward 
Northport, where he arrived at nine P. M., April 4th. About midnight; 
learning that his presence must become known, he surprised the force 
stationed on the bridge, and crossed into Tuscaloosa. He captured three 
guns, one hundred and fifty prisoners, and, after daylight, scattered the 
militia and State cadets, destroyed the military school, the stores, and 
public works. He remained at that place until the 5th, trying to commu- 
nicate with General McCook, or to hear from General Wilson, but without 
success. Knowing that Jackson and Chalmers were both on the west 
side of the Cahawba, he thought it too hazardous to attempt a march by 
the way of Centreville, and therefore decided to move toward Eutaw, in 
the hope of crossing the Warrior lower down, and breaking the railroad 
between Selma and Demopolis. Accordingly he abandoned Tuscaloosa, 
burned the bridge across the Black Warrior, and struck off to the south- 
east. When within seven miles of Eutaw, he heard of the arrival at that 
place of Wirt Adams's division of cavalry, numbering twenty-six hundred 
men. Fearing to risk an engagement with a superior force, backed by 



986 THE CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATES. 

the militia, he coiintermarched, and moved again in the direction of 
Tuscaloosa ; leaving it to the right, passed on through Jasper, recrossed 
the west fork of the Warrior river at Hadley's mill, marched nearly due 
east by the way of Mount Penson and Trussville, crossed the Coosa at 
True's and Collin's ferries, and marched to Talladega. Near this place he 
met and scattered a force of Rebels, under General Hill ; capturing one 
hundred and fifty prisoners and one gun, and moved on toward Blue 
mountain, the terminus of the Alabama and Tennessee railroad. After 
destroying all the iron works and factories left by us in northern 
Alabama and Georgia, he continued his march by Carrolton, Newnan and 
Forsyth, to Macon. He had no knowledge of General Wilson's move- 
ments, except what he got from rumor, but fully expected to form a 
junction with him at Macon, or at Augusta. 

General Wilson, having distributed his troops so as to garrison the 
important points captured, and receive the surrender of the Rebel forces, 
now devoted his entire energies to capturing the Rebel President Jeff 
Davis and his attendants. Mr. Davis had left Richmond on the 2d of 
April, and reached Danville the next morning, where he had endeavored 
to cheer the sinking spirits of the Rebels, by assuring them that the 
evacuation of Richmond and Petersburg was only an act of military 
strategy, and that now General Lee could act more vigorously than 
before, not having a large city to protect. The news of Lee's surrender 
reached him on the evening of April 9th, and, at daylight the following 
morning, he left in a private conveyance for Greensboro, N. C, where he 
lingered for several days, in the hope of securing an amnesty through the 
negotiations of Johnston and Sherman. While here, he organized an 
escort of three thousand cavalry, under Generals Wade Hampton and 
Dibbrel, and moved southward with this escort and his family and staff, 
and a considerable amount of gold, hoping to escape from the Florida 
coast to Cuba. The cavalry, however, soon tired of escorting him, and 
demanding their pay from the gold he had with him, deserted almost as 
soon as they received it. On the 2d of May, he was traced a short 
distance from Augusta, Georgia, and three days later at Powellton. 

General Wilson's cavalry were soon on his trail, and two regiments, 
moving by difterent routes, hunted him down at Irwinsville, Georgia, and 
on the morning of May 11th, Lieutenant-Colonel Pritchard, of the fourth 
Michigan cavalry, surprised and captured Davis, his wife, and her sister 
and brother ; the late Rebel Po.stmaster-General, Mr. Reagan ; Davis's 
private secretary. Colonel Harrison, and other members of his staff, with a 
train of five wagons and three ambulances. Lieutenant-Colonel Harden, 
commanding the fir.st Wisconsin cavalry, came up just before the capture, 
and supposing the fourth Michigan to be Davis's escort, commenced firing 
upon them, and near fifteen minutes elap.scd before the mistake was dis- 
covered. Meantime, Pritchard had efiected the capture. He reports that 



\ 



EESULTS OF WILSON'S CAMPAIGN. 98T 

Davis was brought to the door of his tent by his •wife, clad in a loose 
dressing-gown, with his wife's water-proof cloak buckled around him, a 
shawl over his head, and a bucket on his arm, and Mrs. Davis requested 
the guard " to allow her poor old mother to go to the spring and get some 
water ;" the guard, however, having caught a glimpse of his boots, instantly 
suspected his sex, and arrested him, though not without some resistance 
on his part. He brandished a bowie knife, and showed fight, but yielded 
when the guard presented a revolver. He subsequently expressed great 
indignation at the energy with which he was pursued, and said he " had 
believed the United States Government was too magnanimous to hunt 
down women and children." He was brought under strong guard to 
Macon, and thence sent to Hilton Head, where he was put on board a 
government war steamer, and on arriving at Hampton roads, transferred 
to a strong casemate in Fortress Monroe, in which fortress he still remains 
(December 1865), and though strictly guarded, is treated with a humanity 
which affords a striking contrast to the atrocious cruelties inflicted by his 
sanction on the Union soldiers, officers and civilians, who were so unfor- 
tunate as to be captured and imprisoned while he was in power. Alex- 
ander H. Stephens, the Rebel Vice President, Mr. Mallory, the Rebel 
Secretary of the Navy, and B. H. Hill, Rebel Senator from Georgia, were 
also arrested by General Upton's division, of General Wilson's command, 
and sent north in accordance with the instructions of the Secretary of 
War. 

General Wilson then sums up the achievements of his troops in this 
great expedition : 

"Since leaving the Tennessee river, the troops under my command 
have marched an average of five hundred and twenty-five miles in twenty- 
eight days, captured five fortified cities, twenty-two stands of colors, two 
hundred and eighty-eight pieces of artillery, and six thousand eight hun- 
dred and twenty prisoners, including five arsenals; have captured and 
destroyed two gunboats, ninety-nine thousand stands of small arms, seven 
iron works, seven foundries, seven machine shops, two rolling mills, five 
collieries, thirteen factories, four nitre works, one military university, 
three Rebel arsenals and contents, one navy yard and contents, one powder 
magazine and contents, one naval armory and contents, five steamboats, 
thirty-five locomotives, five hundred and sixty-five cars, three railroad 
bridges, two hundred and thirty-five thousand bales of cotton, and im- 
mense quantities of quartermaster and commissary and ordnance stores, 
of which no account could be taken, and have paroled fifty-nine thousand 
eight hundred and seventy-eight prisoners, including six thousand one 
hundred and thirty-four commissioned ofiicers. Our total loss was thirteen 
officers and eighty-six men killed, thirty officers and five hundred.and fifty- 
nine men wounded, and seven officers and twenty-one men missing." 

He adds that, when he left the Tennessee river, fifteen hundred of his 



988 THE CIVIL AVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

men were not mounted, and many others but indift'erently so, but that on 
arriving at Macon, every man was well mounted, and the command sup- 
plied with all the surplus animals that could be desired ; having, as he says 
elsewhere, twenty-two thousand horses and mules to be supplied with 
forage on reaching that city. 

There now remained only the Trans-Mississippi Rebel army, under 
General E. Kirby Smith, yet in arms against the United States; all the 
others had surrendered. As Smith, in a proclamation dated April 
21st, 1865, had defied the United States Government, and manifested a 
determination to continue hostilities, General Sheridan was sent at once 
with a sufficient force to Texas, to subdue this last remnant of a Rebel 
army ; but before his arrival there. General Smith, finding his army de- 
serting him, changed his views, and on the 26th of May, sent Generals 
Buckner, Brent and Carter to surrender his entire force to General Canby 
at New Orleans, and subsequently ratified the surrender with his own sig- 
nature at Galveston. He was guilty of bad faith, however, in disbanding 
most of his army, and permitting an indiscriminate plunder of public 
property, pending his surrender ; and he and General Magruder escaped 
into Mexico. Sheridan's force was retained on the Rio Grande in con- 
sequence of the disturbed condition of affairs there, and the escape of 
many of the late Rebel soldiers and officers into Mexico, carrying with 
them arms and other property rightfully belonging to the United States ; 
but after some months the greater part of it was withdrawn. 

Thus closed the struggle of four years, and the Government of the 
United States again held sway over its entire territory, and had repos- 
sessed itself of all the property, the forts and places belonging to the 
nation. 



FINANCES OP THK -WAR. 989 



CHAPTER LXXIII. 

FINANCES OF THE WAR — BANKRUPTCY OP THE GOVERNMENT AT THE BEOINNINO OE THE 
WAR — UNPROMISING STATE OP AFFAIRS WHEN MR. CHASE BECAME SECRETARY OF THE 
TREASURY — HIS MEASURES — ^THE CONFIDENCE OP CAPITALISTS AND THE PEOPLE SECURED — 
THE FIRST SEVEN-THIRTIES — THE FIVE-TWENTY BONDS — LARGE AMOUNT ABSORBED — BONDS 
OF 1881— COMPOUND INTEREST NOTES — TEN-FORTIES — THE SEVEN-THIRTIES OF 1864 AND 
1865 — THEIR IMMENSE SALE— THE EARLY GOLD DEMAND NOTES — THE LEGAL TENDER NOTES 
— FRACTIONAL CURRENCY — CERTIFICATES OF INDEBTEDNESS — NO PORTION OF THE DEBT NE- 
GOTIATED, OR ITS PRINCIPAL OR INTEREST MADE PAYABLE ABROAD, YET FIVE HUNDRED 
MILLIONS HELD AS AN INVESTMENT IN EUROPE — STATISTICAL TABLE OP THE DEBT — 
TAXATION — CUSTOMS — INTERNAL REVENUE — INCOME TAX — WILLINGNESS OF THE PEOPLE TO 
BE TAXED — AMOUNT OF REVENUE COLLECTED — NECESSITY THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD 
CONTROL THE ISSUE OP PAPER MONEY — THE NATIONAL BANKING SYSTEM — NUMBER OF NA- 
TIONAL BANKS AT DIFFERENT DATES — SUSPENSION OP SPECIE PAYMENT AND RISE OP GOLD 
— ITS FLUCTUATIONS IN THREE YEARS — COMPARISON OF OUR NATIONAL DEBT AND THAT OF 
GREAT BRITAIN IN 1815 — PROBABLE TIME OP PAYMENT OF THE DEBT — THE REBEL DEBT — 
REBEL LOSSES OF SLAVE PROPERTY — LOSSES BY CAVALRY EXPEDITIONS AND RAIDS — UNION 
LOSSES BY RAIDS AND BY REBEL PRIVATEERS — GRANTS MADE BY THE STATE LEGISLATURES, 

COUNTIES, TOWNS, CITIES, AND WARDS, FOR BOUNTIES AND AID OF SOLDIERS* FAMILIES 

INDIVIDUAL GIFTS FOR THESE AND KINDRED PURPOSES — THE CONTRIBUTIONS FOR THE 
SICK AND WOUNDED — THE UNITED STATES' SANITARY COMMISSION — THE WESTERN SANITARY 
COMMISSION — THE CHRISTIAN COMMISSION — THE FREEDMEN's AID COMMISSION — -THE UNION 
COMMISSION — OTHER DONATIONS — THE EFFECT OP THIS LIBERALITY ON THE NATION. 

The administration of Mr. Buchanan had been as complete a failure in 
its financial management, as in every other department of its policy. 
Howell Cobb, Secretary of the Treasury, during the greater part of his 
term, and subsequently, as we have seen, a Rebel general, had entered 
upon his position in a time of higli financial prosperity in the country — a 
period of peace. The small debt of the natioa was quoted at sixteen or 
seventeen per cent, above par, and at that price he bought up a portion 
of it before it was due; but so miserable was his management, either from 
utter incapacity to comprehend financial matters, or from a determination 
to cripple the government he intended to betray, that, at the end of three 
and a half years, he had increased the national debt by forty millions of 
dollars, and had succeeded in so depreciating the national credit, that 
when he resigned, in order to join the Rebels, his successor. General John 
A. Dix, one of the ablest financiers of the nation, could not obtain an 
offer of more than eighty-eight cents on the dollar for a loan of twelve 
millions, and could not dispose of the whole even at that price. 

When Salmon P. Chase entered upon his duties as Secretary of the 
Treasury, in Zvlarch 1861, the prospect before him was one from which 
most men would have shrunk in utter dismay. The treasury was bank- 
rupt ; the nati®nal credit sunk so low that any prominent merchant or 



990 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

banker could borrow oa far better terms than the government. A war 
was pending, which must consume a vast amount of money. American 
bankers and capitalists were shy of government securities, and the English 
capitalists notified him in advance that it would be useless for him to 
apply to them for money, for they could not lend. 

Money must be had, however, and in the interim of the session of 
Congress, which alone could levy taxes, he was compelled to resort to a 
loan on the best terms which he could obtain. On the 2d of April, 1861, 
he offered in the New York market a loan of ten millions of dollars, 
twenty year bonds, with six per cent, interest. Bids were received for 
only three millions ninety-nine thousand dollars, at an average discount 
of 5.98 per cent. On the 25th lof May, forty days after the proclamation 
of war, he was compelled to dispose of the remainder of this loan at an 
average discount of 14.65 per cent. On the 17th of July, he disposed of 
a further twenty-year loan of fifty millions, also six per cent, bonds, at 
a discount of 10.67 per cent. 

By this time, however, the capitalists and bankers had begun to respect 
the ability and resolute management of Mr. Chase, as a financier, and 
when, in the latter part of the summer, he came into the market with his 
first issue of three years' treasury notes, bearing 7 iV per cent, interest, 
and convertible at the end of that time into twenty years six per cent, 
bonds, he disposed of one hundred and forty millions of them, at an average 
discount of less than three per cent. From this time forward, there was 
no discount beyond a simple broker's commission, varying from one half 
to three fourths of one per cent., paid on the placing of government securi- 
ties. A loan of five hundred and eleven millions, at six per cent, interest, 
in bonds redeemable after five, and payable in twenty years, known as 
five-twenty bonds, was disposed of in a little more than a year, at par, by 
Messrs. Jay Cooke & Co., of Philadelphia, by an extensive system of 
agencies and advertising. The people of the country, not the capitalists, 
purchased these bonds, as they did, subsequently, other government loans 
of still larger amounts. Seventy-five millions of twenty years six per 
cent, bonds were next offered and taken, at a premium of about four per 
cent., and five percent, loans, in the shape of compound interest treasury 
notes of one and two years, and simjiie interest bonds, redeemable in ten, 
and payable after forty years, were issued at par, to the extent of some- 
what more than two hundred and fifty millions, and six per cent, com- 
pound interest notes at six per cent., due at the end of three years, to the 
extent of over seventeen millions. All these loans were gold-bearing, 
i. e., the interest was payable in gold. As gold had risen in price to one 
hundred, one hundred and fifty, and even, for a single day, one hundred 
and eighty-five per cent, premium, the interest became very large on the 
bond.s, and they were regarded as a very desirable investment, and rose 
to a premium of from fourteen to seventeen per cent. The Secretary of 



MR. CHASE'S MEASURES. 991 

the Treasury next put upon the market (the demands of the war being 
still very heavy, far beyond the amount which could be raised by taxa- 
tion) a new description of three-year treasury notes, paying sevenandtliree 
tenths interest in legal tender, and redeemable at the end of three years in 
five-twenty six per cent, bonds. Of these three series, bearing date at dif- 
ferent times, and amounting in all to eight hundred and thirty millions of 
dollars, have been issued, almost exclusively to citizens of the United 
States. • Certificates of indebtedness issued for one year and bearing 
interest at six per cent., were also paid to the government creditors in 
considerable amounts. In 1864, about one hundred and sixty millions of 
those were outstanding, but they have been rapidly reduced from the 
avails of the treasury notes, and on the 31st of October, 1865, somewhat 
less than fifty-six millions of dollars, payable in 1866, were all that were 
yet unpaid. 

At the beginning of the war, sixty millions of demand notes, redeem- 
able in coin, without interest, were issued by the Government ; but as 
these were receivable for custom duties, they were all called in and can- 
celled before the close of 1864. By the act of February, 1862, and sub- 
sequent acts, the issue of legal tender demand notes was authorized, and 
about four hundred and fifty millions were issued of all denominations. 
Of these, on the 31st of October, 1865, a little more than four hundred ■ 
and twenty-eight millions were still outstanding. There have been in all 
nearly fifty millions of fractional currency issued, though never much more 
than half of that amount in circulation at one time. The amount of this 
in circulation now is somewhat larger than a year ago, being, October 
31st, 1865, a trifle over twenty -six millibns. 

No portion of this immense debt, amounting, on the 81st of October, 
1865, to twenty-eight hundred and eight millions five hundred and forty- 
nine thousand four hundred and thirty-eight dollars has been issued as a 
foreign loan, or the principal or interest made payable abroad. The 
several Secretaries of the Treasury have been authorized to negotiate 
portions of it abroad ; but they have always refrained, and wisely, from 
seeking foreign creditors, believing that it would tend far more to the 
permanence and stability of free institutions to have it distributed among 
the people of the United States. The twenty-year bonds, the five-twenties, 
and the later seven-thirties, have, however, been largely purchased by 
foreign capitalists for investment, and are regularly called at the stock 
boards of London, Paris, Frankfort, Hamburg, Berlin, and Vienna. It 
is believed that more than five hundred millions of these loans are held 
in Europe. The accompanying table shows the character of the debt, the 
interest it carries, and the amount at different periods. (See next page.) 

The value of these loans and the facility with which they could be 
placed, depended very much upon the willingness of the people to bear 
severe taxation, by which the interest could be paid, and the ordinary 





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THE AMOUNT OF REVENUE COLLECTED. 993 

expenses of the Government borne. In this respect, the disposition of 
the nation has been such as to astonish the world. During the existence 
of the nation, with the exception of a moderate direct tax for a few years 
after the war of 1812, there had been no direct taxiUion by the Govern- 
ment of the United States, and never any income tax ; but directly after 
the commencement of the war, and from that time to the present, the 
people have been far more willing to be taxed than their representatives 
in Congress were to tax them. Tlie tariff was changed so as to make the 
duties on almost every article of import as heavy as could be borne, and 
the internal revenue bills taxed every article of manufacture and every 
luxury; demanded a license for almost every employment, and laid a tax 
upon the income of every citizen of five per cent, upon all incomes of 
over six hundred dollars, seven and a half per cent, on all above five 
thousand, and ten per cent, on all income exceeding ten thousand dollars 
per annum. This taxation, after several modifications, has been so regu- 
lated that the revenue from the business of 1861 will, probably, with the 
customs, amount to about three hundred and fifty millions of dollars, and 
that for the year 1865, to a considerably larger sum. This not only 
defrays the current expenditure of the year and the interest of the debt, 
but will leave seventy-five to a hundred millions to be applied as a sinking 
fund for the liquidation of the principal of the debt. 

It soon became evident that the circulation of paper money must be 
controlled by the Government. The demand and legal tender notes did, 
indeed, for the time, furnish the greater part of the circulating medium of 
the nation, though local banks and bankers, not under the control of the 
national government, sought to push their own notes into circulation as 
far as possible ; but these treasury notes were, from their nature, liable to 
the objection of being too abundant when their plentifulness only served 
to inflate prices, and insufficient when, as in the case of a reduction of the 
national debt, a large amount of currency was needed. If the currency 
were to be left, aside from this fluctuating amount, to the mercy of specu- 
lators and bankers wholly irresponsible to the national government, the 
national credit would suffer, the prices of every article- required would be 
enormously and indefinitely enhanced, while the ruin which would in- 
evitably follow from the overthrow of a system so monstrous, and reared 
on so uncertain a basis, would prove frightfully destructive to the national 
prosperity. 

The only means of controlling and overcoming this difficulty seemed 
to Secretary Chase to be, the organization of a national banking system, 
which should be based on the government securities, and should embody 
the best features of the New York free banking system, together with 
others which should render it more safe to the bill holder, while they pro- 
tected, at the same time, the rights of the depositor ; and the establishment 
of these banks to be speedily followed by such measures of taxation and 
63 



994 THB CIVIL. ^AR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

repression of the circulation of the local banks as should compel them 
either to come into the national system, or to cease to be banks of circu- 
lation. 

The success of this system has surpassed even the largest anticipations 
of its friends. Though vehemently opposed at first by the local banks 
and their friends, it has triumphed over all opposition, and is to-day the 
prevalent system of banking in the United States. Ere long the banks 
chartered under State authority must all come into this system, or cease 
to be banks of issue. The rapidity of the organization or conversion of 
these banks is best illustrated by the following table : 

Date. No. of banks. Aggregate capital. 

Dec. 11, 1868 152 $18,000,000 

Nov. 25, 1864, . . . '. 584 108,964,000 

June 24, 1865 1,334 820,924,601 

Oct. 31, 1865 1,601 425,000,000 

Of these sixteen hundred and one banks, six hundred and seventy-nine 
•were original organizations, and nine hundred and twenty-two conversions 
from State institutions. It is worthy of remark, that the number of State 
banks and banking associations in the United States, in January, 1861, 
just before the outbreak of the Rebellion, was sixteen hundred and one, 
precisely the number of national banks on the 31st of October, 1365, and 
their capital was four hundred and twenty-nine million five hundred and 
ninety-three thousand dollars, differing very slightly from that of the 
national banks. 

The banks throughout the northern States suspended specie payments 
nbout the first of January, 1862. As a consequence of this suspension, 
and the increased amount of currency in circulation, the currency soon 
aegan to depreciate, or, as it was generally said, gold was enhanced in 
value. The increase of the national debt, as the war progressed, the 
occurrence of disasters to the national cause, unfortunate experiments in 
financial legislation* the existence of cliques commanding large amounts 
of capital, and sometimes connected with foreign banking houses in the 
Rebel interest, and the resort to all means, legitimate and illegitimate, to 
raise di.strust in regard to the national solvency, all served to enhance the 
price of gold, and to produce those extraordinary fluctuations in its market 
value, which greatly deranged prices, and brought ruin to thousands, 
while they made the fortunes of hundreds. 

The expansions and contractions of the currency, to which, for a long 
ti-me, these fluctuations in the price of gold were attributed, had, it is now 
conceded, little or nothing to do with it. 

A brief sketch of these fluctuations may be interesting. On the 2d of 
January, 1862, gold was two per cent, premium. During the year 1862, 



SUSPENSION OF SPECIE PAYMENTS. 99f 

it gradually advanced to about thirty -two, rising once to thirty-seven, and, 
subsequently, falling to twenty-nine. January 2, 1863, it was thirty-five, 
in February it was seventy-one, in April, it fell back to forty-six, and 
during the next two months, it ranged from forty-four to fifty ; in June, it 
fell to forty, and in August, to twenty-two ; slowly increasing again, it 
touched fifty-seven in October, and ranged in the neighborhood of fifty 
for the remaining months of the year. January 2, 1864, it stood at fifty- 
two ; but advanced to sixty on the 18th, where it stood, with little varia- 
tion, for two months, when it began a rapid advance, reaching eighty- 
three in the latter part of April ; and, after a slight fall, rose to ninety -four 
on the 30th of May; to ninety-nine on the 10th of June; to one hundred 
and thirty on the 22d ; and to one hundred and eighty on the 1st of July. 
On the 11th of July, it touched one hundred and eighty-five premium. 
From this point it receded to about one hundred and fifty-seven, at which 
point it remained throughout most of August, but fell on the 80th of that 
month to one hundred and thirty-one ; on the 27th of September to ninety- 
four ; and on the 1st of October to eighty-nine — a reduction of nearly one 
hundred per cent, in eighty days. During October, it commenced rising 
again, and, on the 1st of November, stood at one hundred and thirty-seven ; 
and on the 9th, at one hundred and fifty-four. For the remainder of the 
^ear, its fluctuations were very violent, often r ising or falling ten or 
fifteen per cent, in a single day. On the 81st of December, 1864, it stood 
at one hundred and twenty-seven, and varied very little from that point 
for several weeks, but Sherman's victories in March, caused it to fall with j 

great rapidity. On the 21st of March, it stood at fifty-three ; .and on the 1 

5th of April, after the evacuation of Richmond, it fell to forty-six. From ! 

this point it declined steadily, till it was below thirty, and then rallied ■ 

again; on the first of August, 1865, it was forty-five, and ranged from 
'orty-three to forty-eight from that time to the close of the year. 

The national debt, large and burdensome as it is, compares favorably, • 

m every respect, with that of Great Britain in 1815, at the close of the 
Napoleonic wars. At that time her debt was four thousand one hundred 
and eighty-three millions of dollars, or nearly two hundred and thirty- 
three dollars per head to her population of eighteen millions, while her 
valuation in 1821, six years later, was but ten thousand six hundred and i 

ninety-eight millions, six hundred thousand dollars. The property of the I 

United States in 1860, deducting the valuation of the slaves, was reported 
in the census (though this estimate has since been demonstrated to have 
been far below the truth) as fourteen thousand one hundred and twenty- 
six millions five hundred and twenty-three thousand six hundred and 
eeventy-six dollars, and the debt was but eighty-one dollars and forty- 
three cents per head. Yet the debt of Great Britain, far from crushing her 
energies, has only stimulated her people to greater enterprise, and now, with 
her debt reduced only two or three hundred millions of dollars, she has a 

i 



99t; THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

valnation of about eighty-five thousand millions of dollars, or more than 
eight times the amount of fortj years ago. She has, it is true, immense 
resources in her commerce, manufactures, and mines of coal, copper, iron, 
and tin ; but in none of these respects has she greater advantages, either 
present or prospective, than the Uaited States; while the vast mineral 
wealth of this coiAtry in gold, silver, quicksilver, petroleum, and other 
products, far surpasses that of Great Britain or any other country in the 
world ; and her agricultural staples of grain, maize, butter, cheese, beef, 
cotton, and wool, open to her the markets of all nations. The com- 
merce of the United States, which suffered severely during the war from 
the devastations of the Anglo-Rebel privateers, is fast recovering from its 
depression, and will soon greatly exceed its former status, and it will nol 
be long ere no sea on the globe shall rest unvexed by American keels ; 
no waters but shall be whitened by its sails. With its abundant ports oa 
both the Atlantic and Pacific shores, it cannot fail to become the leading 
commercial nation of the globe, the common carrier for all nations. If 
there should be no foreign wars to derange its finances, and increase its 
indebtedness, the year of our Lord 1900 will undoubtedly see the nation 
free from its burden of debt. 

The destruction of property by the war, and the expenditures of the 
Rebel government during its four years' struggle, should, in justice, be 
reckoned as a part of the losses of property by the nation, or at least by 
a section of it. The Rebel debt, according to their own statement, in 
January, 1865, was one thousand five hundred and fifty millions of dol- 
lars, and this after it had been reduced by a scaling process, which had 
cut down the value of their notes aud bonds more than one half. Besides 
this, they had two foreign loans, amounting to about fifteen millions in 
gold, which were partially secured by cotton already shipped. This debt, 
incurred mostly to their own citizens, is justly and rightfully repudiated 
by their complete defeat and surrender, and constitutes an actual destruc 
tiiHi to nearly the full amount, of the property of southern citizens, the 
result of their mad attempt to overthrow the government of tht. United 
States. Add to this, the slave property emancipated in consequence of 
the war, and which in 1860, was valued by the marshals at one thousand 
nine hundred and seventy-six millions, four hundred thousand five 
hundred dollars; and add, still further, the property destroyed by the 
Union armies and cavalry expeditions in the insurgent States, including 
vessels, houses, public buildings, manufactures, arms and munitions of 
war, wagons, cattle, horses, mules, sheep, hogs and poultry, clothing, cot 
ton, tobacco, breadstufis, forage, etc., and the vast quantities destroyed 
by tlie Rebels themselves to prevent its falling into Union hands, and 
you have a sum exceeding one tliousand millions more, the destruc- 
tion of the last eight months of the war being more than five hundred 
millions. 



UNION LOSSES BY RAIDS. 997 

Large amounts of property, thougli little as compared with this, was de- 
stroyed or carried away by the Rebels, in their incursions into Kentucky, 
Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, and Penn- 
sylvania, and, as we have shown elsewhere, the losses inflicted by the 
AngloRebelprivateers were of very considerable magnitude. 

Taking the whole amount of these various losses, together with the 
national debt, and the aggregate destruction of values (of which, how- 
ever, a very considerable portion was expended in the maintenance of 
the more than two millions of men placed in the field by both sides), was 
not far from eight thousand millions of dollars. 

There was a class of expenditures made in consequence of the war, 
upon which, however, we can look with far greater complacency than 
upon the sad and ruinous waste of war, since it was for the most part the 
free gift of patriotic and loyal citizens. When the several calls were 
made for troops by the General Government, the State legislatures voted, 
almost unanimously, liberal bounties, in addition to those offered by the 
national authorities, and, in many instances, further stimulated enlistments 
by providing for the families of volunteers. Counties, and often cities, 
towns, and wards, also aided in this work to a vast amount in the aggre- 
gate. Municipalities, also, in many instances, granted large sums for 
hand-money, for raising and equipping regiments, and, in some instances, 
for local or harbor defences. The aggregate of these appropriations is 
known to have considerably exceeded two hundred millions. 

The sums contributed by individuals for the same or similar objects, 
are less easily ascertained. In the case of the Union Defence fund in New 
York, or the great contribution in Philadelphia, they reached the amount 
of five or six hundred thousand dollars, and in single instances they 
amounted to from ten to fifty thousand dollars. In addition to bounties, 
and aid for soldiers' families, one citizen gave to his country a vessel for 
a war steamer, then valued at eight hundred thousand dollars. Others 
gave their commissions, or salaries for services rendered the Government, 
to the amount of many thousand dollars. The heirs of one man of 
wealth, following out the wishes of their deceased relative, gave one million 
of dollars to found a Home for disabled soldiers, and others contributed 
tlieir tens and hundreds of thousands to found homes for the children of 
deceased or disabled soldiers, or scholarships where young soldiers, or the 
children of the older ones, might obtain a collegiate education. 

Still more remarkable was the beneficence flowing from thousands and 
tens of thousands of small rills, which in the aggregate made up the over- 
flowing stream of charity for the brave men who had fought the nation's 
battles, and who smitten by malaria in the pestilential swamps of the 
South, or wounded in the deadly strife, needed tender nursing, and the 
abundant delicacies to tempt the fickle appetite or administer to the 
enfeebled body strength and healing The Government, through ito 



90S THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Medical Bureau, endeavored to provide me<licines and plain food for the 
flick; but it was not always possible, especially on a rapid march, or ia 
the event of an unexpected battle, to provide even these; and there was still 
need of articles not provided by the diet tables of the Bureau, as well as 
of hospital furniture and clothing, beyond what the Department could 
furnish. 

The scurvy, too, was to be provided against, and that direful evil which 
has more than ouce wrought such destruction in large armies, presented 
once and again its fearful symptoms, in the Union armies, only to be beaten 
back by the free use of vegetable food, and sub-acids, furnished by the 
watchful care of the selfconstituted guardians of the soldier's welfare. 
The discharged soldier who had left the hospital faint, weak, and unfit 
for travel, yet homeless and shelterless, was also to be cared for and pro- 
tected from the harpies, who would prey upon the unwary ; the wages, 
bounty, back pay, and pensions of the weak and disabled, to be collected ; 
and the watching, waiting, and suffering ones, who, at home, looked anx- 
iously for intelligence of the condition of the sick or wounded husband, 
father, or brother, to be cheered by tidings of bis convalescence; or, alas, 
sometimes saddened by the intelligence of his death. 

This work was undertaken spontaneously in all parts of the country, 
by individuals and associations whose hearts prompted them to these 
noble deeds; but with so many irresponsible parties, many of them unex- 
perienced, there was some clashing of interests and of labors; and while 
the intentions of all parties were pure and praiseworthy, the zeal with 
which their duties were performed, was not always according to knowl- 
edge. Yet a vast amount of good was accomplished by these earnest 
laborers. The hospitals were visited constantly and with untiring inter- 
est, and the sick and wounded received the ministrations of fair, highly 
educated and delicately reared womea, who, moved to heroic deeds by 
their sympathy for the brave souls who bad hazarded all for their country, 
gave themselves wholly to the work of caring for them ; and following in 
the wake of the armies, brought food and cordials and medicine to tlie 
wounded and dying on the battle-field, as well as those gentle ministrations 
which so often aided powerfully in their recovery. The scorching sun 
of a semi-tropical clime, and the icy cold of the winters in the mountain- 
ous regions of Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Missouri, were alike 
braved by these noble women, who, in numerous instances, sacrificed their 
own lives in the effort to save those of their brave defenders. 

But as the war progressed, the necessity of gathering these diverse and 
somewhat intermittent efforts, into one common organization, grew more 
and more evident, and the Sanitary Cummission,organized at the beginning 
of the war, for the systematic accomplishment of these and other measures of 
benefit to the soldiers and sailors, gradually drew the smaller associations, 
as well as many of the individual workers, into its own more oompreheosiva 



THE SANITARY COMMISSION. 999 

organization. Operating upon the loyal masses through its branches, and 
the twelve thousand auxiliary Ladies' Aid or Soldiers' Aid Societies 
scattered through every county and town of the loyal North, it reached 
the soldier in the camp, in the field, or in the hospital, ascertained his con- 
dition and needs, and the attention he received, supplemented with a liberal 
though not too lavish hand, the supplies allowed him by the Government, 
received him, when discharged from the hospital, into its " Homes," until 
his health was so fully restored, as to enable him to return to his home* 
collected for him, without charge, arrears of pay and bounties, and pro- 
tected him from being fleeced by sharpers. Its agents and directors 
marched with the armies in the field, and ministered to the wounded on 
the battle-ground, and to the sick in the field hospitals. Its Hospital 
Directory recorded the names of every one of the sick and wounded sol- 
diers in the general, post, and field hospitals, and gave a brief history of 
the progress and termination of each case, so far as possible, and this 
information was freely at the service of any friend, who would inquire for 
it, either in person or by letter. They also furnished, so far as practicable, 
employment to the soldiers after the war, and procured, without charge, 
pensions for the families of those who had fallen in battle. In these 
various ways, the United States Sanitary Commission disbursed in money 
and supplies, about seventeen millions of dollars. 

The Western Sanitary Commission, a smaller, but exceedingly efficient 
organization, having its headquarters at St. Louis, operated mainly on 
the Mississippi river and its tributaries, and rendered most efficient aid 
to the sufi'ering soldiers in the "West. It also took under its care the 
freedmen of the Mississippi valley, and for many mouths gave aid and 
shelter, and help also, to the white refugees from the South. It expended, 
in money and supplies, between three and four millions of dollars. 

There was a necessity also, for attention to the moral and intellectual 
welfare of the soldiers, and this, together with liberal supplies of physical 
comforts, was provided for by the United States Christian Commission, 
an organization having its headquarters in Philadelphia, but with 
branches and auxiliaries in all parts of the country. It sought to supply 
the religious and intellectual wants of the soldiers, by its chapels and 
chapel-tents, in which preaching and other religious services were held ; 
by its supplies of bibles, testaments, hymn-books, libraries newspapers, 
and magazines, in field, camp, post, and hospital ; and also ministered to 
the sick and wounded, aiding in all enterprises to promote their comfort 
and welfare. About four and a half millions of dollars have been expended 
by this Commission. 

The wants of the freedmen, many of whom came into the Union lines 
in a condition of great destitution, and who were in pressing need of 
clothing, instruction, and the necessary implements for obtaining a liveli- 
hood, attracted the attention of the charitable, and numerous Freedmen's 



1000 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

Aid Societies were organized throughout the country, to furnish them 
with teachers and with whatever else they needed. Near the close of the 
war, these several societies were consolidated into one organization, the 
Freedmen's Aid Conamission, co-operating with the Freedmen's Bureau 
of the Government; and in December, 1865, this organization fused with 
the American Union Commission, and the two henceforth form a single 
Commission, having for its object the promotion of the interest of both 
the freedmen and the white refugees. 

The American Union Commission had, previous to this consolidation, 
been actively engaged in the work of aiding, instructing, and endeavor- 
ing to elevate the moral and intellectual nature of the whites who had 
fled from the South, and who were in great destitution and suflering. 

The love for the brave defenders of the Union, and the spirit of 
patriotism and loyalty which the war evoked, has led to great efforts to 
hallow and beautify the places where the sons of the nation, dead on the 
field of battle, are laid. At Gettysburg, at Antietam, at Ball's BluS) at 
Chattanooga, at Perry ville, and at Stone river, cemeteries of considerable 
extent have been laid out, and the dead heroes have been laid there with 
all tenderness and love. The several States have borne their respective 
sliares of the expense of these hallowed spots. But most sacred of all, his 
been that spot where, amid the horrors of cold, of nakedness, and of starva- 
tion, worse crowded than were the victims of the Black Hole of Calcutta, 
the brave but hapless sons of the Union who had the misfortune to fall into 
Eebel hands, fourteen thousand in number, welcomed death as the release 
from the brutal inhumanity of their jailors. At Andersonville, so soon 
as access could be obtained to that vile lazar-house, a cemetery was laid 
out, and the graves, so far as could be ascertained, each received its head- 
board, with the name of the quiet sleeper below. In this work of love 
and reverence, woman's hands assisted, and she* who had been the 
soldiers' tenderest and most thoughtful friend in life, wept over the graves 
of those whose fate had been so cruel and inhuman. 

The philanthropy evoked by the war in other directions, has been 
noble and large-handed. The famine-stricken operatives of Lancashire, 
of Ireland, and of the manufacturing districts of France, have received 
from the citizens of the United States food to the value of half a million 
of dollars ; colleges have been founded or endowetl with nearly ten 
millions of dollars, on the principle that a general diffusion of intelli- 
gence is the best safeguard against anarchy and rebellion ; libraries, 
museums and scientific institutions have had their funds largely increased ; 
twelve millions of dollars have been expended in relieving churches 
from debt, or erecting new church edifices; orphan asylums and homes 
for disabled and infirm soldiers have been established and supplied with 

• Miss Clara H. Barton, of Washington. 



EFFECTS OF ITS LIBERALITY. 1001 

ample endowments, and the treasuries of every organization of Christian 
benevolence have been kept full to the overflowing, although they have 
greatly enlarged their operations. The nation had become daring the 
long years of peace, like Great Britain, a nation of shopkeepers, but the 
rough hand of war has stripped the covering of selfishness from it, and 
has elevated and sublimated the motives and temper of the people in such 
a way as a century of peace could never have done. 



1002 THE CIVIL WAB IN THE UNITED STATES. 



CHAPTER LXXIV. 

REVIEW OF THE WAR. 

The narrative of the progress of the war given in the preceding pages 
has necessarily confined itself to its battles and minor engagements ; 
describing incidentally the tactics of particular battles or campaigns, but 
devoting less attention to the strategctic plans which prompted and 
guided its leading movements. It may be well to notice the principal 
campaigns of the war, and show how far they were the developments of a 
predetermined plan or plans of operations, having in view, as their grand 
purpose, the overthrow of the Rebellion. 

In the movements of the summer and early autumn of 1861, it would 
be difficult to discover any well defined plan of strategy. With the 
exception of the short, and, as compared with the late war, inconsiderable 
campaigns of the Mexican war, the country had been at peace for nearly 
fifty years, and its citizens, devoted to the arts of peace, were wholly un- 
skilled in the exercises and discipline of the camp or battle-field. 
Assembling from motives of the highest patriotism, at the President's call, 
they reached the heights around Washington with the fewest possible 
ideas of military life and its duties, and required, to fit them for efficient 
service, a training of some months, a longer period than that for which 
they had enlisted. The venerable Lieutenant-General, bending under the 
weight of three score and fifteen years, and infirm with the wounds of his 
earlier victories, found himself called upon to plan the campaigns of a war 
vastly exceeding, in extent and the number of its troops, any conflict 
with which he had been familiar in his more vigorous days, and this 
almost wholly with raw and undisciplined troops, and surrounded by 
spies, who communicated his plans to the enemy as fast as they were 
formed. Some weeks were, of course, consumed in reducing the chaotic 
mass to order, in arranging in regiments, brigades, and divisions, the 
brave but unorganized troops which poured, day after day, into the 
Capital, and the other principal points of rendezvous. Commanders were 
to be selected for the brigades and divisions ; a delicate task, when hardly 
one of those who were placed in command had ever led any thing more 
than a company, or at most, a battalion, into battle. The Quartermaster- 
General's, Commissary-General's, and Surgeon-General's bureaus were to 
be reorganized and fitted for their greatly increased spheres of action. 
While this work was going on, and before the organization of the army 
was any thing like complete ; when not one man in fifty knew his brigade 
commander by sight, and not one in five hundred his division commander, 



REVIEW OF THE WAR. 1003 

a popular clamor of " On to Eichmond " was raised, which became, with 
each succeeding day, louder and more persistent. General Scott had at 
first devised other plans for a campaign, rightly deeming Eichmond not 
the first objective in the war. But his plans were constantly exposed to 
the enemy, and at last he consented to a movement for which the troops 
were in no respect prepared. Two battles had been fought in Western 
Virginia, and both had been successful, the second resulting in the sur- 
render of the Confederate force to General McClellan, who commanded 
the Union troops. These two actions, of no great magnitude, had given 
to the Union troops in the vicinity of Washington, who were, as yet, 
wholly without experience, an overweening confidence in their ability to 
defeat the Confederates without di.Ticult}', and they were eager for the 
advance. On the 21st of July, the battle of Bull Eun was fought, and 
though the Union troops did better than raw troops could be expected to 
do, and up to the middle of the afternoon possessed the advantage, which 
they would have maintained, had not a large reinforcement from 
Johnston's force, under command of General E. Kirby Smith, come up at 
the critical moment ; yet the disgraceful panic and rout which followed 
was evidence enough of the lack of discipline and training among them. 

Most of the other fighting of the year 1861 was desultory in its charac- 
ter; and though some of it was creditable to the troops engaged, and 
gave evidence of minor strategic plans, still the commanding ofl&cers had 
not, as yet, any well considered or comprehensive plan for the manage- 
ment of the war. The movements in Missouri, before and after the 
appointment of General Fremont to the command of the Western Depart- 
ment, indicated a purpose to drive the Confederates out of the State, but 
hardly any thing beyond. The occupation of Cairo, urged, by western 
men because it was a point of importance ; the subsequent seizure of 
Paducah and Smithland by General Grant, and the attack on Belmont, 
were hardly more than isolated operations having reference to a possible 
future movement, but one not, as yet, fully digested. Nor was the 
miserable disaster at Ball's Bluff, nor the affair at Drauesville, of much 
greater moment in a strategic point of view. 

After the battle of Bull Eun, General McClellan, became the active — as 
lie was, after November 1st, the actual — general-inchief of tlie army. 
lie possessed rare talent for organizing and disuipUuing an army, and 
for several months his attention was bestowed almost exclusively upon 
this necessary work. In the autumn, the general plan of operations 
known, subsequently, as the "Anaconda System," was broached. It was 
said to have originated with General Scott, but met the approval of 
General McClellan. The features of the plan were the encircling the 
entire insurgent States by a cordon of posts and armies, those on the coast 
to be wrenched from their possession by joint laud and naval expeditions, 
and the interior ones by a forward movement and intrenchments by the 



1004 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

armies of the Union. This cordon was to be contracted gradually, till the 
Rebellion was completely crushed by it, and the insurgent armies com- 
pelled, by the cutting off of their supplies, to yield to avoid starvation. 
So vast was the territory to be thus encircled, that it was impossible to 
raise armies large enough to accomplish the work effectively. Yet upon 
this theory hinged all the operations of the sueceeditig two or three years. 

The first fruits of this system, were the fitting out of expeditions to 
capture Forts Hatteras and Clark, on the North Carolina coast, and Forts 
Beauregard and Walker, defending the fine harbor of Port Royal, both of 
which proved successful during the autumn. The Burnside expedition, 
which had for its object the capture of Roanoke island, Plymouth, New- 
bern, and Fort Macon ; and the New Orleans expedition of Farragut and 
General Butler, both initiated during the autumn, though not carried to a 
successful termination till the next year, belonged to the same system. 
Key West and Fort Pickens, Florida, had been held from the beginning 
of the war, and the occupation of the Atlantic coast of Georgia and Florida 
was to be accomplished by a subordinate expedition, to be fitted out from 
Hilton Head. All of the Atlantic and Gulf coast, then, was provided for 
in the contemplated movements, except the four prominent ports of 
Wilmington, Charleston, Savannah, and Mobile. The blockade of these 
ports was maintained, though not with any great strictness, and the 
blockade runners managed, in spite of the utmost efforts of the blockading 
squadrons, to run into them with an annoying frequency. 

In the interior, the anaconda movement, though as yet not very formid- 
able, yet promised fairly. General Halleck, who had succeeded General 
Fremont in command of the Western Department, liad his armies in three 
columns, in connection with the upper Mississippi squadron, preparing to 
move forward over a line more than three hundred miles in breadth, from 
the Mississippi river on the west to eastern Kentucky on the east, under 
command of his faithful lieutenants. Grant, Buell, and Thomas, with Flag- 
Officer Foote in command of the naval force. 

In the East, there seemed a reluctance on the part of the general-in- 
chief to move forward. Until November or December the large force under 
his command were not perhaps sufficiently organized or trained, to be 
regarded as in fighting condition. After that time the condition of the 
roads was made the excuse for delay, though hardly a sufficient one, for 
the enemy, in greatly inferior numbers, lay less than thirty miles distant, a 
part of them, indeed, within less than ten miles, yet there was no forward 
movement. The order for an advance on the 22d of February, 18(32, was 
given by the President, but no advance was made till the 8th of March, 
when it was ascertained that the Confederates had abandoned their camps 
at Manassas Junction and its vicinity, and moved southward toward the 
Rapidan. The lower Potomac had been blockaded, by the Confederates 
through the autumn and winter, and though the Union forces held 



REVIEW OF THE WAR. 1006 

Fortress Monroe, Hampton, and Newport News, they had not been able 
to gain any further foothold on the adjacent coasts. Maryland was, as yet 
in some portions, quasi rebellious and was held by Union troops near 
Baltimore and on the Eastern Shore. 

Returning from the fruitless march to Manassas, General McClellan 
embarked his main army on transports to descend the Potomac and 
Chesapeake bay to Fortress Monroe, and the Peninsula. A garrison was left 
for Washington. A small corps with General Banks in the Shenandoah 
valley, and another, under McDowell, marched toward Fredericksburg, to 
menace Eichmoud from the north, while a considerable body of troops 
from the west, under the command of General Fremont, in the Moun- 
tain Department of Western Virginia, threatened the communications with 
that city from the west. 

The plan for the capture of the Confederate capital seemed to be judi- 
cious and well arranged, and high hopes were entertained of its success. 
Yet the campaigns which followed daring the spring and summer proved 
complete failures, from several causes. General McClellan took with him 
to the Peninsula, about one hundred and ten thousand men, and found at 
Yorktown, to which he presently advanced, some not very strong earth- 
works, garrisoned by a Confederate force not exceeding, at first, twenty thou- 
sand men. It would not have been difficult to have carried the position 
by assault, and then a rapid march on Richmond would have found it com- 
paratively weak, and it would have fallen an easy prey to the captor. 
But he preferred the slower operations of the siege, and the Confederate 
General Johnston had thus the opportunity to collect his forces for its 
defence, and the protection and fortifications of Richmond, which had 
been confided to General Lee. A month was consumed in the siege, and 
then Johnston finding that the place would soon be untenable, evacuated 
it, and retreated to Williamsburg. Here, on the 5th of May, a battle 
occurred between the Union and Confederate forces, in which from the 
want of proper. reconnoissance in the beginning; the Union troops were 
caught in a slaughter pen, where they experienced fearful loss. The fol- 
lowing morning, the Confederates had retreated toward Richmond, leaving, 
however, a considerable force near West Point, Virginia, who fought, on 
the 7th, a severe battle with the Union troops of Franklin's division. The 
pursuit of the Confederates, toward Richmond, was conducted very lei- 
surely, three weeks having elapsed before the Chickahominy was crossed, 
though, in that malarious region, sickness was making sad havoc with the 
Union army. On the 30th of May, a small force having been thrown 
across the Chickahominy two days before, the Confederates came out of 
Richmond, and attacked them. The first day, the Union forces were 
repulsed and forced back with heavy loss, but reinforcements having come 
over in the evening, they aSsumed the offensive the next day, and drove 
the Confederates within two miles of Richmond, wounding Johnston 



1006 THE CIVIL WAR IN THK UNITED STATRS, 

severely, and, it was subsequently ascertained, could have oii'ered that citv, 
had they not been recalled by General McClellan. For nearly four weeks 
more, General McClellan continued to fortify the banks of the Chicka- 
hominy and to strengthen his position. M( anwhile, in other portions of 
Virginia, important movements were taking place. General Banks, in the 
lower Shenandoah valley, had driven the small Rebel force before him, and 
ascended the valley as far as New Market, but subsequently fell back to 
Strasburg and Front Royal. Here, on the 23d of May, he was attacked by 
"Stonewall " Jackson with a large force, and compelled to make a hasty, 
though skilful retreat to Martinsburg, and Williamsport on the Potomac. 
The object of this expedition of Jackson was not so much to punish 
Banks, as to create a panic in Washington, and compel the withdrawal of 
McDowell's and Fremont's forces from their position, which threatened, 
and endangered Richmond. It produced its intended effect. McDowell 
and Fremont were both ordered to go instantly in pursuit of Jackson. 
They did so, McDowell sending Shields, and Fremont going in person, 
came upon his rear near Front Royal, and followed him in his masterly 
retreat up the Shenandoah valley, where twice he paused to fight them 
and secure the safetx' of his trains, and the battles both being indecisive, 
he withdrew and made good his escape, having delayed an attack on Rich- 
mond till Lee was largely reinforced and having recruited his own corps 
much beyond its losses, on his rapid march. General McClellan's army 
at this time numbered one hundred and fifty-eight thousand men, but 
thirty-eight thousand were sick, wounded, or deserters, and but one hun- 
dred and twenty thousand effective. He had in some way gained the 
impression, since proved to be erroneous, that Lee's army greatly outnum- 
bered his, and that, aside from Jackson's force, which he estimated at fifty 
thousand, Lee had two hundred thousand effective troops in Richmond 
and its vicinity. In fact, the Confederate army in and about Ri('liniond, 
at this time, exclusive of Jackson's corps, did not much if at all exceed 
fifty thousand effectives, to which, on his return, in the latter part of June, 
Jackson added about forty thousand more. But, fully impressed with this 
belief, General McClellan, instead of using his fine army to carry Rich- 
mond by assault, suffiired it to lie idle in those malarious swamps, and 
constantly importuned the Government to send him more troop.s, a matter 
of impossibility to them, beyond the few who could be spared from 
McDowell's corps, who were sent promptly. After wa.sting much valua- 
ble time in these useless complaints and importunities, he. on the eve of 
Jackson's return, fought two battles, in the second of which Jackson par- 
ticipated, employing less than half his force in cither, and when his troops 
were defeated in the second, put in execution a plan he had for some time 
contemplated, of raising the siege of Richmond, and retreating with his 
army across the Peninsula to Harri.son's LaWing, fifteen miles by land 
from Richmond. The retreat was conducted with skill, but vast quanti- 



REVIEW OP THE -WAR. lOOT 

ties of stores were sacrificed, very many of the wounded left in the Lands 
of the enemy, and a number of severe battles fought, before the Union 
army could gain its new position, where it was covered by the gunboats. 
The loss of the army of the Potomac, in these seven days of fighting and 
retreating, in killed, wounded, sick, stragglers, and deserters, did not fall 
below thirty thousand men. 

The new position was not less sickly than the old, and though General 
McClellan received a large part of Burnside's corps as reinforcements, he 
did not deem them sufficient to enable him to attack Richmond, and called 
for more. ' General Halleck, who had been, meantime, appointed general- 
in-chief, finally ordered him to remove his army to Aquia Creek and 
Alexandria, where their services were needed. General McClellan pro- 
tested, but, after some weeks' delay, finally embarked with his army. 

Meanwhile, after Jackson's escape from pursuit, the Government decide4 
to consolidate Fremont's, Banks', and McDowell's corps, or rather the 
remaining fragments of them, with Bayard's cavalry and some new 
recruits, into the army of Virginia, under the command of Major-General 
Pope, and this army, numbering not more than forty thousand troops, was 
sent forward to threaten Richmond from the north, and thus, by diverting 
Lee's attention, to give General McClellan a better opportunity to capture 
Richmond. General Pope issued a somewhat grandiloquent proclamation 
to his troops on taking command, but his handling of the troops was 
remarkably skilful and able. He advanced to the Rappahannock, and 
threatened Lee's communications, but soon found that the Confederate 
general, entertaining no fears of an attack by General McClellan upon 
Richmond, was marching with his whole force, of between ninety thousand 
and one hundred thousand men, upon him. The delay in the embarkation 
of the army of the Potomac, from which alone he could receive any con- 
siderable reinforcements, compelled him to fight, with his greatly inferior 
force, a series of retreating battles, while with so great disparity of force, 
there was danger of his losing his trains, or being surrounded and com- 
pelled .to surrender. The retreat was a masterly one, and though his 
losses were heavy, and he was not so well supported as he should have 
been by the array of the Potomac, he succeeded in bringing his wearied 
and half-starved, but not demoralized heroes into the fortifications around 
"Washington, in perfect order. Lee, having succeeded in pushing Pope's 
army out of his track, moved, by way of Leesburg, into Maryland, in- 
tending to carry the war, which had hitherto, on his part, been defensive, 
into the Northern States. 

The army of the Potomac having reached Alexandria in the last days 
of August, was ready, in connection with the remainder of the army of 
Virginia, to pursue the invader, and the whole force, being put under 
the command of General McClellan, marched northward. Harper's Ferry 
was shamefully surrendered to the Confederate General Hill by its gar- 



1008 THK CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

rison, but the pursuing army overtook a part of the invaders at South 
mountain, on the 14th of September, and after a severe battle, drove them 
over the mountain. On the 17th, a severe battle, the bloodiest of the war 
thus far, w;is fought on the banks of Antietam creek. It was indecisive, 
though the advantage was slightly on the side of the Union army, which 
was, moreover, within reach of large reinforcements. On the morrow, 
Lee could not, and McClellan would not renew the battle, and on the day 
following, Lee withdrew across the Potomac, and made his way leisurely 
toward the Eapidan. General McClellan followed very slowly, and it was 
nearly three weeks before his army had wholly crossed the -Potomac. 
His delays occasioned much dissatisfaction on the part of the Government, 
and on the 7th of November he was removed from command, and General 
Burnside appointed his successor. The selection was unfortunate, for 
General Burnside, though an excellent corps commander, and a man of 
great moral worth, was not so pre-eminent above the other corps com- 
manders of the army, that they would receive bis promotion without 
jealousy. He accepted the command with great reluctance, and moved 
forward, embarrassed and delayed from the first by jealousies, bickerings, 
and misunderstandings, and having determined to fight the Confederate 
army at Fredericksburg, crossed the Eappahannock on the 12th of De- 
cember, and on the 13th, fought the disastrous battle of Fredericksburg, 
in which his troops were hurled repeatedly against the massive walls of 
the Kebcl defences, with no other result than their slaughter in fearful 
numbers, and were finally withdrawn across the Rappahannock to Fal- 
mouth. 

The gloominess of this picture of the results of the war in the East, is 
somewhat relieved by the larger measure of success which had attended 
the Union armies in the West. The armies of the Western Department 
moved forward early in the year, in their work of forcing back the Rebel- 
lion from Kentucky, which its waves had partially overflowed, and from 
Tennessee, which was completely submerged by it. The left wing of the 
grand army, under General Thomas, moved first, repulsing the Rebels at 
Camp Wildcat, and on the 19th and 20th of January, defeating and rout- 
ing their forces at Logan's Cross Roads and Mill Spring, under Zollicofler 
and Crittenden, the first of these commanders being slain in the battle. 
The right wing, under Grant, and the naval force, under Flag-OfBccr 
Foote, moved next, capturing Fort Henry, on the Tennessee, after a brief 
action; compelling the "unconditional surrender" of Fort Donelson, on 
the Cumberland, with its garrison of thirteen thousand men, after a four 
days' siege; flanking Columbus, Kentucky, where the Confederate General 
Polk had fortified himself till the place was a complete Gibraltar, and also 
rendering Bowling Green, Kentucky, where the Confederate commander- 
in-chief, General Albert Sydney Johnson, had gathered his principal 
army, untenable. As Polk retreated down the Mississippi, the squadron, 



REVIEW OP THE WAR. 1009 

undfer Flag-Officer Foote, pursued, and laid siege to Island Number Ten, 
wliere he again took possession of strong works ; while Buell, with the 
centre of the western army, pursued Johnston, who fled to and through 
Nashville, at whose gates Grant was already demanding admittance. The 
Confederate army found no resting place in Middle Tennessee, but passed 
on to Corinth, Mississippi, a point which, from its railroad connections, 
possessed great strategic importance. Thitherward the grand army fol- 
lowed, the right wing, still under command of Grant (now major-general, 
for bis brilliant victory at Fort Donelson), was in the advance, and 
ascending the Tennessee, disembarked at Pittsburg Landing, near Shiloh 
church, about twenty miles from Corinth. Buell's army and Thomas's 
followed, marching across the country, and greatly delayed by the very 
heavy condition of the roads. Johnston, the Confederate general, a very 
able commander, had collected the fragments of his army at Corinth, and 
gathered there a large body of new troops, and as his force largely out- 
numbered Grant's, he resolved to attack him before Buell and Thomas 
could come up, and having crushed his array, repeat the operation with 
Buell when he came up. Buell was, however, nearer than he supposed, 
and the delay of one or two days, in consequence of the badness of the 
roads, rendered his skilfully planned attack a failure. His first onset was, 
however, successful ; approaching cautiously, and under the cover of a 
heavy fog, he struck the left flank of Grant's army on the morning of the 
6th of April, and capturing a part of Prentiss's division, rolled up the 
left wing, and drove that and the centre back from their camps toward 
the river. There was severe fighting through the day, and a part of the 
Union troops stood their ground manfully, while others fled and skulked ; 
but when the Rebel force had driven them within half a mile of the river, 
and were exulting in their victory, they came within range of the Union 
gunboats, which opened a most destructive fire upon them, and the Union 
troops rallying and massing their artillery, returned to the charge, and 
forced the Confederates back in turn. During the night, a part of Buell'a 
troops and other reinforcements were brought up, and in the morning. 
Grant assumed the offensive, and drove the Confederate army back toward 
Corinth. Their commander, Johnston, was killed in the first day's fight, 
and General Beauregard had taken his place. 

General Halleck now took command in person, and after a siege of 
several weeks, Beauregard evacuated Corinth as a matter of strategy, in- 
tending to compel a distribution of Halleck's army, which could not, in 
consequence of the unhealthiness of Corinth, be long retained in that 
vicinity, and then it was his purpose to strike them at one or more points 
above Corinth, and defeating them in detail, repossess Middle Tennessee. 
This plan was frustrated by the order of Jefferson Davis, relieving Beau- 
regard from command, and appointing Braxton Bragg his successor. 
Corinth was not long occupied, however, by any large body of troops. 
64 



1010 THE CIVIL WAR IfT THE UNITED STATES. 

The command of General Grant, under the name of the army of the Ten- 
nessee, was stationed near the Mississippi, where Island Number Ten, and 
Forts Wright and Pillow having been reduced, the Rebel fleet destroyed, 
and Memphis surrendered, the Union troops held with but little opposition, 
the whole of West Tennessee. General Buell's army, with which 
Thomas's had been consolidated, now called the " Army of the Ohio," was 
stationed along the line of the Memphis and Charleston railroad, occupying 
Huntsville, and the towns east as far as Stevenson. A part of the Rebel 
forces, under Van Dorn and Sterling Price, made a desperate effort to regain 
luka and Corinth in September, and the early part of October, but were 
defeated and routed with terrible loss by General Grant's army, and 
especially by the corps of Rosecrans, and McPherson's division. In Sep- 
tember, Bragg resolved to make the effort to regain Middle Tennessee, 
cut Buell's communications, and lay Kentucky under tribute, and perhaps 
capture Louisville and Cincinnati. Sending his able lieutenant, E. Kirby 
Smith, in advance — who passed through the Blue Grass region, established 
a pretended Confederate government at Frankfort, plundered Lexington, 
Winchester, Georgetown, and Cyuthiana, and then threatened Cincinnati — 
General Bragg followed, and approached Nashville, but was compelled to 
forego his siege of it by the closeness of Buell's pursuit. The Confederate 
force pushed on to Kentucky, doing a vast deal of mischief and compelling 
the smaller garrisons of the towns in their way to surrender. Buell pursued 
as rapidly as he could, but never overtook the Confederates, and finally 
passed on to Louisville. Bragg now turned back, to return with his 
plunder to Tennessee, and Buell again pursued, and at Perryville, Kentucky, 
pressed him so closely that he was compelled to give battle in order to 
give his trains time to escape. The battle was severe, but indecisive, and 
Bragg returned to Middle Tennessee, without further annoyance, while 
Buell fell back to Louisville, where he was relieved of command, and 
General Rosecrans appointed his successor. The new commander soon 
moved with his army to Nashville, and at the close of the year, marched 
upon Murfreesboro, where Bragg held a strong position, and near that 
town, the battles of Stone river were fought, and though at the first Rose- 
crans' right wing was crushed and his centre partially driven back, yet 
the sturdy valor of his troops enabled him to reform them in a new and 
impregnable position, and on the third day of the battle, to visit Bragg's 
right wing with such terrible destruction, that his army hastily withdrew 
from Murfreesboro, and retreated toward Shelbyville. 

The programme of the coast expeditions devised in the closing months 
of 1861, had been successfully carried out. Roanoke island, Newbern, 
Plymouth, Washington, North Carolina, Beaufort, North Carolina, More- 
head City, and Fort ALicon, surrendered to the Union troops, and while 
an assault on the Confederates on James island, one of the outer defences 
of Charleston, had been badly managed, and proved unsuccessful, Fort 



REVIEW OP THE WAR. 1011 

Pulaski, below Savannah, had been reduced by General Gillmore by a 
bombardment, at a range hitherto considered impossible. 

The greatest exhibition of naval prowess of the year, and one of the 
greatest of modern times, was the naval battle on the 24th of April, near 
Forts St. Philip and Jackson, on the Mississippi, seventy miles below New 
Orleans. After six days' bombardment of the forts by his squadron, of 
seventeen gunboats and about twenty mortar schooners, Flag-Officer Far- 
ragut resolved to run past them, though in so doing he must encounter a 
boom and chain stretched across the river, floating torpedoes, and fire 
rafts, sent down by the Rebels for the destruction of his fleet, and the 
Confederate squadron, about equal in numbers to his own, and several of 
its vessels iron -clad. The battle was one of terrific grandeur and severity ; 
but, at its close, thirteen of the Rebel vessels were sunk or destroyed, 
including their most formidable iron-clad ram, the Manassas, while Far- 
ragut had lost but one vessel, though two others were partially disabled. 
Pursuing his way up the Mississippi, New Orleans surrendered to his 
squadron, and a day or two later the forts also capitulated. He ascended 
the Mississippi above Vicksburg, and, after an interview with Flag-OSicer 
Davis, returned. Late in the year he captured Galveston, Texas, but it 
was retaken by the CJonfederates on the 1st of January, 1863, and two of 
the Union vessels and many brave men lost in the conflict. Arkansas 
had been the scene of several desperate battles, in. which, however, the 
Union troops had been uniformly successful. The year 1863 opened with 
better auspices. The Union army was greatly enlarged, and more vigorous 
measures for the prosecution of the war resolved upon, and though the 
anaconda theory still held sway over the Government, there seemed a 
better prospect of success than at any time before. 

In the army of the Potomac, after making a plan for another flanking 
movement against Lee's army, which was thwarted by the intrigues of 
some of his jealous subordinates, General Burnside offered the Govern- 
ment the alternative of sanctioning his removal of several of the corps 
and division commanders or relieving him of the command, and the latter 
alternative having been accepted. General Hooker was appointed to the 
command. Hooker greatly improved the morah and discipline of the 
army; organized, for the first time in its history, a really efficient cavalry 
corps, and planned a movement very similar to Burnside's to turn Lee's 
left flank at Chancellorsville, while at the same time he demonstrated on 
his right at Fredericksburg, and sent Stoneman with his cavalry to cut 
bis communications with 'Richmond in rear. The plan was admirably 
conceived; but Lee was fertile in resources, and met it by a counter-flank 
movement, sending " Stonewall" Jackson to pass around Hooker's right 
flank near Wilderness church, and roll up his right wing, crowding his 
centre from the Chancellorsville road toward the Rappahannock. This 
movement proved Buccessful, the eleventh corps, which formed the right 



1012 THE CIVIL TVAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

wing, being partially panic-stricken, and the whole line forced back and 
away from the Chancellorsville road, so that Lee's army could pass and 
repass ; and Hooker's sixth corps, commanded by the lamented Sedgwick, 
after carrying Fredericksburg by assault, were compelled to fight the 
whole of one day with Lee's entire army. Hooker finally returned across 
the Kappahannock after sustaining heavy losses, and without the gain of 
a foot of land. His cavalry had performed a successful raid, destroying 
a large amount of Confederate property, and penetrating within two miles 
of Richmond, but they were too late to be of any service to the Union 
arrny in the battle. 

Flushed with his success, Lee determined to try again the experiment 
of invading the northern States, and, early in June, commenced moving 
northward for that purpose. Hooker kept informed of his progress, and 
moving on interior lines, and having a strong cavalry force, he could, and 
did, crowd him west of the Bull Run range, and compel him to cross the 
Potomac high up. All along his route, Hooker's cavalry harassed and 
annoyed him constantly. At last, it became evident that the two armies 
would come in collision at or near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. General 
Hooker was relieved of his command on the 27th of June, and General 
Meade appointed his successor ; and, on the 1st of July, the great battle 
commenced, and lasted for three days. The first day, the Rebels were 
partially successful ; but on the second and third days, though figliting 
with tlie utmost desperation, they were repulsed at all points, and finally 
compelled to retreat toward the Potomac, having suffered a loss of nearly 
or quite one third of their entire army of about one hundred and twenty 
thousand men. The pursuit on the part of General Meade was not so 
prompt, resolute, and persistent as it should have been, and, except a 
skirmish at Falling Waters, Lee was permitted to retire in safety to his 
former position on the Rapidan. Once during the autumn, an effort was 
made by each side to break the other's lines and sever the connection of 
their two wings, but in both cases it proved futile. 

On the coast, aside from some slight affairs in North Carolina, there had 
been an attempt to pass Fort Sumter and capture Charleston, by Rear- 
Admiral Dupont, in April, which proved a failure, and the occupation of 
Morris Island, the substantial reduction of Fort Sumter, the two bloody 
assaults, the siege and evacuation of Fort Wagner, and the bombardment 
of Charleston, by General Gillmorc, in the summer. This campaign was 
brilliantly conducted, but it is a question if it was not a serious mistake. 
James island was at the time weakly defendeil ; it was more accessible 
than Morris island, and once captured, Charleston was at the mercy of its 
captor, and must have surrendered, while from its batteries, opposite 
Charleston, all the forts of the harbor were seen in reverse, and the city 
once taken, must have surrendered at discretion. It was found impossible, 
even after Sumter was only a heap of ruins, to move up the bay to assail 



REVIEW OF THE WAR. 1013 

Cbarleston with the iron-clads, and General Gillmore was obliged to con- 
tent himself with a bombardment of the city, five miles distant. This was 
quite destructive, but the stubborn garrison would not surrender. 

In the West, Grant, after the unfortunate attack of Sherman upon 
Chickasaw Bluffs, a part of the defences of Vicksburg, just at the close of 
1862 (an unfortunate attack, because, through the cowardice of one of 
Grant's officers in command at Holly Springs, that great depot of supplies 
for Grant's army was captured by the Rebels, and Grant was thus pre- 
vented from co-operating with Sherman), the important post of Arkansas 
was captured by McClernand and Sherman, and the returning troops were 
landed at Milliken's Bend, where, and at Young's Point, Grant tasked his 
ingenuity to find a successful plan of operations against Vicksburg. At 
length, canals, passes, and attempts to enter the Yazoo, or its tributaries, 
higher up, having all failed. General Grant determined to run some of 
the gunboats and a number of transports past Vicksburg, and marching 
his men down the west side of the Mississippi, to cross at Briansburg, 
thirty miles below Vicksburg, and moving first upon the capital of the 
State, approach the city from the east. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most brilliant in history. Fighting six important battles 
in seventeen days, and defeating the enemy in each he sat down before 
Vicksburg, on the 18th of May, assaulted the city on the 19th and 22d, 
but without success, besieged it with great vigor till the 4th of July, and 
at last compelled its surrender with thirty thousand prisoners, and nearly 
four hundred guns. Port Hudson followed four days later, after a some- 
what shorter siege by General Banks, and by the 9th of July the Missis- 
sippi was once more open to navigation along its whole extent. Arkansas 
was, during the spring and summer, almost wholly cleared of Confederate 
troops, either as armies or garrisons. Rosecrans, after the battle of Stone 
river, remained for some months at Murfreesboro, recruiting bis army, 
improving his cavalry, and preparing for another campaign. Early in 
June, he began to advance, drove Bragg's army out of the passes of the 
mountains, through Shelbyville, Decatur, and Tullahoma, toward Chat- 
tanooga. He then commenced repairing thoroughly the railroads and 
bridges leading to Chattanooga, and in the latter part of August was 
ready to move forward. Chattanooga was too strongly fortified to be taken 
by any other than a flanking movement, and, therefore, moving his army 
by the right flank, he sent the three corps to cross Lookout mountain, by 
three passes, more than forty miles apart, and thence to ascend McLamore's 
cove from the south, and thus compel its evacuation. The plan succeeded, 
Bragg evacuated the city, and the Union troops occupied it, but Bragg 
having been largely reinforced from Virginia, resolved to attack Rose- 
crans' corps separately, before they could form a junction, and having 
defeated them, regain possession of Chattanooga. Rosecrans comprehend- 
ing his intention, succeeded, by almost superhuman exertions, in bring- 



1014 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

ing the three corps together in McLamore's cove, and there, on the 19tli 
and 20th of September, occurred the terribly destructive battle of Cbicka- 
mauga. On the first day, the Union forces held their ground, though 
opposed by a largely superior force, and the fighting, though severe, was 
indecisive ; but on the second day, an unfortunate misunderstanding of 
an order left a gap between two divisions, of which the Confederates 
promptly took advantage, and a considerable portion of the array, includ- 
ing General Rosecrans and Generals Crittenden and McCook, corps com- 
manders, were cut off from the remainder of the army, and being unable 
to force their way through, were compelled to fall back to Chattanooga. 
The Confederates now hurled themselves against the remainder of the 
army, commanded by General Thomas, in full confidence that with their 
superior force they should easily capture his small force, but the sturdy hero, 
setting his back against the mountains, fought them all day, and at last, 
bringing up his reserves, drove them back in a final conflict, and having 
witnessed their repulse, withdrew his little army to "Ro.ssville, where, the 
next morning, he drew them up in line of battle and awaited in vain, an 
attack, all the next day. 

But though Chattanooga was saved, by this desperate fighting, from 
again falling into the hands of the Confederates, the condition of the troops 
which held it was, for the next two months, precarious. They had been 
compelled, from want of sufficient force, to relinquish a position west of 
the city, which commanded the Tennessee river, and the Confederates had 
at once occupied it. A part of the railroad to Nashville was also in posses- 
sion of Bragg's troops, who had captured a portion of their train ; they 
were compelled to haul their supplies sixty miles over the worst roads in 
the world, and were in serious danger of starvation, while their animals 
were perishing for want of forage. Two corps were sent to them from the 
army of the Potomac ; and two, constituting the army of the Tennessee, 
now commanded by General Sherman, from the Mississippi. General 
Rosecrans was relieved from his command. General Thomas appointed 
commander of the army of the Cumberland, and General Grant was made 
general of the grand military division of the Mississippi, and took com- 
mand, in person, at Chattanooga. The battle of Wauhatchie, in October, 
restored the Tennessee river to the Union troops, and reduced the trans- 
portation by wagons to ten miles. General Grant had brought his large 
army into working order, when Bragg, who had just despatched twenty 
thousand of his troops to besiege Knoxville, which had been occupied by 
Burnside since early in September, haughtily demanded the removal of 
the non-combatants from Chattanooga, as he was about to bombard the 
city. Grant replied by sending Hooker to drive the Confederates from 
Lookout mountain, and fight the battle " above the clouds ;" suggesting to 
Thomas the seizure of Orchard Knob; directing Sherman to demonstrate 
Btrongly and persistently against Fort Buckner, and the cavalry to cut the 



EEVIEW OF THE WAK. 1016 

railroads above and east of Chattanooga; and when Sherman's demon- 
stration had drawn the Confederate troops from Forts Bragg and Breckin- 
ridge, hurling the fourth corps like a thunderbolt upon Fort Bragg, and 
driving the enemy from every part of Mission Ridge, and the next day 
over Pigeon mountain, till they took refuge in the fastnesses of the 
Chattooga or Rocky Faced Ridge. There had been no more complete 
and signal victory during the war. 

The year 1863 closed amid brighter prospects, and better hopes for 
success, but the "anaconda" policy was losing favor, from its immense 
cost of money and men, and its meagre results. As yet, Tennessee and 
Arkansas were the only States wholly rescued from the Confederates, and 
even these were held by a frail tenure. Portions of Virginia, North 
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana were, 
indeed, held, but the Government was only secure of these while they were 
actually occupied by its troops, and the Confederates had not yet relin- 
quished their expeditions, yearly or oftener, into Missouri, Kentucky, Mary- 
land, and Pennsylvania. General Grant, whose brilliant victories had made 
his opinion of great value in all matters pertaining to the conduct of the 
war, was understood to be strongly opposed to the anaconda system, and 
in favor of a policy of concentration ; striking directly at the vital seats of 
power in the Confederacy, and compelling the insurgents to bring their 
troops from all points for the defence of these. Crushing blows upon 
these large armies would, he contended, cripple the Confederate govern- 
ment so much as to lead to its speedy overthrow. 

Still, the advocates of the old policy, who had hopes of benefit from it, 
were strong enough to compel the Government to fit out two expeditions 
in furtherance of it, in 1864. One that, terminating in the battle of 
Olustee, Florida, had for its object not only the crushing in the folds of 
the anaconda all the Rebels in Florida, but coralling their cattle in the 
same capacious receptacle. The expedition was initiated and ordered at 
the instance of some ambitious politicians, and proved a most cruel and 
disastrous failure. The other, the stupendous and disgraceful blunder of 
the Red river expedition, was ordered by the Government, on the decep- 
tive and false representations of men interested in cotton speculations, and 
who sought to make of the national army a guard and safe-conduct for 
their successful transmission of cotton purchased from Rebel owners. 
The advance of this great army into the heart of the cotton region of 
Louisiana ; its trains, transports, and gunboats laden with cotton ; the 
bickerings among its officers ; its badly managed battles, and its hasty re- 
treat, with the sacrifice of some of its transports, gunboats, and its woundoji 
men, all constituted a record which, for the honor of the country, we re- 
joice to say, has had no parallel in its history. The expedition of 
General Sherman into the heart of Mississippi and Alabama, in February, 
186-4, did not belong to this policy. It was rather a reconnoissance in 



1016 THE CITIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

force into the enemy's country ; and if, owing to the untoward circum- 
stances which prevented the junction of the cavalry with it, it did not 
accomplish all that was expected from it, it was the precursor of other and 
more successful advances of the movable column in the heart of the 
enemy's country. With the promotion of Grant to the rank of Lieutenant- 
General and the virtual command of all the armies of the Union, and that 
of Sherman to the command of the military division of the Mississippi, in 
the spring of 186-4, ended all new enterprises under the old policy, and 
the adoption, henceforth, of the policy of concentration. Henceforth, the 
destruction or capitulation of the great armies of the Confederacy was the 
one object sought. The armies of the east were concentrated on Kich- 
mond and Petersburg, in order to hold Lee's army there until, by sturdy 
and oft repeated blows, it could be brought to surrender ; and Richmond, 
though the Rebel capital, was held to be of less importance than the army 
which defended it. Sherman's objective was Johnston's army, and the 
auxiliary forces which, from time to time, reinforced it. These he sought 
with the most indefatigable energy, and finally, having shattered them by 
his heavy blows and his matchless strategy, swept through the States of 
Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, drawing them after him, 
until they had collected in sufficient force for him to strike them the final 
blows which led to their capitulation. Grant had requested Sherman to 
move as nearly as possible simultaneously with him ; and while the 
Lieutenant-General broke camp on the Rapidan, on the fifth of May, 
Sherman followed his example on the 7th. The two campaigns which 
followed, in Virginia and Georgia, were terribly destructive of human 
life, but every blow told on the final result. 

The fearful battles of the Wilderness, where, amid the low tangled 
undergrowth, the use of artillery was impossible, and the men of the two 
armies fought hand to hand for days ; the successive movements of the 
Union army by the left flank, to Spottsylvania Court House, to the North 
Anna, to Cold Harbor, to Mechanicsville, to the Chickahominy, each met 
promptly by counter-movements on the part of Lee, and each attended 
with a more terrible slaughter than has marked any series of battles in 
modern times, were yet necessary portions of the plan of operations by 
which the Lieutenant-General had undertaken to break the power of the 
Rebellion. He was criticised, by those who supposed Richmond to be the 
sole end and aim of the Union army, for attacking Lee on the Rapidan, 
and driving or pressing him southward, when, it was said, he might have 
reached his final position on the James more easily, by embarking his 
troops and commencing his warfare there, and thus have avoided the 
terrible slaughter of the May battles ; but it was Lee's army, not Rich- 
mond, which was Grant's objective, and it was his plan to find the enemy 
and strike him blow after blow, till he compelled him to yield, whether 



REVIEW OF THE WAE. lOlt 

the point where he yielded was at Richmond or in Florida. By pursuing 
this policy he effectually protected the Union capital from invasion. 

After crossing the James with the greater portion of his army, 
Grant, who had already crippled Lee's strength in men greatly by the 
losses he had inflicted (for though Grant's losses in these battles were 
heavier than Lee's, he could replace his men, which Lee could not, to any 
considerable extent), commenced harassing his enemy by his constant 
activity, striking sometimes the right, sometimes the left flank, sometimes 
both simultaneously, and always moving upon the point where he was 
least expected ; now sending his cavalry to cut Lee's communications, 
anon pushing forward his infantry to feel for them ; seizing and fortifying 
one railroad, which he had snatched from Lee, only to make it the base 
for reaching forward for another ; exploding a mine under his forts, 
and when that failed of expected success, from the mismanagement of 
some of his subordinates, pushing his cavalry suddenly up to the inner 
lines of the Richmond fortifications ; and all the while holding, as in a 
vice, Lee's troops, so that he could not send the needful aid to Johnston 
or Hood. 

The pressure upon the throat of the Rebellion began to be so severe as 
to be intolerable, but in vain Lee tried to shake it off. In despair he 
took advantage of a brief lull in Grant's activity, to send a few troops to 
join the irregular bands of northern and northwestern Virginia, in a 
raid upon Maryland and Pennsylvania, to threaten Washington, Baltimore, 
and Philadelphia, in the hope that, alarmed for the safety of the capital 
and the northern cities. Grant might relax his hold ; but he had mistaken 
his man. Grant sent the nineteenth corps, just ordered on from the De- 
partment of the Gulf, to the Shenandoah valley, and reinforced it tem- 
porarily with the sixth corps, which he could well spare, and as soon as 
practicable nominated Sheridan for the command of the army of the Shen- 
andoah ; but he, himself, did not relax the pressure upon Lee's lines for 
an hour. Sheridan, after thoroughly reconnoitering his field, struck 
Early's army a succession of fearful blows, sending him " whirling" 
through Winchester, on the 19th of September; driving him out of his 
strong position on Fisher's Hill, on the 22d ; pressing his pursuit up the 
valley, till Early's men were fain to take to the mountains ; routing and 
forcing him back on the 8th and 12th of October ; when, reinforced, he 
again ventured into battle with him, and on the 19th of October, sending 
him back in utter confusion, retreating twenty -six miles at night from the 
camp where, in the morning, he had fairly won a victory. Early completely 
discomfitted, Sheridan desolated, as with the besom of destruction, the 
fertile valley of the Shenandoah, and the adjacent Luray and Little Fort 
valleys, the inhabitants of all of which had sustained and encouraged the 
guerrillas in their acts of plundering and murdering unarmed Union men. 

Lee found that this attempt to shake off his persistent adversary did 



1018 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

not succeed. He had, indeed, plundered a part of Maryland and southern 
Pennsylvania; had burned Charabersburg ; and had brought oS a large 
number of horses and cattle ; but what had he gained ? Ewell's corps, or 
so much of it as Early had taken north, was almost destroyed, and the Small 
remainder thoroughly demoralized. He had lost some hundred cannon 
and thousands of small arms, the latter a very severe loss, as he could 
not replace them ; the plunder Early brought into Virginia had most 
of it been recaptured, and the valley of the Shenandoah, his principal 
dependence for supplies, bad been thoroughly stripped of its horses, 
cattle, and grain. 

Every battle (and the battles were frequent), but diminished his 
strength, even though he might be successful in repulsing the attacks of 
the Union troops, and when, on the 15th of January, after one unsuccessful 
attack, Grant had found the men who could carry Fort Fisher by assault, 
and thus hermetically seal the port of Wilmington, on which he was 
largely dependent for arms and munitions of war, brought in by the 
blocliade runners, the Rebel general felt that the end was approaching. 
He notified the Rebel government that unless extraordinary measures 
were adopted, he could not hold out six months. The measures proposed 
were, forced levies of men, supplies, and money, and the arming of the 
negroes ; but the delay had already been fatal, and the proposed measures 
were resolved upon too late to be of service. Once more he succeeded in 
repulsing (February 4-6) Grant's efforts to reach the Southside railroad; 
once more he seized a favorable opportunity (March 25) to gain possession 
of a Union stronghold (Fort Stedman), only, however, to be driven from 
it with terrible loss, and his right pushed back, till the coveted railroad 
was almost within reach ; and then came the end. 

The left and left-centre of Grant's army, making a grand left wheel, 
swung round upon Dinwiddie Court House, Hatcher's Run, Quaker Road, 
and the Five Forks, and, after four days of hard fighting, isolated and 
routed the Confederate troops from all their strong positions, and drove 
them westward thoroughly, demoralized ; and, on the ensuing morning, 
the right and right-centre flung themselves with great fury upon the 
strong defensive works of Petersburg, breached and seized them, and 
reaching the Southside railroad, tore it up effectually. Lee had now no 
alternative; Richmond and Petersburg must both be evacuated instantly, 
and a desperate effort made to reach Danville. But here Grant had out- 
generalled him ; from Knoxville, a strong cavalry force, under General 
Stoneman, was proceeding eastward to check his retreat in that direction, 
and Sherman's great army was capable of preventing his progress south- 
ward. The struggle which followed, though sharp, was short ; the pursuit 
was commenced on the morning of the 3d of April, and after skirmishing 
at various points, and severe battles at Deatonsville, Farmville, the high 
bridge over the Appomattox, and Appomattox Court House, Lee surren- 



REVIEW OP THE WAR. 1019 

dered the remainder of his army, and one of the two great objects of the 
long campaign was gained. 

Sherman's career in the accomplishment of his share of the work was 
more brilliant, though, perhaps, no more sure of ultimate success. Break- 
ing camp on the 7th of May, 1864, he found Johnston occupying an 
almost impregnable position at Buzzard Eoost Gap, in the Chattooga, 
or Kocky Faced Ridge, with his rear resting on Dalton. Leaving Thomas 
to demonstrate on this, he moved by the right flank on Resaca, some 
miles below, and compelled Johnston to fall back to save this important 
position, though not without severe fighting ; he repeated the same move- 
ment on Kingston, to compel the evacuation of Resaca, and giving him 
no rest till he had crossed the Etowah, and fallen back to Allatoona Pass, 
he directed his own march on Dallas. Threatening thereby the railroad 
nearer the Chattahoochie, after two sharp battles near Dallas, and a series 
of actions (one a somewhat disastrous assault) at Kenesaw and Little Kene- 
saw mountains, he again flanked and drove the Rebels from their position 
to and across the Chattahoochie, and, meantime, maintained his railroad 
communications to Chattanooga. Crossing the Chattahoochie, he drew 
nigh to the Rebel stronghold of Atlanta, which Hood, who had superseded 
Johnston, " thanked God could not be flanked." After three severe bat- 
tles, in which Hood lost very heavily, and Sherman's ablest lieutenant. 
General McPherson, was killed, he attempted to reach the communications 
of Atlanta from below, by extending his right flank ; but failing of suc- 
cess in this, as well as in his cavalry movements for the same purpose, he 
apparently raised the siege of the city, and, sending his reserves to the 
banks of the Chattahoochie, moved south with his main army, and 
destroying the railroad from Rough and Ready to Jonesboro, and defeat- 
ing the two corps Hood had sent to fight him, compelled the Confederate 
general to abandon Atlanta. 

Removing the inhabitants from the city, and making it a military post, 
he brought thither large quantities of supplies, and when Hood, recover- 
ing from his defeat, sought to destroy his communications with Chatta- 
nooga and capture his garrisons, he pursued him as far as Gaylesville 
Alabama; defeating him at Allatoona Pass, and driving him well west- 
ward; then sending Schofield's and Stanley's corps to General Thomas, 
at Nashville, and ordering other troops to his support, he left him to take 
care of Hood, and himself returned, with four corps, to Atlanta, from 
whence, on the 14th of November, he set out, after destroying the rail- 
road behind him, and dismantling and partly demolishing Atlanta, for the 
sea coast, with a force of sixty thousand men. The distance was two hun- 
dred and ninety miles, and the march of a movable column of this size, 
without a base, for that distance, through the heart of an enemy's country, 
was an enterprise unprecedented in history. It was safely accomplished, 
however, with very slight loss, and no serious fighting, and in thirty days 



1020 THE CIVIL WAR IN THE UNITED STATES. 

the coast was reached at Savannah, Fort McAllister carried by assault, 
and, a week later, Savannah evacuated and surrendered. 

Meanwhile, Hood had advanced northward toward Nashville ; Schofield, 
who was at Pulaski with an inferior force, skilfully opposing and delaying 
his advance, yet luring him on ; resisting him at Columbia and Duck 
river with great tenacity ; fighting a very severe battle with him at 
Franklin, where Ilood lost thirteen generals, and finally falling back by 
a night march to Nashville, which Hood, following, attempted to invest. 
After a fortnight, General Thomas, coming out of the city, completely 
defeated and routed Hood in a two days' battle, and pursued him for thir- 
teen days, till his army, which, all but a small rear-guard, was a mere 
disorganized mob, had made its escape across the Tennessee. 

Sherman remained for a month at Savannah, recruiting and supplying 
his troops, arranging for the future condition and comfort of the freed- 
raen, and preparing for a still more gigantic enterprise with his fine army. 
About the middle of January, he moved northward with his army, in two 
columns, Goldsboro, N. C, four hundred miles distant, being his objective. 
By a series of feints, he deceived the Confederate forces at Augusta, Charles- 
ton, Columbia, and elsewhere, in regard to his plans, and avoided them while 
he prevented their junction ; captured Orangeburg, Columbia, and Winns- 
boro, and compelled the evacuation of Charleston, which the Union armies 
had so long labored in vain to conquer ; occupied Cheraw and Fayette- 
ville, fought and defeated a part of the Confederate army, now again under 
the command of Johnston, at Averysboro, and the whole of it at Benton- 
ville, and reached Goldsboro on the 24th of March, near which town he 
was joined by Schofield and Terry, who had captured Wilmington. 
Remaining here till the 10th of April, to refit and supply his troops, he 
moved forward again that day, and entered Smithfield on the 11th, and 
Raleigh on the 12th ; and the news of Lee's surrender reaching him there, 
he pushed on, determined to overtake and capture Johnston's forces. On 
the lith, overtures were made by Johnston for surrender, and after two 
interviews, on the 17th and 18th, a memorandum was drawn up between 
the two generals, it regard to the surrender of the entire Confederate 
army in the field, and sent to Washington for approval. Being rejected 
there, the surrender of Johnston was arranged, on the 26th of April, on 
the same terms as Lee had received. Meantime, Mobile (the defences at 
the mouth of its bay having been captured in August, 1854:, by the squad- 
ron of Rear, now Vice-Admiral Farragut and General Gordon Granger's 
corps, in a most remarkable naval battle) was besieged in the latter part 
of March, 1865, by General Canby's army and Rear-Admiral Thatcher's 
squadron, and after a siege of somewhat more than two weeks, Spanish 
Fort was captured. Fort Blakely carried by assault, and the city evacuated 
and surrendered. Shortly after. General Richard Taylor, who commanded 
the remaining Rebel troops in Alabama, and Admiral Farrand, who com- 



REVIEW OF THE WAR. 1021 

manded the Eebel squadron, signified their desire to surrender. Terms 
were granted them similar to those accorded to Lee and Johnston. Major- 
General Wilson, commanding the cavalry corps of Thomas's army, had, 
in March, moved with a force of thirteen thousand five hundred cavalry, 
.through Central Alabama and Georgia, capturing Selma, Montgomery, 
Griffin, Columbus, West Point and Macon, the whole campaign forming 
the most brilliant cavalry campaign in history; and on the 10th of May, 
a detachment of his troops arrested the Rebel President, Jefierson Davis, 
who was endeavoring to escape from the country. 

There remained, at this time, but one more Eebel army in existence, 
that of General E. Kirby Smith, in Texas; and on the 26th of May, this, 
together with the Rebel naval squadron in the waters of that State and 
the Red river, also surrendered. 

A large part of the army of the Union was now mustered out of ser- 
vice, not more than two hundred thousand troops being still in the service 
on the Isl of August, 1865, and the number being still further reduced by 
the 1st of September. The army was reorganized, and the entire country 
laid out in five grand military divisions — the Atlantic, the Mississippi, 
the Gulf, the Tennessee, and the Pacific — under the command of Generals 
Meade, Sherman, Sheridan, Thomas, and Halleck ; each subdivided into 
two or more departments (there were eighteen departments in all), over 
which able generals were appointed. 

Thus closed a war, which, extended over a period of four years, had 
caused a more lavish expenditure of money, and had called into the field 
larger forces, than any war of modern times. The fighting had been 
desperate on both sides, and officers and soldiers had exhibited a courage 
and prowess equal to any on record. The war commenced with slavery 
in the ascendant, the great southern staple ruling the commercial world, 
the South boastful and defiant, and the governments of Europe predicting 
the speedy downfall of the American Republic, and its division into a 
number of petty states. It closed, with slavery effectually annihilated, 
the nations of the world freed from their thraldom to the southern staple, 
the South humbled, and though somewhat sullen, yet improving in tem- 
per, and the European governments ready to acknowledge the power of 
republican institutions to pass through an ordeal which would have in- 
volved any government in Europe in ruin. 



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THE FIELD, 

THE DUNGEON, a^o 

THE ESCAPE. 

BY ALBERT D. RICHAEDSON. 

(Special War Correspondent or the N. Y. Tribune.) 



The most thrillingly interesting and exciting book 
of Army experience ever published. 

Abounding in personal adventures, deeds of noble daring, 
anecdotes, touching incidents, ingenious stratagems, life in 
camp and bivouac, &c. More absorbing in interest and re- 
plete with useful information than any Historical work 
extant. 

Embracing Mr. Richardson's unparalleled experience for four 
j-ears ; travelling through the South in the secret service of the 
" Tribune" at the outbreak of the war, with our armies and fleets, 
both East and West, during the first two years of the Rebellion ; 
his thrilling capture ; his confinement for twenty months in seven 
different rebel prisons ; his escape, and almost niiraculou.s journey 
by night of nearly 400 miles. It abounds in stirring events, and 
contains more of the fact, incident, and romance of the war than 
any other work published. 

Horace Greeley says : 

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